The court prohibited non-state actors from conducting press briefings within police stations and mandated the establishment of grievance drop boxes in Bar Associations to ensure the safety and dignity of women advocates and interns.

Serial No.01

Daily List

Heard learned counsel for the respective parties.

2. Pursuant to the order dated 31st July, 2026, Mr. Kumar, learned Advocate General has tendered an affidavit of Shri Vivek Syiem, IPS, Superintendent of Police, East Khasi Hills District, Shillong dated 2nd August, 2026. The said affidavit is taken on record.

3. Mr. Syiem, Superintendent of Police, East Khasi Hills District, Shillong, is personally present in Court, as directed vide order dated 31st July, 2026.

4. From the said affidavit, it appears that an FIR has been lodged at the instance of a Police Officer from Sardar Police Station i.e. being Sardar P.S. Case No.275 (07) 2026, as against a group comprising members of HNYF for the alleged offences punishable under Sections 189(1)(c)(e)(2)/ 126(2)/ 115(2)/ 196(1)(c)/ 351(2)/ 356(2)/ 3(5) of the BNS.

5. The affidavit discloses that pursuant to the FIR, four persons belonging to HNYF came to be arrested and that investigation is still in progress. The said FIR was registered on 31st July, 2026. It further appears that, the Advocate who was assaulted by a group comprising members of the HNYF was sent for a medical checkup to Shillong Medical College, Civil Hospital, Shillong. The said medico-legal case papers are at page 17 at Annexure-R1. From the said medico-legal papers, it appears that the Advocate, on whom violence was perpetrated, has been punched in his left cheek and jaw and that swelling was seen on his left cheek and lower lips and history of pain in the right knee. It appears that there was loss of consciousness for about 5 to 10 minutes. It further appears that to collect NCCT head and face with 3D reconstruction report was advised. It further appears from the affidavit that, the police have collected and preserved the digital footage starting from Keating Road till Sadar Police Station.

6. Since, there was a press briefing given by non-State actors within the precincts of the police station, the Superintendent of Police has issued a standing departmental prohibition upon press briefings by non-State actors within the limits of police premises. 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.

7. Mr. Kumar, learned Advocate General seeks further time to place a detailed affidavit on record with respect to compliance of the directions given by the Apex Court in Tehseen S. Poonawalla’s case. Time granted.

8. At this stage, Mr. Paul, learned Senior Advocate submits that the Bar Council of Meghalaya had held a meeting on 31st July, 2026 and that they have issued certain directions to all Bar Associations within the State of Meghalaya. He submits that the Bar Council of Meghalaya is committed to the safety and dignity of women Advocates practicing within the State as well as young lady interns and as such, will be coming up with some mechanism to address the said issue. He too seeks time to place on affidavit the steps that the Bar Council of Meghalaya has taken and intends to take to address the safety and dignity of practicing lady Advocates and young lady interns.

9. Considering the larger issue, we deem it appropriate to direct the petitioners to implead the Bar Council of Meghalaya as well as the Bar Council of India, as party respondents so as to enable them to place their respective responses, i