Supreme Court Mandates Essential Supplies Distribution Amidst Manipur Blockades
In light of the ongoing turmoil in Manipur, the Supreme Court has issued directives to both the Central and State Governments of Manipur, emphasizing the urgent need to ensure the distribution of essential supplies, including food and medicines, to those impacted by the violence. The bench, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justice JB Pardiwala, also underscored the necessity to address the blockades that have hindered the delivery of rations. They further suggested the government to contemplate all feasible solutions, including the possibility of air-dropping supplies.
Senior Advocate Meenakshi Arora, representing the judges’ committee established by the Supreme Court to oversee the humanitarian facets of the situation, apprised the bench of two pressing concerns: the blockades in Manipur’s Moreh region, which have obstructed the delivery of basic rations, and outbreaks of measles and chickenpox in certain relief camps. Responding to this, CJI Chandrachud queried why the committee was approaching the court rather than liaising directly with the government. He then instructed Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta to notify the committee of the appointed nodal officers for direct communication.
Senior Advocate Jaideep Gupta, representing the respondents, interjected, suggesting that the committee’s influence was limited when it came to addressing the blockades. Echoing this sentiment, SG Mehta emphasized that such matters were beyond the committee’s purview. Senior Advocate Indira Jaising highlighted the dire situation, stating,
“There is no food in Moreh area. The problem is blockade. The committee cannot direct the armed forces to remove the blockade…otherwise we can provide the food supply.”
Acknowledging the complexity of the situation, CJI Chandrachud remarked that dismantling blockades, often erected by local entities or groups, was a sensitive matter that demanded a nuanced approach. He emphasized,
“Removing a blockade is not about directing the armed forces to do it. There are sensitive issues. What we will do is that we will say that the government is aware of the fact and that the government will take appropriate steps after evaluating the situation because the blockade is also made by people.”
Addressing the broader implications of the blockades, which have affected areas beyond Moreh, including the National Highway 2, the bench declared,
“We direct the Government of India and the Government of Manipur to distribute basic supply of food, medicine, and other essentials so that there is no denial of basic human facilities. The manner in which the blockade is dealt with is under law enforcement. However, considering the humanitarian aspect of the matter, Government should explore all options including air dropping necessity if necessary. The court shall be apprised of the steps taken to ameliorate the situation in the next hearing.”
The proceedings also touched upon other regional concerns, including the destruction of over 200 churches in the state. Addressing this, CJI Chandrachud stated,
“We had also requested the committee to go into the issue of destruction of schools, places of worship- so that restoration can take place. We have heard Mr. Huzefa Ahmadi on the petition on destruction of churches. Petition’s copy to be served on Mr. Raj Bahadur, who is instructing the SG. Note be sent to the committee and state government so that appropriate action is taken.”
Concluding the session, the bench urged the SG to consider compensation for the victims and hinted at aligning the Manipur Compensation Scheme with the NALSA scheme in the upcoming hearing. CJI Chandrachud asserted,
“Once NALSA has formulated a scheme, it should be applicable to the entire country.”
He also emphasized the need for a dignified handling of unclaimed bodies to prevent potential disease outbreaks.
The matter is slated for further deliberation on September 6, 2023, where the bench will review the committee’s findings.
