Supreme Court Directs Committee To Identify And Rebuild Burnt Places Of Worship In Manipur

The Supreme Court, presided over by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, has turned its attention to the restoration of places of worship in Manipur, amid ongoing ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities since early May. In response to the destruction of religious sites during the unrest, the court has directed a high-powered committee of retired judges, led by former J&K high court chief justice Gita Mittal, to formulate a proposal for the identification and rebuilding of places that were burnt down or razed, according to media repoerts. 

The bench, also comprised of justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, instructed the Manipur government to provide a comprehensive list of identified places of worship within two weeks. This list will encompass sites across all religious denominations affected by the violence. The court emphasized the importance of covering churches as well as temples in the identification process.

In addition to this, the state authorities are required to update the judges' committee on the measures being taken to protect these places of worship from further dangers and encroachment. The committee is tasked with formulating a proposal for the restoration of these religious sites, considering various factors such as supervening circumstances and encroachment.

Acknowledging its upcoming winter break, the top court urged the state government and the Director General of Police to coordinate with the committee to ensure the timely implementation of interim orders without delays. The court also addressed concerns regarding the congregation of people during Christmas, recording assurances from Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati that steps would be taken to facilitate the attendance of those in relief camps at ceremonies and prayers.

Furthermore, the court directed the Manipur government to present a proposal or response regarding the rehabilitation of individuals whose homes were destroyed in the violence. This proposal will be considered by the committee for recommendations.