Shillong, Feb 25: The Meghalaya High Court has allowed the reconstruction of St. Anthony’s Lower Primary School, directing that the new building must closely resemble the demolished structure in design and architecture.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice IP Mukerji and Justice W Diengdoh issued the order on Monday while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL). The court stated that any revisions to the approved plan must receive clearance from the Meghalaya Urban Development Authority. It also prohibited the school management from transferring or altering possession of the property without prior court approval.

The court also examined the case of Don Bosco Technical School, where five contemnors informed the bench that the 72-year-old building, constructed between 1949 and 1952, was found structurally weak in 2024. They claimed that by the end of the year, the structure showed signs of tilting, necessitating immediate demolition and reconstruction.

According to the contemnors, the Meghalaya Development Authority approved the restructuring plan without raising heritage concerns. However, the court questioned why the demolition was carried out during the judiciary’s vacation, despite a December 9, 2024, order instructing the Meghalaya Heritage Authority to inspect the school.

The bench noted that a vacation bench had been in session and questioned why the alleged structural risks were not brought to its attention before proceeding with the demolition. It also asked why the school was demolished before the scheduled court hearing on January 28, 2025.

The contemnors have been directed to submit an affidavit addressing these concerns by March 17, ahead of the next hearing on March 19, 2025.