Meghalaya High Court
Shri. Kyrshon Marbaniang & Anr. vs . State Of Meghalaya & Ors. on 21 May, 2026
Author: H.S.Thangkhiew
Bench: H.S.Thangkhiew
Serial No.06
Regular List
HIGH COURT OF MEGHALAYA
AT SHILLONG
MC[WP(C)]. 147 of 2026 in
WP(C). No. 183 of 2025
Date of Order: 21.05.2026
Shri. Kyrshon Marbaniang & Anr. Vs. State of Meghalaya & Ors.
Coram:
Hon'ble Mr. Justice H.S.Thangkhiew, Judge
Appearance:
For the Petitioner/Applicant(s) : Mr. N.Syngkon, Adv.
Ms. L.Phanjom, Adv.
For the Respondent(s) : Mr. N.D.Chullai, AAG with
Ms. Z.E.Nongkynrih, GA for R 1, 5-7.
Ms. P.S.Nongbri, Adv. for R 2.
Mr. L.Khyriem, Adv with
Mr. W.Jyrwa, Adv. for R 3.
Mr. K.Paul, Sr. Adv. with
Mr. R.K.Synrem, Adv. for R 4.
Mr. R.J.Kharjanrin, Adv. for R 8.
1. This instant matter concerning the religious rituals of Ka leh niam
Raid Mylliem has again received the attention of this Court by way of the
instant misc. case, wherein a prayer has been made for suspension of the
rituals which was scheduled to be held on 19-05-2026 on the reason that all
the Myntri of 5 Kur 11 Kur of Hima Mylliem who are to facilitate and
conduct the rituals belong to the Christian faith, and therefore by their faith
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have become incapacitated to perform these rituals which are of and belong
to the indigenous Niam Khasi faith.
2. This Court, by order dated 18-05-2026, considering the sensitivity of
the matter was then pleased to stay the performance of the said ceremony on
19-05-2026 while calling for notices to be issued to the parties concerned.
As such, the matter is before this Court today. Before adverting to the
submissions made by the learned counsel for the parties, it is to be noted that
every year in Raid Mylliem, the ceremony known as “Leh Niam Riad
Mylliem” is conducted, and which has been contended by the applicants that
only persons/representatives belonging to the Niam Khasi faith from the 5
Kur 11 Kur can take part. It is also to be noted that as per prevailing custom,
in the conduct of the rituals or ceremonies of the leh niam Raid Mylliem, the
responsibility vests with the 5 Kur 11 Kur to prepare and to conduct these
rituals. The only question that arises now is the apprehension and sentiments
of the indigenous followers of the Niam Khasi faith that in the participation
of converts in conducting the rituals, the same will diminish or remove the
religious significance and sanctity attached to such rituals. It is also noted
that last year in 2025, a similar situation had arisen, whereby on the
intervention of this Court and on an understanding between the parties, the
rituals were performed and the 5 Kur 11 Kur on that occasion had nominated
members from their Kur who were not converts to perform the rituals.
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3. Today also, the same situation has arisen wherein a prayer has been
made that, to ensure the sanctity of the rituals, the 5 Kur 11 Kur perhaps
nominate only members who have not converted to Christianity or other
faiths and who still profess Niam Khasi faith to perform the rituals. They
have no objection to the presence of Myntris who also have made all the
arrangements for conduct of the ceremonies.
4. The learned counsels have also advanced their arguments, especially
Mr. K.Paul, learned Sr. counsel with Mr. R.K.Synrem, learned counsel on
behalf of the respondent No. 4, who have outlined the importance of the 5
Kur 11 Kur in these proceedings. Submissions have also been made on
behalf of the respondent No. 3 Hima Mylliem, as well as inputs from the
learned AAG for the State respondents on the situation.
5. On hearing the parties and in order to ensure that the rituals are carried
out in a peaceful manner and not to offend the sensitivities of any group
while keeping in mind the necessity of adherence to the traditions, rituals
and customs, on the observation and suggestions from this Court, the learned
counsels have agreed to work to its objective.
6. Accordingly, Mr. R.K.Synrem, learned counsel is therefore directed
to apprise the respondent No. 4, 5 Kur 11 Kur for nomination of the members
of the said Kur who are not converts to perform the rituals in consultation
with the Lyngdoh Raid Mylliem. It is also made clear that these directions
are being passed considering the fact that the rituals and ceremonies as
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informed, have to be conducted within this month itself, and to prevent any
untoward incident from arising.
7. List this matter tomorrow i.e. 22-05-2026 for instructions.
Judge
Meghalaya
21.05.2026
“Samantha PS”
Signature Not Verified 4
Digitally signed by
SAMANTHA ANNA LIYA
RYNJAH
Date: 2026.05.21 15:06:09 IST
