Shillong: In a significant direction aimed at preserving the neutrality and sanctity of law enforcement institutions, the Meghalaya High Court has asked the state’s Director General of Police (DGP) to issue statewide standing orders prohibiting political parties, NGOs and other non-state actors from holding press briefings inside police stations and prisons.
The order was passed by a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice W. Diengdohwhile hearing WP(C) No. 350/2026, filed by the High Court of Meghalaya Bar Association and another petitioner. The matter relates to the alleged assault on an advocate by members of the Hynniewtrep National Youth Front (HNYF).
Court Seeks Uniform Statewide Instructions
During the hearing on Monday, the Bench took note of an affidavit filed by East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem, who also appeared before the Court in compliance with an earlier order.
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The affidavit informed the Court that a departmental prohibition had already been issued after a press briefing by non-state actors was reportedly held within police premises.
Taking note of this, the Bench directed the DGP to extend the prohibition across the state.
The Court observed – “We expect that the Director General of Police, Meghalaya also issues such a direction or standing orders to all Police Stations, so as to ensure that Police Stations/Prisons cannot be used for press briefing by any political parties/NGOs, etc., other than the police.”
The direction seeks to ensure that police stations and prisons remain official spaces meant exclusively for policing and custodial functions, and are not used as venues for political or organisational publicity.
FIR Registered Against HNYF Members
The police affidavit, which was taken on record by the Court, stated that an FIR had already been registered at Sadar Police Station on July 31, 2026, as Case No. 275(07)/2026 against members of the HNYF under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
According to the police, four accused persons have been arrested so far, while the investigation remains in progress.
Medical Report Details Injuries to Advocate
The affidavit also included the medical examination report of the assaulted advocate conducted at Shillong Civil Hospital.
According to the report, the advocate suffered:
- Injuries on the left cheek and jaw accompanied by swelling.
- Pain in the right knee.
- A reported loss of consciousness lasting between five and ten minutes.
Doctors also advised an NCCT scan of the head and face with 3D reconstruction to assess the extent of injuries.
The medical findings were placed before the Court as part of the ongoing proceedings.
Investigating Officers Summoned
To monitor the progress of the investigation, the High Court directed the Investigating Officer handling both Sadar Police Station Case No. 275(07)/2026 and Case No. 265(07)/2026 to remain personally present before the Court on the next date of hearing along with the complete case records.
The Bench also directed the State Government to file a fresh affidavit detailing compliance with the Supreme Court’s directions in the Tehseen S. Poonawalla judgment, which laid down preventive and remedial measures to curb incidents of mob violence and vigilantism.
Next Hearing on August 19
The matter has been posted for further hearing on August 19, 2026, when the High Court is expected to review the progress of the investigation, compliance with its directions and the status of the statewide instructions to be issued by the Director General of Police.
The latest order underscores the High Court’s emphasis on maintaining institutional neutrality within police establishments while ensuring that investigations into the alleged assault are carried out in accordance with law.
