Shillong: In a surprising turn of events, the High Court of Meghalaya has opted for leniency, disposing of a contentious public interest litigation regarding the demolition of St. Anthony’s Lower Primary School located in Don Bosco Square. Despite expressing reservations about the school management’s reasoning, the court decided against punitive action.
The ruling, issued by a division bench presided over by Chief Justice IP Mukerji and Justice W Diengdoh, centered on the school’s response to contempt proceedings. The Salesians of Don Bosco Order, who manage the institution, submitted affidavits expressing remorse for their actions.
The court, in its order, articulated a philosophy rooted in forgiveness, stating, “Jesus Christ taught us to forgive a wrongdoer. He preached that the satisfaction one gets out of forgiveness is much more than what is reached by inflicting the pain of punishment.” This sentiment underscored the court’s decision to extend mercy.
The controversy stemmed from the school’s demolition of the building on January 4, 2025, which occurred despite a standing court order issued on December 9, 2024. The school justified the demolition by claiming the structure was tilting dangerously, posing an immediate safety hazard.
The court, however, questioned the timing of the demolition, specifically why the alleged emergency was not presented to the vacation bench during the Christmas holidays. This inquiry highlighted the court’s skepticism regarding the school’s explanation.
In their defense, the school management asserted that they “had and have no intention of disobeying the orders” of the court. They offered “an unqualified apology” and pleaded for forgiveness, seeking the court’s clemency.
Accepting the apology, the High Court mandated that the school reconstruct the building according to its original design. “The plan and architecture of the building should be more or similar to the demolished one,” the order stipulated.
Furthermore, the court imposed restrictions on the school management, prohibiting them from creating “any third party rights by transfer, creating encumbrance or parting with possession of the property without the leave of the Court.” This measure aims to ensure the rebuilding process proceeds as ordered.
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