The Manipur administration and the Center have been ordered by the Supreme Court to make sure that food, medication, and other necessities reach the violent sections of the state, which has been the scene of ethnic hostilities since May.
Airdropping needed supplies
A court chaired by Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud was informed of blockades blocking supplies from reaching the affected population and instructed agencies to examine all alternatives, including airdropping supplies if necessary, bearing in mind the humanitarian crisis.
“We instruct that basic supplies of food, medicine, and other necessities continue to be given in the affected districts by the Union government and the government of Manipur. Let no segment of the populace suffer as a result of an anticipated or present blockage, the bench, which also included Justice J B Pardiwala
“The manner in which the blockade should be dealt with is for the law enforcement agencies to determine, but bearing in mind the humanitarian situation involved, the government should explore all possible options, including the airdropping of supplies if it becomes necessary,” it stated.
Roadblock at Moreh
The SC-appointed committee of former judges was represented by Senior Advocate Meenakshi Arora, who raised the fact that there was a roadblock at Moreh that prevented the delivery of food supplies. She also let the bench know that there was a sickness epidemic, including chicken pox, in some of the relief camps.
Senior Advocate Indira Jaising, who spoke on behalf of some of the petitioners, mentioned the Moreh blockage and warned that a major risk of famine exists due to the lack of food supply.
Another attorney noted that similar roadblocks may be seen elsewhere, notably on National Highway 2.
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The Manipur administration and the Center are both aware of the current circumstances, according to Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who also promised that appropriate measures will be taken to guarantee that the complaints about the distribution of food supplies are handled.
CJI Chandrachud responded to the blockades by stating that the committee is not dealing with them and adding that, “assuming there is a power even in the court, removing a blockade is not just about ordering the armed forces to just sort of go in and remove a blockade.”
“They must also consider the potential loss of human life, along with many other delicate problems… We will note the SG’s declaration that the government is aware of these events and suggest that it should take necessary action after assessing the circumstances, he added.
“Of sure, lifting the embargo is one possibility. It’s simpler to say than to accomplish. You may then think about alternative measures, including airdropping supply, if you are unable to lift the blockage for whatever reason because you are dealing with people who are also blocking, the CJI said verbally.
The committee was questioned by the court as to why it was arguing there rather than expressing its concerns to the government. “The committee can alert the government about it. The CJI stated that ultimately the government will have to take action.
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Arora said that despite the court’s order for the appointment of two nodal officers—one from the state and one from the federal government—the committee has not yet received any formal notification of their appointment.
Mehta stated that they had been appointed and that the committee chairperson would be officially informed of their appointment on Friday.
The court further ordered that the committee’s chairwoman receive a notification in that respect within the ensuing 48 hours. According to the statement, “These nodal officers shall serve as the points of contact for facilitating the meetings and all other directions of the committee.”
Dispose of the dead in the morgue
The court also requested that the SG seek guidance on matters including how to properly dispose of dead housed in the morgue.
The government must make a list of the bodies that are held at the morgue. What would happen inside the mortuary is pretty understandable. Disease is simply being invited by this. The CJI stated, “Ultimately, these bodies must be handled in a respectful way.
The SG stated that he would follow directions and react.
The court further ordered the petitioner who requested the transfer of three further FIRs to the CBI to provide copies of those FIRs so that the SG may investigate them. Give the SG copies of the three FIRs. He will confirm. so that he might ask the Director General for guidance and then speak to us… These would also be moved if they are on the same level as the prior FIRs that were transferred to the CBI, the CJI added.
