Overview

• The Meghalaya High Court issued notice to the Advocate General after hearing a PIL by Syngkhong Rymphei Thymmai challenging provisions that bar ST certificates for individuals who adopt their father’s or husband’s surname.
• The petition contends that surname choice should not disqualify Khasi individuals from certification if they meet bloodline and lineage requirements under the 2023 amendments to the 1997 Act.
• A division bench of Chief Justice I.P. Mukerji and Justice W. Diengdoh ruled that affidavits are not needed at this stage and stressed a swift resolution in the interest of the Khasi community.
• The challenge follows the Social Welfare Department’s May 2024 withdrawal of a 2020 letter that had allowed surname flexibility, which led to alleged refusals of ST certificates.
• The court has slated the next hearing for August 7 and directed that the Advocate General be formally served notice.