Converts To Christianity Not To Perform Niam Khasi Religious Ceremony: Meghalaya High Court
The Court was dealing with the annual "Ka leh niam Raid Mylliem" ceremony at Mawnarian and Lei Shyllong of Mylliem.
The Meghalaya High Court considering the sensitivities surrounding the indigenous Niam Khasi religious rituals of “Leh Niam Raid Mylliem,” held that the "5 Kur 11 Kur" should nominate members “who are not converts” to perform the rituals in consultation with the Lyngdoh Raid Mylliem.
The applicants sought suspension of the rituals scheduled for May 19, 2026, contending that all the Myntri of the 5 Kur 11 Kur of Hima Mylliem who were to facilitate and conduct the rituals belonged to the Christian faith and had therefore “become incapacitated to perform these rituals which are of and belong to the indigenous Niam Khasi faith.”
A Bench of Justice H.S. Thangkhiew ordered on May 21, “Accordingly, Mr. R.K.Synrem, learned counsel is therefore directed to apprise the respondent No. 4, 5 Kur 11 Kur for nomination of the members of the said Kur who are not converts to perform the rituals in consultation with the Lyngdoh Raid Mylliem.”
By its order dated May 18, the Court had held, "Such ceremony being directly linked to the profession of the Khasi religion, therefore, the adherence of the same would inevitably be those who are following the Khasi religion, practice of the same being guaranteed under Article 25, 26 and 29 of the Constitution of India".
Advocate N.Syngkon appeared for the Petitioners and AAG N.D.Chullai appeared for the Respondents.
By the order dated May 18, the Court stayed the performance of the ceremony considering the “sensitivity of the matter” and issued notices to the concerned parties.
Recording the background of the dispute, the Court observed that every year the ceremony known as “Leh Niam Raid Mylliem” is conducted and that, as per prevailing custom, the responsibility to prepare and conduct the rituals vests with the 5 Kur 11 Kur. The Court said the apprehension expressed by indigenous followers of the Niam Khasi faith was that participation of converts in conducting the rituals would “diminish or remove the religious significance and sanctity attached to such rituals.”
The order also referred to a similar situation that arose in 2025, when, following intervention of the Court and an understanding between the parties, the rituals were performed by members of the Kur who were not converts.
During the hearing, the applicants submitted that to ensure the sanctity of the rituals, only members who had not converted to Christianity or other faiths and who still professed the Niam Khasi faith should perform the rituals. They clarified that there was no objection to the presence of Myntris who had made arrangements for the ceremonies.
The Court observed that it was necessary to ensure the rituals were carried out in a peaceful manner and without offending the sensitivities of any group, while also adhering to traditions, rituals and customs.
Accordingly, the Court directed Advocate R.K. Synrem to apprise respondent No.4, the 5 Kur 11 Kur, for nomination of members of the Kur “who are not converts” to perform the rituals in consultation with the Lyngdoh Raid Mylliem.
The Court clarified that the directions were being passed because the rituals had to be conducted within the month itself and to prevent any untoward incident from arising.
In its May 22 order, the Court observed that it will not pass any further orders but will "leave it to the wisdom of the Kur and the Lyngdoh to decide on the final list of the persons belonging to the Niam Khasi, as per the names that have been supplied, to perform the rituals."
Cause Title: Shri. Kyrshon Marbaniang & Anr. v. State of Meghalaya & Ors.
Appearance:
Petitioners: Advocates N.Syngkon, L.Phanjom
Respondents: Advocates N.D.Chullai, Z.E.Nongkynrih, P.S.Nongbri, L.Khyriem, W.Jyrwa, K.Paul, R.K.Synrem, R.J.Kharjanrin