Recently, the Meghalaya High Court initiated a suo motu PIL to ensure the proper upkeep and preservation of the Ramsar Convention wetland sites within the state.

The PIL was registered in compliance with the Supreme Court's directive, which urged all High Courts to ensure the proper maintenance of Ramsar sites within their jurisdiction. 

In essence, any wetlands within the state had to be identified, preserved, and maintained, as they hold significant heritage value and international importance.

Through an administrative order dated February 6, 2025, the Wetlands Authority of Meghalaya was instructed to submit a report. However, in a letter dated February 14, 2025, the Member Secretary of the Meghalaya State Wetland Authority stated that no Ramsar site had been officially notified in the state. Consequently, the Chief Justice directed the initiation of a suo motu PIL to verify this claim and to issue further directions in line with the Supreme Court’s directive.

“Therefore, let a PIL be registered on the basis of the said affidavit of the Central government in Writ Petition (Civil) No.230 of 2001 – M.K. Balakrishnan & ors v. Union of India & ors,” the bench comprising the Chief Justice I. P. Mukerji and Justice W. Diengdoh directed.

The court also instructed the Registrar General to provide copies of the documents to the State, Advocate General, Deputy Solicitor General of India, Member Secretary of the Meghalaya State Wetland Authority, and the Chief Conservator of Forests (Administration), Department of Forests and Environment, Government of Meghalaya, by March 7.

The matter is listed again on March 12.

Case Title: Registrar General, High Court of Meghalaya v. State of Meghalaya

Case No.: PIL No.2/2025