Liability U/S 23 POCSO Act Extends To Reporter, Contributor Of News Disclosing Minor's Identity: Meghalaya High Court

The Meghalaya High Court has recently clarified that Section 23 of the POCSO Act applies not only to publishers and owners of media outlets but also to reporters or contributors of news.Justice B. Bhattacharjee emphasised that the intention of the legislature behind the enactment of this provision is that the identity of a child should not be disclosed directly or indirectly. "Section 23 of...

Ensure No Garbage Pile Up In Jowai Till Waste Disposal Unit Is Commissioned: Meghalaya High Court

Stressing the importance of a robust waste management system in Jowai, the Meghalaya High Court has directed the state to ensure that there is no piling up of garbage or waste at any place in Jowai, till such time that the waste disposal unit is commissioned.The bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice W. Deingdoh observed,“Once the relevant unit becomes functional, the...

'Grandiose Plans But Very Little Improvement': Meghalaya High Court Asks State To Explore Innovative Solutions For Traffic Congestion In Shillong

The Meghalaya High Court expressed grave concern over the escalating traffic congestion in Shillong, observing that despite the State's ambitious plans, the situation on the ground remains dire. It thus urged the authorities to explore out-of-the-box solutions to alleviate the city's traffic congestion.A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice W. Diengdoh added that...

'Unacceptable In A Civilised Country': Meghalaya High Court Slams NHAI For Neglecting NH-6 Potholes, Deteriorating Roads

The Meghalaya High Court recently pulled up the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for its negligence over the deplorable and deteriorating state of National Highway 6 (NH-6). The bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice B Bhattacharjee found the situation entirely unacceptable in a civilized country and expressed disappointment that it had to remind a central...

Noting That Accused Is HIV Positive, Meghalaya High Court Grants Bail To A Woman Booked Under NDPS Act

The Meghalaya High Court last week granted bail to a woman booked under the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS Act) as it noted that she is HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) Positive. While passing this order, a bench of Justice W Diengdoh opined that special consideration was required to be given to her so that she could get proper treatment in an environment...

'Death In Custody A Slur On A Civilised State': Meghalaya HC Fixes Quantum Of Punitive Compensation (₹10-15 Lakh) For Custodial Deaths In State

Stressing that a death in custody is a "slur" on a civilised State and the same is "completely unacceptable", the Meghalaya High Court last week fixed the quantum of compensation, for 'unnatural' deaths in police custody, payable to the next of kin based on the age of the victim. A bench of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice H.S. Thangkhiew ruled that the Meghalaya Government would have...

Overloaded Vehicles: Meghalaya High Court Calls For CCTV Monitoring Of Weighbridges To Prevent Corrupt Practices

Aiming to curb the menace of overloading of goods vehicles on the national and state highways, the Meghalaya High Court has ordered the implementation of stringent measures to ensure that weighbridges and weigh-pads remain accurate and free from tampering."At any rate, the mere fact that there may be 28 weighbridges and six weigh-pads may not count for anything unless regular and honest...

Meghalaya High Court Strikes Down State Guidelines Barring Teachers From Engaging In Political Activities

Upholding the democratic rights of teachers, the Meghalaya High Court has struck down the executive guidelines introduced by the State government in 2021, which prohibited teachers from engaging in political activities and contesting elections.A division bench of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice W. Deingdoh observed,“Again, as this great nation was also conceived in liberty...

'Should Hurt The State Next Time A Person Dies In Custody': Meghalaya High Court Calls For Punitive Compensation For Custodial Deaths

The Meghalaya High Court has asked the state government to fix a punitive rate of compensation for unnatural deaths in custody while adding that the quantum of compensation should be high enough to act as a deterrent against such deaths.Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice H.S. Thangkhiew observed,“It is possible that a classification may also be made as to quantum based on the age of...

Specify Measures Taken To Avoid ‘Hideous Display’ Of Animal Carcasses By Meat Shops: Meghalaya High Court To State Govt

The Meghalaya High Court has asked the state government to specify the effective measures taken by it to prohibit the hideous display of carcasses on either side of main roads at meat shops.The bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice W. Diengdoh sought an affidavit from the state government in this regard after the HC was informed that the state has put in place...

Meghalaya High Court Rejects Anticipatory Bail Plea Of ACHIK Members In Connection With Violence Case

The Meghalaya High Court has rejected a set of anticipatory bail applications filed by the members of Achik Conscious Holistically Integrated Krima (ACHIK), who are alleged to have been involved in connection with a violent incident that occurred on July 24, 2023. The incident involved an assembly of protesters and dignitaries, including the Chief Minister, at the Mini Secretariat building...

Supreme Court Stays Demolition Of Coke Plants Ordered By Deputy Commissioner In Meghalaya

The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice and stayed the demolition of coke plants as directed by Deputy Commissioner, West Khasi Hills District in Meghalaya. It’s accompanied by a directive for the Deputy Commissioner to seal the coke plants, effectively rendering them non-functional until further notice.Earlier in December 2022, based on a PIL, the Meghalaya High Court had ordered that...