The Meghalaya High Court at Shillong on Friday permitted the Association of Meghalaya Bonded Warehouses to withdraw its writ petition challenging the State Excise Department’s regulatory actions. Justice B. Bhattacharjee, who heard the matter, noted that the petitioner no longer wished to pursue the case, leading to a formal dismissal upon withdrawal.
The brief hearing took place in Court No. 11, with both parties present - a rather quiet proceeding that ended faster than expected.
Background
The association, representing bonded liquor warehouses operating across Meghalaya, had approached the High Court in 2021 (W.P.(C) No. 182 of 2021) raising grievances over what it claimed were inconsistent government decisions affecting storage and supply permissions for alcohol distribution units.
The petition had named the State of Meghalaya, represented by its Chief Secretary, along with senior officers from the Excise, Registration, Taxation, and Stamps Department as respondents. A private warehouse entity, M/s Umpohliew Central Warehouse, was also arrayed as a party to the dispute.
According to earlier filings, the association was reportedly seeking reliefs related to administrative directions that allegedly caused “operational hardship and commercial imbalance” among licensed warehouses in the state. However, details of the core dispute were not argued in court since the petition did not proceed to a full hearing.
Court’s Observations
During the brief appearance, counsel for the petitioners, Mr. Philemon Nongbri, informed the court that his clients did not wish to press the matter any further. He sought permission to withdraw the petition unconditionally.
Government advocates Ms. S. Kh. Nongrum and Ms. S. Laloo appeared for the State, while Ms. N.A.U. Sogra represented the private respondent. The bench recorded the submission without objection.
Justice Bhattacharjee remarked in open court, “In view of the submission made by learned counsel, the writ petition stands dismissed as withdrawn.” No costs were imposed, and no liberty was sought for refiling at a later stage.
The judge’s tone was formal yet cordial, acknowledging the counsel’s choice to withdraw while maintaining procedural decorum. The courtroom proceedings wrapped up within minutes, with the bench moving on to the next listed matter.
Decision
With this, the Meghalaya High Court formally closed W.P.(C) No. 182 of 2021, titled Association of Meghalaya Bonded Warehouses vs. State of Meghalaya & Others, on October 24, 2025. The order simply records the withdrawal and does not enter into the merits of the case.
For now, the long-pending dispute between the bonded warehouse operators and the State’s Excise Department appears to have reached a quiet conclusion at least in court. Whether the association revisits the issue through fresh representation to the government remains to be seen.
Case: Association of Meghalaya Bonded Warehouses vs. State of Meghalaya & Others
Court: High Court of Meghalaya, Shillong
Case Type & No.: W.P.(C) No. 182 of 2021
Coram (Judge): Hon’ble Mr. Justice B. Bhattacharjee
Petitioner: Association of Meghalaya Bonded Warehouses
Respondents: State of Meghalaya & Officials of the Excise, Registration, Taxation, and Stamps Department; M/s Umpohliew Central Warehouse
Date of Order: October 24, 2025
