Registrar General, High Court Of Meghalaya vs State Of Meghalaya & Ors

Pursuant to the news report published in the Shillong Times dated 21st April, 2026, highlighting a tragic incident in which two persons lost their lives after being trapped inside the Mahindra Bolero Camper on the Shillong-Dawki Road on 20th April, 2026, due to crashing of massive boulders on the vehicle, following a landslide at Mawlieh, this Court took suo motu cognizance of the said incident. It appears that the incident occurred before Langkyrdem on the route to Pynursla, a stretch prone to frequent landslides due to ongoing road widening and hill cutting activities. The report further reveals that similar fatal incidents had taken place on the same corridor in 2023, when a boulder crash resulted in the death of two persons, including a village head; and, an incident in 2025 in which five persons, including a pregnant woman and a toddler lost their lives after the vehicle plunged into a gorge.

The report raises concern regarding inadequate safety measures, including failure to ensure proper stabilization, storage or disposal of loose rocks following blasting operations undertaken for the road project. It further appears that as a result of the same, there is a threat to public safety resulting in endangering the lives of people travelling/commuting through the said area.

Considering the aforesaid, we deem it appropriate to direct the Registry to implead the State of Meghalaya through Public Works Department, Shillong; the Union of India, through the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, New Delhi and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), who is the executing agency, as party respondents.

Mr. Kumar, learned Advocate General waives notice on behalf of the respondent-State and seeks time to take instructions. Dr. Mozika, learned DSGI waives notice on behalf of the Union of India and NHIDCL. He too seeks time to take instructions.

Report/affidavits to be filed before the said date.

A senior responsible officer of NHIDCL concerned with the construction of the said road to remain present on the next date.

In order to assist the Court, we deem it appropriate to appoint Mr. Philemon Nongbri, as an Amicus Curiae. All papers be handed over to Mr. Philemon Nongbri during the course of this week.

On their request, stand over to 28th April, 2026.