Shillong, Aug 3: The Meghalaya High Court has directed the Director General of Police to issue clear instructions barring political parties, NGOs and other non-state actors from holding press briefings inside police stations and prisons.
A division bench of Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice W Diengdoh passed the direction on Monday while hearing WP(C) No. 350/2026 filed by the High Court of Meghalaya Bar Association and another.
The Court was hearing the matter related to the alleged assault on an advocate by members of HNYF.
In compliance with its earlier order, East Khasi Hills SP Vivek Syiem filed an affidavit dated August 2 and appeared in person.
As per the police affidavit taken on record, an FIR was registered at Sadar PS on July 31 as Case No. 275(07)/2026 against HNYF members under various sections of the BNS.
Four persons have been arrested and investigation is underway.
The affidavit also placed before the Court the medical examination report of the assaulted advocate conducted at Shillong Civil Hospital.
It stated that the advocate sustained injuries to the left cheek and jaw with swelling, complained of pain in the right knee, and had a history of loss of consciousness for 5 to 10 minutes.
An NCCT of the head and face with 3D reconstruction was advised.
Noting that a press briefing by non-state actors had taken place within police premises, the SP informed the Court that a departmental prohibition had already been issued.
The bench then directed: “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 Court further directed the Investigating Officer of Sadar PS Case Nos. 275(07)/2026 and 265(07)/2026 to remain present with case papers on the next date.
It also sought a further affidavit from the State on compliance with Supreme Court directions in Tehseen S. Poonawalla case.
The matter is listed next on August 19.
