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 on Monday provided three options for the students to attend classes at Manipur University online; to attend the Assam University, Silchar or to attend North East Hill University, Shillong.
The bench comprising CJI DY Chandrachud, justice JB Pardiwala and justice Manoj Misra 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.
SG also highlighted that an option for online classes was suggested for those unable to relocate physically.
However, CJI DY Chandrachud expressed concerns about the quality of online education and emphasised the need for a sense of normalcy in the lives of these students who have fled in violence.
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, CJI suggested for accommodation in closer universities, Assam University and North East Hill University.
“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 two 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”, stated the bench.
It may be recalled that the SC 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.
