Shillong: The Hynniewtrep Youths’ Council (HYC) has submitted a petition to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) seeking immediate clarification on reports of a proposed or ongoing construction of a religious structure, purportedly a temple, within the premises of the agency’s office at Mawdiangdiang in Meghalaya‘s Shillong.
In a letter addressed to the Head of Branch of the CBI’s Shillong office, the organisation stated, “It has been brought to our notice that a religious structure, purportedly a temple, is being proposed or constructed within the premises of the CBI Office, Mawdiangdiang, Shillong.”
HYC said, “Considering the CBI’s nature as a neutral investigative and law-enforcement body of the Government of India, such activity raises serious questions about constitutional propriety, statutory compliance, and the secular character of the Government’s institutions.”
It urged the agency to verify whether any such construction has been approved or initiated, and, if so, under whose authority and with what statutory permissions.
The HYC said the matter raises “serious questions” about constitutional secularism, administrative neutrality, and compliance with state laws, particularly given the CBI’s mandate as a neutral investigative body. It pointed out that the Meghalaya Building Bye-Laws, 2021, require prior permission for any construction or change of land use, and restrict institutional land from being utilised for religious purposes without formal sanction.
“The construction of a temple or religious structure within a government compound constitutes a change of use and therefore cannot be permitted without a formal sanction and public notification,” it added.
The council further cited the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971, which classifies government lands as public premises, arguing that any unauthorised construction on such land is prohibited under the law.
Referring to landmark Supreme Court judgments, including S.R. Bommai vs Union of India and Kesavananda Bharati vs State of Kerala, the HYC said secularism forms part of the Constitution’s basic structure and prohibits the state from promoting or endorsing any religion.
The petition also referenced High Court rulings from Kerala and Madhya Pradesh that ordered the removal of unauthorised religious structures on government land, stating that such constructions “disturb the secular fabric of governance.”
“The CBI Office is a symbol of impartial investigation and equal justice. The construction of any religious structure within its premises could erode public trust and create a perception of bias,” the petition stated.
The HYC has requested the CBI to conduct an immediate internal verification of the reported construction, suspend all related activities until the verification is completed, initiate action under relevant laws if the construction is found to be unauthorised and provide a written clarification within two weeks detailing the factual position and approvals, if any.
The organisation said the petition was submitted “not in opposition to any faith,” but in defence of constitutional principles and the secular character of public institutions.
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“The CBI Office, by upholding neutrality, stands as a guardian of constitutional morality and equal justice. HYC places its utmost trust in the integrity and responsibility of your office and believes that appropriate corrective and preventive actions will be taken in accordance with law,” the council stated.
