Manipur High Court reverses decision on meitei community's ST status

The Manipur High Court has stirred controversy by reversing its previous order to include the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list, a move that has led to violent protests in the state. The court's decision to delete the paragraph advocating for the Meitei community's inclusion in the SCST list, citing conflict with the Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court, has triggered opposition and unrest among the people of Manipur.

Following the March 27, 2023, order by the Manipur High Court, which recommended considering ST status for the Meitei community, widespread opposition emerged, prompting several review petitions. However, during the recent hearing, Justice Golmei Gafulshilu revoked the previous order, emphasizing adherence to the prescribed procedure for amending the Scheduled Tribe list by the Government of India. The court's decision, echoing the Supreme Court's stance, reiterated that judicial bodies should not expand jurisdiction beyond constitutional parameters, especially regarding matters governed by Article 341 and 342. The reversal of the High Court's order has reignited tensions, culminating in violence in the state.