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The Supreme court noted that since an appeal has been filed before the division bench of the High Court against the judgment of the single-judge, aggrieved parties could present their case before the division bench.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the Supreme Court today that the State of Manipur had sought an extension of one year from the High Court and not a stay, against the order directing the Centre and the State governments to include the Meetei/Meitei community of the State in the Scheduled Tribe list of the Indian Constitution as a "tribe" of Manipur.
"Considering the position on the ground, we chose not to seek stay, and only seek an extension of one year from the High Court, as it would have impact on the situation on the ground...", a CJI Chandrachud led bench was told.
The SG made this submission after the bench comprising CJI DY Chandrachud with Justices Pardiwlala and Narasimha had asked about the proceedings before the High Court in the instant matter.
A miffed CJI had then said, "I think we have to stay the order of the High Court, we gave Justice Muralidharan time to correct his decision and he has not done so.."
If High Courts do not follow Constitution bench judgments, then what we should do is very clear, the CJI added.
The Supreme Court was further informed today about the steps taken by the State of Manipur in rehabilitating the people. In this regard, an affidavit was placed on record. A total of 318 relief camps have been opened where more than 47914 persons have been given relief, SG Mehta told the bench.
"Free passage of people from relief/safe locations to airport/native places is taking place and about 3124 people have been helped through flights. 62 companies of CaPF and 126 columns of army/Assam rifles have been deployed for assisting, Rapid action force and army deployed across various areas. Foot patrolling in critical areas. DMs are taking measures to shift people to their hometowns and bout 3124 people helped through flights", the SG submitted.
Acting on the submission made by Senior Advocate Colin Gonsalves, Court ordered, "Certain apprehensions have been expressed by the petitioners. Certain specific villages have also been identified. We are of the view that these apprehensions be taken to ground and monitored. The state and Security officer shall take measures required to foster peace and tranquility."
Court then directed that a status report be filed on reopening after vacations. As a constitutional court we should be apprised periodically, the CJI said.
Last Monday, the Supreme Court had asked the State of Manipur to make due arrangements in the relief camps organised by the government and all necessary precautions must be taken for rehabilitation of displaced persons.
"Medical care should also be provided in relief camps", added a CJI Chandrachud led bench.
Amidst tensions escalating in the State of Manipur, two Special Leave Petitions (SLPs) were filed before the Supreme Court against the High Court's order directing the Centre and the State governments to include the Meetei/Meitei community of the State in the Scheduled Tribe list of the Indian Constitution as a "tribe" of Manipur.
Moreover, the plea filed by Manipur Tribal Forum sought directions to the Centre and the State to evacuate the Manipuri Tribals who fled to CRPF Lamphel Camp (3500 people), CRPF Camp near the DC office (700 people approximately), Koirengei Camp (300 people) as well as small pockets of tribals held up in Imphal (both east and west) as well as the villages surrounding Imphal Valley and take them to their respective Hill District under central forces escort to their respective areas of residence in the hill districts.
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