In a recent development, the Supreme Court has issued a directive to the Central and Manipur governments to assess a plea filed by a group of students affected by ethnic conflict in the northeastern state. These students are seeking accommodation in various Central universities nationwide to mitigate the academic loss caused by their displacement.
Petitioners Navigate Practical Challenges in Seeking Relief
During the proceedings, Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud suggested that senior advocate Meenakshi Arora, representing the petitioners, approach the Manipur High Court. Arora argued that the displaced students are geographically scattered, making seeking relief from a single state court impractical. The plea represents 284 students affiliated with the Manipur University Eimi Welfare Society, who have already lost six crucial months of the academic year.
Supreme Court Intervention for Displaced Manipur Students
Headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud, the bench initially suggested that senior advocate Meenakshi Arora, representing the petitioners, approach the Manipur High Court. However, Arora argued that the displaced students are scattered across different states, making it impractical for them to seek relief from the Manipur High Court. She underscored that the petitioners, a group of 284 students associated with the Manipur University Eimi Welfare Society, have already forfeited a crucial six months of the academic year.
Arora also drew attention to similar relief granted to migrant students from Kashmir in central universities. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Union government, objected to the inclusion of the apex court-appointed committee as a respondent in the petition filed under Article 32 of the Constitution.
The Court’s Instructions and Next Steps
The bench, which also included Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, instructed Mehta and the Advocate General of Manipur to thoroughly examine the grievances raised in the plea. The matter has been adjourned for further hearing on December 4.