SHILLONG: The Meghalaya High Court has sought the inspection of the St. Anthony’s Lower Primary School building in Shillong to determine whether to declare the school buildings as a heritage site or allow their demolition.
The HC ordered the Meghalaya Heritage Authority to nominate a senior official to inspect the building, a colonial structure of significant architectural and historical value.
Raphael Warjri, an artist, filed a public interest lawsuit in response to the proposed demolition of the building, expressing concerns. Raphael Warjri also advocated for the conservation of the building, a colonial structure reminiscent of Assam with significant architectural and historical value.
The Division Bench of HCM, consisting of Judge B. Bhattacharjee and Chief Justice IP Mukerji, passed the order during the hearing of PIL No. 11 of 2024 and MC(PIL) No. 5 of 2024, which involved Raphael Warjri versus the State of Meghalaya and other parties.
The court was informed about the relevant provisions of the said act, particularly Section 3(2). This provision requires the authority constituted under the said act to form an opinion by notification in the official gazettes, inviting public views on whether to declare a particular building or site as a heritage site.
The court directed that a copy of the petition along with an appropriate notice be served to the school authorities and also directed a senior official to inspect the school building.
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