NEW DELHI, Dec 9: The Supreme Court today instructed the Manipur Government to submit a comprehensive list of properties that have been burnt, looted, or encroached upon during the ongoing ethnic clashes in the state. The Court, led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar, was hearing the matter related to the Manipur Ethnic Violence Crisis.

Senior Advocate Vibha Makhija, appearing as amicus curiae, presented reports prepared by the Justice Gita Mittal Committee, which highlighted the humanitarian work undertaken by the committee. Makhija informed the Court about the significant progress made, stating, “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.” The Court directed the committee’s reports to be filed, urging the Home Ministry and the State Government to take remedial action based on the findings.

Addressing the grievances of displaced persons and the destruction of their properties, the bench passed the following order: “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, in all these give details, name, and address of the owner as well as the person, if any, in occupation of the property.” The Court also requested information about the actions taken against trespassers and the recovery of properties.

The Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta, appearing for the State, agreed with the Court’s directions but raised concerns about sharing the data openly, citing media reports on the matter. “We have the data, but we will not share it openly… it is frequently highlighted in the media, and I have seen many interviews,” Mehta stated, requesting the Court to refrain from disclosing sensitive information.

The Court also addressed the issue of funds for temporary and permanent housing for displaced persons. Chief Justice Khanna 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).”

The Supreme Court declined to entertain an intervention application filed by a Delhi resident representing the displaced persons. The resident’s counsel expressed concern about the lack of trust in the Union and State governments, warning that the situation could worsen. However, the Chief Justice replied, “We are aware of that, you don’t have to tell us.”

The Solicitor General also cautioned the Court, saying, “My lordships, after one hour, this will be quoted in the public media by saying that the CJI agreed that people’s faith has…” The Chief Justice clarified, “No, no, we have not said that.”

The matter will be heard again after January 20, 2025.