IMPHAL, Nov 7: The High Court of Manipur has directed that a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by social activist Anthony Naulak, seeking detailed information and enhanced welfare measures for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in relief camps, be forwarded to the Supreme Court-appointed committee already examining the situation in Manipur.

The three-member committee, which includes Justice Gita Mittal (former Chief Justice of Jammu & Kashmir High Court), Justice Shalini Phansalkar Joshi (former Judge, Bombay High Court), and Justice Asha Menon (former Judge, Delhi High Court), was constituted by the Supreme Court of India in August 2023 to oversee relief, rehabilitation, and justice for those affected by the violence in the state.

The order was passed by a Division Bench of the High Court, comprising Chief Justice M. Sundar and Justice A. Guneshwar Sharma, on October 28, 2025, as they disposed of PIL No. 25 of 2025, clubbed with MC (PIL) No. 33 of 2025.

The PIL, filed by activist Naulak, sought transparency regarding the welfare of IDPs in Churachandpur District and other parts of the state, including the disclosure of the number of operational and closed relief camps, demographic details of the camp residents, and the financial assistance provided. Specifically, the PIL requested clarification on the total funds allocated and utilized, as well as the reasons for the closure of certain camps.

Further, the petitioner called for an increase in the daily assistance from Rs. 80 to Rs. 100, as well as the provision of five additional rounds of Rs. 1,000 payments, weekly medical camps, and nutritious food (including meat once a week). The petition also urged authorities to build more toilets in relief camps and ensure the publication of fund utilization reports on the district administration websites.

The petition was represented by Advocate Siam Phaipi, who appeared through video conferencing. The respondents were represented by Advocate General Lenin Hijam, State counsel Dimal Kumar, and Senior Panel Counsel for the Centre, W. Darakeshwar Singh.

In its ruling, the High Court acknowledged the importance of the issues raised and directed that the matter be handled by the Supreme Court-appointed committee, which is already examining the broader aspects of relief and rehabilitation in Manipur. The decision comes as part of ongoing efforts to address the displacement crisis caused by recent violence in the state.