The Supreme Court has directed the Manipur government to ensure that no encroachment takes place on sites where lawful religious structures once stood before they were damaged or destroyed during the ethnic violence that erupted in the state in 2023. The court stressed that preserving such locations is essential while the process of restoration and rehabilitation continues.
A Bench headed by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, along with Justice K. Vinod Chandran, passed the order while hearing a batch of petitions related to the prolonged violence in Manipur. The court said all places where legally established religious structures previously existed must remain protected from any form of encroachment until appropriate decisions are taken regarding their restoration.
The Supreme Court also extended the tenure of the Justice Gita Mittal Committee, which was constituted to oversee relief, rehabilitation, and other humanitarian measures arising from the violence. The committee has been monitoring the situation on the ground and making recommendations to ensure the protection of affected communities and public properties.
During the hearing, the court noted that damaged places of worship belonging to all religious communities should receive equal protection. It reiterated that the state government has a responsibility to safeguard these locations and prevent any illegal occupation that could complicate future restoration efforts.
The Bench also directed the Manipur government to continue cooperating with the Justice Gita Mittal Committee by providing updated information and implementing its recommendations wherever necessary. The committee is expected to monitor the condition of the affected religious sites and suggest measures for their eventual restoration.
The case is part of the Supreme Court's continuing oversight of issues arising from the ethnic conflict in Manipur, which has resulted in widespread displacement, destruction of homes, and damage to numerous religious structures across different communities. The apex court has repeatedly emphasised the need for impartial relief measures, accountability, and the protection of constitutional rights while efforts continue to restore normalcy in the state.