Students Affected By Manipur Violence Can Attend Classes Online Or Get Admission In Assam University And North East Hill University: Supreme Court

In a plea for relocating 284 students affected by the Manipur violence to different Central Universities where they could continue their studies, the Supreme Court today (04.11.2023) provided three options for the students – a) attend classes at Manipur University online; b) attend the Assam University, Silchar or; c) attend North East Hill University, Shillong. The bench comprising CJI DY Chandrachud, Justice JB Pardiwala, and Justice Manoj Misra also stated that it would direct the committee led by Justice Gita Mittal to explore better administrative decisions to aid the situation of the students. 

At the outset, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that nodal officers had been appointed to assess the availability of courses students wished to continue in the University of Manipur itself and facilitate arrangements for students to attend classes. Expressing his uncertainty with the same, the CJI remarked– 

"So what will happen now? They will find if Universities near them in Manipur only has same courses?...So these Kuki zo students can be relocated to any other colleges in hills? Are you sure it'll be workable?"

The petitioner in the matter underlined that the students had fled violence from the State of Manipur and had relocated in different parts of the country and thus, could not come back to the State of Manipur to attend classes.

At this juncture, the SG highlighted that an option for online classes was suggested for those unable to relocate physically.

However, Chief Justice DY Chandrachud expressed concerns about the quality of online education and emphasized the need for a sense of normalcy in the lives of these students who have fled violence. He said–

"I don't know how it will be if their classes are online, what the quality would be...They will also have a sense of their lives going back to normal if they got central Universities. They're also fleeing violence. This is a human problem. Can we have atleast a few central universities? Some may not be able to attend online...there should be an option. The issue we're facing in passing an order is that we're not sure where they are relocated..."

SG Mehta asserted that there was no way of knowing which student had genuinely fled violence. He stated that it was extremely difficult to get admission in a Central University and there may be students who relocate to a different State simply to join a better university. Thus, he suggested that the students may be accommodated in closer univeristies, namely– the Assam University, Silchar and North East Hill University, Shillong.

The petitioner highlighted that many students were living on donations and might not have the means for online classes. In response, the Chief Justice assured that at this stage, the students would be given at least these three options– a) attend classes online; b) attend the Assam University, Silchar or; c) attend North East Hill University, Shillong. He added that Justice Gita Mittal could then explore better administrative decisions to aid their situation.

It may be recalled that the Supreme Court had constituted a panel of three women judges to oversee the humanitarian works for the victims of Manipur violence. The panel is led by Justice Gita Mittal. 

In its order, the court stated–

"On Aug 16, 2023, Manipur university addressed a communication stating that students willing to attend online classes can do so. Respondents further state that the students may opt for any of these two universities which are central universities- Assam University and North eastern Hill University. Details of the nodal officer shall be placed on website of Manipur University. Any student desirous of admission in any of these two universities will be at liberty to approach the nodal officer who shall take necessary steps for admissions and relocations."

The bench added–

"Any other grievance can be raised before the committee led by Justice Gita Mittal. She will engage with the State Administration regarding this and any other option submitted to us will be considered. The process of relocation shall be carried out in 2 weeks upon such requests made. Manipur university shall ensure that above exercise does not impede the students from receiving degree for their course of studies."

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