‘Jesus Christ taught us to forgive’: Meghalaya HC accepts Don Bosco management’s apology for demolishing building which was under consideration for ‘heritage building’

Meghalaya High Court: In a Public Interest Litigation regarding demolition of St. Anthony’s Lower Primary School in in Don Bosco Square, Shillong which was an Assam-type colonial structure of significant architectural and historical value and was fit to be declared as a heritage building, the Division Bench of IP Mukerji, CJ and W. Diengdoh, J. took note of the affidavits filed by the Board of management of the School, wherein an unqualified apology was tendered and prayed for forgiveness.

The Bench disposed of the matter stating that ‘Jesus Christ taught us to forgive a wrongdoer’. The Court considered the status of the institution and the genuineness with which regret was expressed for the demolition and forgiveness prayed for.

Perusing the affidavit, the Court said that the management had no intention of disobeying the orders passed by it and had every intention of obeying them. The Court also noted that it was submitted that the building was tilting and advice was sought from a contractor who opined that it should be demolished to prevent danger to life and property. Acting on said advice, the building was demolished. Though, the Court pointed out that the said explanation was not convincing, however, considering that Jesus Christ preached that the satisfaction one gets out of forgiveness is much more than what is reached by inflicting the pain of punishment, the Court disposed of the matter.

The Court stated-

“To our knowledge, Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism also have similar precepts. It becomes more relevant when the wrongdoer is genuinely remorseful and pleads for forgiveness. In the exercise of contempt jurisdiction, we have the option of punishing the alleged contemnors or forgiving them. The prerogative of forgiving even an unacceptable act is with the Court.”

Further, the Court directed strict compliance of the order dated 24-02-2025, wherein, the School management was permitted to rebuild but the plan and architecture of the building should be more or similar to the demolished one. If the approved plan has to be revised, it may be so done and duly approved by the Meghalaya Urban Development Authority. The management may proceed with the reconstruction work but shall not create any third-party rights by transfer, creating encumbrance or parting with possession of the property without the leave of the Court.

Earlier, noting that the School building was entirely demolished even before the consideration of the PIL by the Court, the Court directed that no further activity with regard to demolition, construction, or alteration of the existing building of the said School shall be carried out until further orders of the Court.

[Raphael Warjri v. State of Meghalaya, PIL No. 11 of 2024, decided on: 21-03-2025]

Advocates who appeared in this case :

For the Petitioner: Mr. Philemon Nongbri, Adv with Mr. R. Pahsyntiew, Adv

For the Respondents: Mr. A. Kumar, AG with Mr. K. Khan, AAG Mrs. I. Lyngwa, GA Mr. S. Chakrawarty, Sr. Adv. with Mr. P.A. Dohkrut, Adv