Meghalaya HC Directs Syiem To Designate Lyngdoh Or 5 Kur-11 Kur Representative To Collect Iewduh Ritual Donations, With Receipts Issued

The applicants sought directions, including adequate police personnel, to facilitate the peaceful performance of Ka Leh Niam Iewduh, initially scheduled for 5 November 2026.

A dispute had arisen over who was entitled to collect voluntary contributions for the rituals: the applicants maintained that the Lyngdoh traditionally collected the contributions and issued receipts, while respondents 3 and 4 maintained that collection should be undertaken by a person authorised by the Dorbar.

The Court noted allegations concerning the use of funds for earlier rituals but did not determine them.

Following an earlier order dated 14 October 2026, the Syiem convened a Dorbar on 27 October 2026; the ritual date was subsequently fixed for 29 November 2026.

The judgment cites no statute or precedent.

It proceeds on the basis that disputes about the prior use of ritual funds were not for determination in this Miscellaneous Case.

For the arrangements at issue, the Court directed the Syiem to designate either a representative of the 5 Kur 11 Kur or the Lyngdoh to collect voluntary contributions, with the amounts recorded and receipts obtained to ensure that the funds went towards ritual expenses.

The Court considered that the Dorbar meeting had not reached an amicable resolution, partly because persons accompanying the Lyngdoh attended despite an objection; it regarded their presence as a matter of a mild nature and emphasised cooperation among the parties.

Given that the date had been fixed for 29 November 2026, the Court directed the parties to cooperate with that date and provided a transparent mechanism for collecting and accounting for contributions.

It also required the Syiem to consider the lists submitted by the applicants and respondent 4 and make appropriate orders after considering the names proposed.

The Court did not decide the allegations about past funds.

The Court directed the parties to cooperate with the ritual date of 29 November 2026; directed the Syiem to designate the person authorised to collect voluntary contributions, with records and receipts maintained; and directed consideration of the proposed lists of ritual performers.

Although the application sought adequate police personnel, the judgment’s concluding directions do not expressly order a particular police deployment.