'These Are Not Matters For The Court': Supreme Court Dismisses Plea To Direct UOI To Put Out Information Regarding Loss Of Territory Along China Border

The Supreme Court of India dismissed a petition praying the court to direct the Union of India to put out information regarding the extent of loss of territory or not thereof along the border of China. The matter was heard by a bench comprising Chief Justice U.U. Lalit and Justice Ravindra Bhat.

At the outset, the counsel appearing for the petitioner stated that there was a clash in Galwan Valley on the night of 14th and 15th June, 2020 and that Indian official stance post the conflict was that India did not lose any territory. However, the petitioner stated, that this official stance was "misleading" the citizens of India.

Chief Justice U.U. Lalit was quick to note that the matter pertained to state's policy and was not something to be referred to the court. He stated that–

"These are matters for the State...There may be issues like this. There might be skirmishes on the border of territory. Whether there is a loss of territory or no loss of territory, whether there has been encroachment from the other side or whether we have advanced into their territory, these are not matters for the court."

The counsel appearing for the petitioner had requested the Union of India to be directed to put out correct information regarding the extent of loss of territory and had argued that–

"The Union of India's official stance is that we have not lost that territory. This not only misleads the public of India but it also keeps the public in the dark while the enemy is building defences along the border. This creates a threat for the future generations of India..."

The petition was dismissed. 

CASE TITLE: Abhijeet Saraf v UOI W.P.(C) No. 754/2021