Meghalaya High Court Admits PIL on Denial of ST Certificates to Khasis Community Based on Surname Choice

The Meghalaya High Court has admitted a PIL challenging the denial of Scheduled Tribe certificates to Khasis who adopt either parent’s surname or married women who take their husband’s surname.

The Court sought a response from the District Council Affairs Department, questioning how surname selection can affect the right to a Tribe certificate under the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Khasi Social Custom of Lineage) Act, 1997.

The court referred to Sections 2(h), 3, and 5 of the Act, which define Khasi lineage eligibility. The Court also asked for a report on the Social Welfare Department’s withdrawal of its 2020 notification. The next hearing is on July 23.