1. STDCM clarifies: Judiciary lacks authority in inclusion of communities in ST list.
2. Meetei/Meitei community’s ST demand clarified by STDCM.
3. STDCM asserts: Inclusion in ST list falls under Parliament’s jurisdiction, not judiciary’s.
Imphal, March 04: The Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee of Manipur (STDCM) has reaffirmed that the inclusion of any community in the Scheduled Tribe list is not within the purview of the judiciary but is the prerogative of the Parliament.
In a recent statement, the committee clarified misconceptions surrounding the demand of the Meetei/Meitei community for inclusion in the Scheduled Tribe list.
This clarification comes in light of misreporting by certain national media outlets regarding a recent order from the Manipur High Court.
The statement highlighted that while the High Court order urged the consideration of the Meetei/Meitei community’s demand for ST status, it did not imply that the judiciary has the authority to decide on such matters. Rather, the decision rests with the Parliament as per the law of the land.
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Legal experts consulted by the STDCM emphasized that seeking judicial intervention for the ST demand would not be viable.
The release underscored that granting ST status is a legislative function, as affirmed by a ruling of the Supreme Court’s Constitution bench in the “State of Maharashtra vs Milind & Ors., (2001) 1 SCC 4.”
Regarding the legal recourse taken by the Meetei (Meitei) Tribe Union, the STDCM noted that any action should focus on addressing the delay in the state government’s response to the Centre’s request for recommendation, rather than seeking judicial intervention on the ST status issue.
Emphasizing the importance of ST status for the Meetei/Meitei community’s preservation and future security, the STDCM urged all relevant MLAs and Ministers to promptly send recommendations in this regard.
Additionally, it called on the state government to address concerns of existing ST list communities and assure them of the benefits of including the Meetei/Meitei community.
The STDCM’s stance underscores the need for a legislative approach to the ST demand and highlights the ongoing efforts to safeguard the interests of the Meetei/Meitei community.
