The Supreme Court on May 8 called the Manipur crisis a “humanitarian problem” while noting that it is the President, and not the High Court, who has the power to designate a community as Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe.
“We have made our concern explicit about the need for protection of people and property and the need for restitution and stabilisation. This is a humanitarian problem. We are concerned deeply about the loss of life and property,” Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud addressed the Centre and the Manipur government, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta.
The court emphasised to the Centre and Manipur government the need to make due arrangements in relief camps to provide displaced persons with basic amenities, food and medication. Those in need of medical care should be transferred to Army or other suitable hospitals, the court said.
