Meghalaya High Court Allows Fire-Affected Cantonment Residents to Build Temporary Shelters
proceedings are currently pending before the Supreme Court
Shillong, Feb 4:
The Meghalaya High Court on Tuesday allowed residents affected by a recent fire at 29 Cantonment, Shillong, to construct temporary shelters, while making it clear that no permanent structures will be permitted on the disputed land.
The direction came after the Court heard a writ petition filed by residents whose shanty structures were completely gutted in a fire that broke out on January 16, 2026. The petitioners informed the Court that since the incident, they have been living in the open and were prevented from rebuilding even temporary shelters, despite harsh winter conditions.
Senior counsel A.S. Siddiqui, appearing for the petitioners, submitted that the residents were only seeking permission to raise temporary, weatherproof and windproof structures for basic shelter, without prejudice to any rights of the respondents.
Opposing counsels, including Senior Advocate S.P. Mahanta representing the Cantonment Board, informed the Court that the lease relating to the plot had expired and that lease-related proceedings are currently pending before the Supreme Court. The submission was supported by counsels representing other private respondents as well as the Central and State authorities.
However, all respondents agreed that if relief was granted, it should be limited strictly to temporary structures and only for those residents directly affected by the fire.
Taking note of the “desperate condition” of the petitioners and the limited nature of the relief sought, the High Court issued a set of directions without affecting the rights of parties in ongoing legal proceedings related to occupation or lease of the land.
The Court directed the Chief Executive Officer of the Cantonment Board to conduct a spot inspection and verification at the site within seven days. The inspection will be carried out in the presence of officials from the Cantonment Board, State authorities, Disaster Management Department, and representatives of the concerned private respondents.
The inspection will be solely to identify residents affected by the January 16 fire. Upon verification, only those individuals will be permitted to construct temporary shelters. The Court categorically ruled that no permanent structures shall be allowed on the plot.
With these directions, the High Court disposed of the petition.
