Imphal, Oct 12: The Supreme Court collegium, presided over by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, has reaffirmed its recommendation to transfer Justice MV Muralidaran, a judge at the Manipur High Court, to the Calcutta High Court. This decision was made in the interest of ensuring effective administration of justice. It follows the rejection of Justice MV Muralidaran’s request either to be transferred to his parent Madras High Court or not to be transferred at all.
Justice MV Muralidaran’s tenure at the Manipur High Court became significant when, on March 27, he ordered the Manipur government to consider a representation made by a Meitei organization, seeking scheduled tribe (ST) status. This representation was a catalyst for the ongoing ethnic conflict in the state. The state is divided between Meiteis residing in the valley and Kuki and other tribal communities inhabiting the hills.
Justice MV Muralidaran’s directive to the state government was to evaluate the request for ST status for the majority Meitei community and subsequently communicate with the Central government within a four-week timeframe.
The Supreme Court collegium, which includes Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Sanjiv Khanna, B R Gavai, and Surya Kant, has chosen not to honor Justice MV Muralidaran’s plea to either transfer him to the Madras High Court or permit him to continue working at the Manipur High Court, instead of relocating him to Calcutta.
On October 9, 2023, the collegium formally proposed the transfer of Justice M V Muralidaran, who serves as a judge at the High Court of Manipur, to the High Court in Calcutta. This decision was made with the aim of enhancing the administration of justice.
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The collegium adhered to the established procedures, which involve consultation with a Supreme Court judge well-acquainted with the affairs of the Manipur High Court. The consultation process allowed for a comprehensive assessment of the proposed transfer.
While the collegium acknowledged the requests put forth by Justice MV Muralidaran, it ultimately found them lacking in merit. Therefore, the collegium has chosen to reaffirm its initial recommendation from October 9, 2023, advocating for the transfer of Justice M V Muralidaran to the High Court in Calcutta.
This decision reflects the collegium’s commitment to ensuring the efficient and effective administration of justice in the country. It acknowledges the significant role that the judiciary plays in addressing complex and sensitive issues, such as those related to ethnic conflict and community status.
