The Meghalaya High Court has instructed the State Heritage Committee to produce a detailed report identifying all heritage elements under Section 3 of the Meghalaya Heritage Act, 2012, and to outline restoration efforts taken thus far. This mandate was issued by a Division Bench led by Chief Justice Soumen Sen during a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the potential demolition of Bidhan Bhavan, also known as Roy Villa, which serves as a State Circuit House. The Advocate General requested more time to prepare a detailed affidavit regarding the history of Bidhan Bhavan. The Court emphasized the importance of safeguarding historical legacies and cultural heritage, noting the essential nature of preserving buildings and artefacts for future generations. The Committee is tasked to assess Bidhan Bhavan’s heritage value, as it appears historically significant. The State has until February 5, 2026, to submit its affidavit.
Malvika Bisharad, a local advocate for Bidhan Bhavan, highlighted the historical connections between Shillong and the Roy family, especially Dr. Bidhan Roy, and emphasized the cultural importance of the structure, which was built in 1920 and has hosted notable figures such as Rabindranath Tagore and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. She submitted historical documents to the Governor and the Chief Justice to reinforce her campaign against the demolition of Bidhan Bhavan. Malvika also expressed concerns over the declining condition of Brookside Bungalow, another heritage site linked to Tagore, noting that despite recent recognition from the Prime Minister’s Office, inadequate measures for its preservation have been taken, leading to ongoing construction without proper oversight.
