Supreme Court Seeks Report on Properties Damaged In Manipur Ethnic Violence, Rehabilitation Measures Commended

The Supreme Court on Monday (9 December) directed the Manipur government to submit a sealed report detailing properties affected during the ongoing ethnic violence in the state. The bench, comprising Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar, asked for a list of buildings that were burnt, looted, or encroached upon, along with the names and addresses of the owners and current occupants.

"We also direct the State Govt. to file the following details: (1) buildings burnt and partially burnt; (2) buildings which are looted; (3) buildings trespassed and encroached upon. The report shall also indicate the steps taken by the state govt to ensure that the persons who have trespassed are proceeded against as per law," the bench ordered.

The directive came as part of the hearing on the Manipur Ethnic Violence Crisis. Senior Advocate Vibha Makhija, acting as an amicus, highlighted the efforts of the Justice Gita Mittal Committee, which has prepared over 34 reports on rehabilitation measures and humanitarian initiatives since the crisis began.

“Some commendable work has been done by the Committee completely pro bono. There are such laudable rehabilitation measures...people have been put in hospitality areas, their skills have been built, and they have been brought back to occupy their properties,” she submitted.

The Court also instructed the state to respond to the Justice Mittal Committee’s recommendation for funds to provide temporary and permanent housing for displaced persons. The CJI remarked, "You have to take a decision on how you want to deal with it in terms of criminal action as well as to ask them to pay mesne profits for the use of the occupation (of properties)."

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the state, assured the bench that law and order remain the government’s priority, alongside recovering arms. However, he expressed reservations about disclosing data in open court, citing potential media misrepresentation.

The bench declined to entertain an intervention plea from a Delhi resident, with the SG questioning the applicant’s locus. The CJI responded firmly, "We are aware of that, you don't have to tell us." The matter is scheduled for further hearing on 20 January 2025.