Manipur high court adjusts Meiteis tribal status
Guwahati: The Manipur High Court has adjusted its stance from last year concerning the inclusion of Meiteis in the Scheduled Tribe list, a decision that had sparked significant ethnic unrest in the northeastern state. The recent detailed order, issued today, omitted the earlier directive to the state government, urging the expedited consideration of Meiteis’ addition to the Scheduled Tribe list, a move that had provoked discontent within the Kuki community.
The modification comes in the wake of widespread ethnic violence that has claimed over 200 lives in the state since May of the previous year, and normalcy is yet to be restored.
Citing a prior ruling by a constitution bench of the Supreme Court, the Manipur High Court highlighted the prescribed process for the inclusion and exclusion of tribes in the Scheduled list. According to the top court, this responsibility lies with the Central government, and the judiciary should not play a role in these matters. The Supreme Court had emphasized that courts lack the authority to modify, amend, or alter the Scheduled Tribe list.
During a hearing in May last year, a bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud strongly criticized the earlier order, labeling it as “obnoxious.” The bench had considered staying the order, asserting its incorrectness, but ultimately did not annul it due to an ongoing case in a division bench.
While the revised court order does not mark the conclusion of the Meiteis’ quest for inclusion in the Scheduled list, the matter is now under discussion between the state and the Centre. The resolution is anticipated to progress independently. On May 29 last year, the Centre had requested recommendations from the state, outlining the criteria upon which a decision would be made. However, the state is yet to submit its recommendations on this matter.