In a pivotal move, the Supreme Court has mandated Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and the Advocate General of Manipur to explore the feasibility of relocating 284 students impacted by the recent turmoil in Manipur to various Central Universities. The distinguished bench, comprising Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, Justice JB Pardiwala, and Justice Manoj Misra, responded to the plea filed by Manipur University students who were compelled to leave the state due to the prevailing situation, hindering their pursuit of education.
During the proceedings, Senior Advocate Meenakshi Arora, representing the students, addressed the bench’s query regarding why the students hadn’t approached the Manipur High Court. Arora elucidated that a considerable number of students had already departed from Manipur, making it impractical for them to return. Drawing a parallel, she emphasized the precedent set for Kashmiri migrants, advocating for the relocation of these 284 students across the 54 central universities.
Highlighting the urgency of the matter, Arora pointed out that six months had transpired since the students vacated Manipur University, underscoring the pressing need for a swift resolution.
Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta concurred, stating, “It is a problem, it needs to be sorted. All I’m saying is please don’t join the committee as a party.”
In a strategic decision, the bench opted not to involve the Committee led by Justice Gita Mittal, established to address humanitarian grievances arising from the Manipur violence, in this specific matter.
Chief Justice DY Chandrachud encapsulated the essence of the petition, stating, “The petition has been filed to highlight the grievance of 284 students who were pursuing various courses in Manipur University, Imphal. Due to the situation in Manipur, it is submitted that some have had to leave the state. The petitioner requests a direction to relocate them to other central universities. We have asked the SG and the Advocate General of Manipur to look into it. List on Monday.”
The next hearing for this significant matter is scheduled for December 4, 2023, marking a critical step in addressing the challenges faced by these students.
[Case Reference: Dinganglung Gangmei v Mutum Churamani Meetei And Ors. Diary No. 19206-2023]
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