Law and Order in Manipur is the job of state and Centre govt: Supreme Court
The Supreme Court, while expressing concern over the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur, has decided not to interfere, highlighting that it is the duty of the state and central governments to address the situation and restore law and order.
The Supreme Court has declined to intervene in the issue of law and order in Manipur, where ethnic violence has erupted. The court emphasised that it is the responsibility of the Manipur government and the Central government to address the situation.
The petitioners alleged that tribals are being targeted by armed groups. However, the court cautioned against using the proceedings as a platform for escalating violence and other problems. The Supreme Court welcomed concrete suggestions to improve the situation and expressed its willingness to assess the government’s measures to curb violence.
The Chief Secretary of Manipur has submitted a status report before the court, and the matter was scheduled for a hearing on July 11. Since the outbreak of ethnic violence on May 3, when a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organized in the hill districts to protest the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, more than 100 people have lost their lives, and over 3,000 have been injured.
The Apex Court emphasised that any decision regarding including or excluding a community in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list is beyond the court’s jurisdiction. The bench cited a 2000 constitution bench ruling in the State of Maharashtra vs. Milind case, which established the legal framework in this regard.
The court expressed its concern over a single judge bench order issued on March 27, directing the Manipur government to submit a recommendation within four weeks to grant ST status to the Meitei community.
The solicitor general stated that instead of challenging the order and seeking a stay, the government had obtained a one-year extension to decide on granting ST status to the Meiteis. The court was informed that a tribal group had challenged the March 27 order before a division bench of the high court, with the next hearing scheduled for June 6.
As of now, the Apex Court refrained from passing any immediate orders, awaiting the outcome of the appeal against the single-judge order. The court clarified that it would continue to monitor the situation in Manipur and instructed the chief secretary of the state and the security advisor to take appropriate measures to ensure peace and tranquility, particularly addressing concerns about the safety of the Kuki community in certain villages.
