TODAY -

Granting ST status is the job of Parliament, not judiciary : STDCM
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 03 2024: The Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee of Manipur (STDCM) has asserted that only Parliament and the Government can have the final say on declaring a community as a Scheduled Tribe and added that the judiciary is not empowered to take a final call on the said subject.

Addressing a press briefing at Ima Khunthokhanbi Shanglen at DM College complex today, STDCM joint secretary Laishram Brijkishore said that there is some confusion among a section of people due to misreporting of the recent Manipur High Court order on deleting Para number 17 (iii) of the judgment passed by then Chief Justice of the same Court on March 27 last year by some National media houses with regard to Meetei/Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status.



Granting ST status is the job of Parliament, not judiciary : STDCM
Granting ST status is the job of Parliament, not judiciary : STDCM


Para 17 clause (iii) of the judgment says "The first respondent shall consider the case of the petitioner for inclusion of the Meetei/Meitei community in the ST list, expeditiously, preferably within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order," as per the STDCM leader.

The petition was filed by the Meetei (Meitei) Tribe Union.

Saying that some media houses, unfortunately, published the judgment of the High Court with a misleading narrative as if the Meitei's demand for ST status has been dropped or rejected by the Court, Brijkishore continued that such misleading reports has caused confusion among the people.

The fact of the matter is that the issue pertaining to the ST status demand by Meitei/Meetei is not in the jurisdiction of any Court as per the law of the land, he clarified.

Brijkishore went on to state that lodging a complaint on matter pertaining to the ST demand at a Court won't be maintainable as per legal experts they (STDCM) have consulted with.

Saying that many people had advised the STDCM to take the help of the Court to take forward the demand to enlist Meetei/Meitei in the ST list, Brijkishore continued that they did discuss the matter of taking the help of the judiciary with experts but came to learn that it won't be tenable.

To grant ST status to any community is not in the jurisdiction of a Court and the same position was affirmed by the ruling of the Constitution bench of the Supreme Court in "State of Maharashtra vs Milind & Ors., (2001) 1 SCC 4", he said.

The only complaint which can be taken to a Court in connection with Meetei/Meitei's demand for ST status is about the non-disposal of the letter sent by the Centre to the State on May 29, 2013 till date, Brijkishiore said and added that the matter may have reached the Manipur High Court over the failure of the State Government to send the recommendation sought by the Centre.

He went on to state that the judgment given by the Manipur High Court last year on sending the recommendation sought by the Centre was misquoted by a section of people and construed as the Court taking sides.

Reiterating that the decision to grant ST status has to be taken by the Government and the Parliament and not by the Court, Brijkishore added that the State Government not sending the recommendation to the Centre is a roadblock to the Meetei/Meitei's demand for ST.

Saying that STDCM has submitted a memorandum each to all Meetei/Meitei MLAs and Ministers to send the recommendation in January 2024, Brijkishore appealed to all the MLAs and Ministers concerned to do the needful in the interest of the people.

It is indispensable to grant ST status to Meetei/Meitei to secure its future, he said and asked the State Government to take the matter very seriously and take a collective decision to send the recommendation and ensure Constitutional safe- guard of the ethnic group.

Brijkishore further appealed to the State Government to address the apprehension of those already included in the ST list and to convince them that addition of Meetei/Meitei in the ST will be beneficial to all.


* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




HEADLINES - 04, MAR 2024
  • Rescued men give clean chit to Peace Committee
  • Imphal-Ukhrul road to be closed from Mar 6
  • Polio immunization drive launched
  • Crowned Miss NE
  • Raise Own Tax Revenue collection : CAG
  • National Immunization Day: IPPI 2024 launched in several districts
  • Associations demand payment of transportation costs and margin money
  • Closing ceremony held
  • Book on climate change mitigation released
  • Road constructed using "Paver Block Technology" inaugurated
  • LMG, AMSGO extend humanitarian aid
  • Ekta Parishad representatives, others call on Governor
  • Lions Club sets up booth for IPPI
  • Sit-in protests bad road condition
  • MNRF greets on 16th Raising Day
  • Governor opens NE film festival
  • MIYC to launch "Know Your Nation" campaign
  • Goods truck stopped at 'gunpoint'
  • Wildlife preservation camp organised
  • No proper assist received : Displaced folks
  • Sure Sight Eye Care Medical Clinic inaugurated
  • Sangeet Natak Puruskar
  • CBI files chargesheet
  • Committee appeals
  • NE India Film Festival gets underway
  • IPPI Prog 2024 launched across state
  • Rescued labourers grateful to Sugnu committee
  • MNRF hopes peace returns in state
  • STDCM reminds Govt on its proposal
  • AR rebuts KIT slur on arms recovery case
  • Stolen vehicle recovered, three arrested
  • Table ethics panel report in assembly: Imagi Meira
  • INC soft on illegal immigrants: Forum
  • Kakching MLA inaugurates paver block road
  • TMNL decries prolonged delay in ADC polls
  • IDP Committee contradicts CM's statement in House
  • 11.379 kg ganja seized, two held with heroin
  • New marking system under NEP soon: Minister
  • 415 Myanmarese kids given polio drops
  • Monica mesmerises Mega Miss NE 2024
  • Artistes, AIR staffers call on Governor
  • CSOs, families of 'missing martyrs' form committee
  • Act logically, restrain emotions: Dr Lenin
  • Union condemns snatching of vehicle
  • Monetary aid provided to Dr Y Mani
  • DHS observes National Immunization Day
  • Clinic assures free treatment to IDPs
  • AR conducts poster making competition
  • Army commemorates World Wildlife Day
  • Students briefed on civil defence
  • LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • President's Rule in Manipur : 1967 - 2025
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • Manipur Medal Tally : 38th National Games
  • Navigating Weird Realities of Corporate World
  • The Power of Poppy - 69 :: Poem
  • Expected floods of beggars to arrive
  • Rh Incompatibility during pregnancy
  • Cherrapunji Craft Gin Raises 1.2 Million
  • Explaining 11th President's Rule in Manipur
  • Lui-Ngai-Ni - Naga Seed Sowing Fest : Book
  • 'Ensure Tamei board exams centre operates'
  • Manipur & her trysts with destinies
  • Kitovi-led NNPGs question Rajya Sabha MP
  • One should always speak of life, not marks
  • Farce of a reason for PR
  • After PR all eyes on ending conflict
  • Draft plan for employment generation #1
  • Loingambi, Mingyashin, Chingri : eMing
  • World Radio Day at Rongdai
  • Focus on present challenges for bright future
  • Ed Sheeran brings India Tour to Shillong
  • Beauty tips for Valentine's Day
  • President's Rule has come !
  • No takers for the hot seat!
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • 50 years of Pebet @MCA #1 : Gallery
  • Kwatha Pham Kaaba :: Movie Review
  • Calls for Resignation of Amit Shah
  • Meitei eschatological belief & ethnic struggle
  • Stop border fencing & restore FMR
  • Failing in a competitive exam is not the end
  • Patra, Bhalla : Men of the moment
  • Warning to social media users amid unrest
  • Gaan-Ngai @Chaopok village #2 : Gallery
  • Imagi Sorat :: Shumang Leela Synopsis
  • Daily Habits & Mindsets of High Achievers
  • Coerced legislators' resignations
  • Right wing policies threaten gender equality
  • The fall of the AAP
  • Moving fast but to which direction
  • Onus on centre to restore order in state
  • 5 flowering plants newly recorded
  • Kangleipak's Unwavering Soul :: Poem
  • Make books & newspapers your companions
  • Pulses for a diverse agriculture
  • Exam warriors redefined
  • Sheeba Chaddha at Guwahati Asian Film Fest
  • Resignation of CM sinking in
  • Resignation unlikely to help restore normalcy
  • Manipur Statehood Day @ 1st MR : Gallery
  • Mahakumbh : Not just a religious gathering
  • Nepal with largest pictorial health warnings
  • Is war profitable market for arms manufacturer
  • Our CM & party resurrected BJP in Delhi
  • Assamese Play 'Comfort Women'
  • Reading into the resignation reality
  • No stormy session for now
  • Tarao Harvesting Fest @Chandel #6 : Gallery
  • 'Vande Bharat' Dream
  • NSS Orientation Programme at MU
  • The influence of the Golden Triangle
  • The Power of Poppy - 68 :: Poem
  • Prasanna Vithanage at Guwahati Film Fest
  • Md Alimuddin, celebrated Sagol Kangjei player
  • Condemnation of Armed Football Match
  • Webinar: KM3NeT Mediterranean experiment
  • Redefining Cancer care: People-centered
  • How thought leadership can propel your career
  • The Science of Success : Attitude #3
  • Guwahati Asian Film Fest : Day 1
  • Of guns and football
  • Armed men playing football, taunting Govt
  • 76th Republic Day @ Kangla #3 : Gallery
  • Epom Amadei Ithak - A theatrical revisit
  • Economy of the dynamic global landscape
  • Is the Bhagavad Gita relevant today ?
  • Healthy hair in Winter
  • Guwahati Asian Film Festival (GAFF) 2025
  • From the battlefields to Delhi
  • Speculations on replacement of Chief Minister
  • 12th Legislative Assembly #2 : Gallery
  • Education & its disjuncture in Manipur
  • HUN-Thadou Cultural Fest 2025 : Theme
  • Coo :: Poem
  • Agartala Coach : India U-19 Women Cricket
  • The story of the village of hope
  • Career choice in wetlands
  • CM in Delhi to meet Shah
  • After failed plastic ban bid, on brickfields
  • New catfish species discovered in Chakpi
  • Love, Unsure :: Poem
  • Manipur's border battles: Deeper conflict
  • A world without leprosy
  • Origin of corruption & possible remedies
  • The question of life
  • 'Sereki' unveils Majuli-themed campaign
  • Posers over summons to Delhi
  • Addiction-free campaign
  • Mera Chaorel Houba @Kangla #5 : Gallery
  • Manipur : Champions Jr Natl Sepaktakraw
  • Effective Unified Command approach
  • Saurashtrian Tamils
  • Accepting the change :: Poem
  • From Kumbh to heaven direct
  • Edge of the seat suspense
  • Wetlands revival efforts reaping fruit
  • Natambakta : Play by JNMDA #4 : Gallery
  • EIIFF 2025 unveils Festival Memento
  • Climate change & plant diseases
  • Shija Hospital- AHPI Healthcare Award
  • Budget 2025: A big gift for middle-class
  • The Science of Success : Attitude #2
  • Cakeology 2025: India's largest cake expo
  • Need to stick to a consistent narrative
  • Leniency on tobacco ban aiding demographic
  • 76th Republic Day @ Kangla #2 : Gallery
  • Pheiroijam Christina - 21st Miss North East
  • Manipur: Gold at 28th Jr National Sepaktakraw
  • Clarion call for redeeming our rightful future
  • The Power of Poppy - 67 :: Poem
  • Clean energy for sustainability
  • Union Budget: Industrialists from NE speaks
  • Balaram Sougaijamba: General of Manipur
  • Nikhil Okram crowned 14th Mister North East
  • Chadong village: Rising from waters with hope
  • Financial literacy for common man
  • Obituary: (L) Pu Thangkholen Sitlhou
  • Nail care in Winters
  • State of war since 2023: No winner, only losers
  • Talks on new district row
  • Radio E-pao: 1000+ songs from Manipur
  • Maibi Jagoi @ Kwak Tanba : Gallery
  • February Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • Ballad of Letting Go :: Poem
  • 2nd Eikhoigi Imphal International Film Fest
  • Deeper exploration of term 'Hill-Valley Divide'
  • Children's Book to adopt 'Look East Policy'
  • Pony registration & conservation
  • Endless suffering of internally displaced child
  • 21st Ningtham Kumhei Fest #2 : Gallery
  • Thiyam Suryamukhi conferred Padma Shri
  • Isolate Kuki Militants by facilitating safe return
  • Sports Meet held at Rongdai Village
  • Eco-Apocalypse: Prevent collapse with Green
  • Grand Finale : 21st Mega Miss North East
  • Time to give more teeth to ST demand
  • 5 years of ILP; what about NRC demand ?
  • Remembering Md Ladu, celebrated polo player
  • The Lament of Love's Deceit :: Poem
  • Need for inculcating value based education
  • Royte - Times Young Entrepreneur Award
  • Glass Child Syndrome ! 'Sibling rivalry'
  • 6 Films for NE Section at GAFF 2025
  • Pony registration & conservation
  • Impartial anti-extortion cell need of the hour
  • 76th Republic Day @ Kangla #1 : Gallery
  • Conservation Strategies of Pethia manipurensis
  • Remembers 13 Brave Indian Soldiers
  • Workshop: Intl Year of Quantum Science
  • Governor's role and discretionary powers
  • Physics workshop for educators at Agartala
  • Who wins Delhi - Daru or Dharma
  • War on Drugs: A war Manipur cannot loses
  • NE turning into transnational drug hub
  • Essence of Gaan-Ngai #2
  • Manipur's dystopian reality
  • The day Light reached the hills
  • 2nd Eikhoigi Imphal Intl Film Fest 2025
  • Why is depreciation of rupee not stopping ?
  • An introduction to Rabies (Hydrophobia) #5
  • Thoithoiba Yelhou Yangkok Artist #2 : Gallery
  • Republic Day Titbits
  • NIT Manipur: Best Design Award @VLSI Design
  • The Power of Poppy - 66 :: Poem
  • Grand Finale: 14th Mega Mister North East
  • Application : FILMART, Hong Kong
  • The Science of Success : Attitude #1
  • 21st Ningtham Kumhei Fest #1 : Gallery
  • Demographic for balkanisation of Manipur
  • Training on Mushroom Cultivation at Nambol
  • Jugeshwor Kshetrimayum receives GELA 2025
  • Construction Committee of Meetei Yumpham
  • Call against misuse of social media
  • Positive & negative aspects of social media
  • In Search of Peace in Manipur
  • Embracing the Shadows :: Poem
  • Dr Manmohan Singh will live on
  • Rise in the price of medicines
  • Respecting the dead- Denying is a disgrace
  • Winter skin care tips for oily skin
  • Illegal immigrants :: Of FMR & border fencing
  • JD-U row exposes national parties' apathy
  • State Gaan-Ngai @Sagolband #2 : Gallery
  • On 'Only BJP can save Manipur'
  • Frontline health workers dispelling darkness
  • 14th East Himalayan Trade Fair
  • Life is plastic
  • Killers on the road : 834 lives lost
  • Call to action to save State's wetlands
  • Essence of Gaan-Ngai #1
  • The Taste of Dreams wins @Red Intl Film Fest
  • Science: 3rd eye for Meitei-Kuki reconciliation
  • Northeast flies high in direct selling
  • Mastering focus amidst distractions
  • An introduction to Rabies (Hydrophobia) #4
  • BJP : Tepid response from the hills
  • BABINA Hospital sets example in healthcare
  • Nitya Ras @Nongmeibung #1 : Gallery
  • Agonizing reality of our country's veteran elites
  • Historicising the colonial narratives
  • NSS Team Departs for National Integration
  • HUN-Thadou Cultural Festival 2025
  • Time to recreate Naga Peoples Convention 2.0
  • Career in nutrition
  • Need to give more meaning to War on Drugs
  • Time for real action not empty rhetoric
  • Foundation: Manipur Press Club #2 : Gallery
  • "Aronba Wari" :: Shumang Leela Synopsis
  • Tripura's livelihoods challenges
  • Archaeological Exhibition @ Kangla : Gallery
  • Gaan-Ngai @Chaopok village #1 : Gallery
  • Manipur needs to affirm her tribal roots
  • Madras/Chennai- 1989 till 2024 : Gallery
  • Investigate "arms recoveries" in Mizoram
  • Training on Mushroom Cultivation
  • NE Direct Selling Conference & Expo
  • Response of Delhi in last 20 months
  • Regulated entry after FMR scrap, border
  • Mutua Bahadur : Preserving Manipuri culture
  • Competitive Altruism: Resolving ethnic conflict
  • Pithe Puli Utsav at Agartala
  • Building the best version of yourself
  • Guwahati Asian Film Festival 2025
  • Tips to keep your lips soft & smooth in winter
  • Subsidised flight tickets for all
  • MCPCR alert on child trafficking fear
  • Imoinu Erat Thouni @ Wangkhei : Gallery
  • Gaan-Ngai celebrating Culture in Delhi NCR
  • 2nd Emoinu Fish Festival #1 : Gallery
  • Nupilal Ningshing Lamjel #2 : Gallery
  • Licypriya Kangujam: Nat'l Youth Day Award
  • State Gaan-Ngai @Sagolband #1 : Gallery
  • Hingminashi Eikhoi : Call for unity in diversity
  • Misna Chanu aids to Jiribam IDPs : Gallery
  • Mega Protest Rally, end AFSPA #2: Gallery
  • Ningol Chakkouba @ Delhi #3 : Gallery
  • AIR Radio Imphal Station - Live streaming
  • Nupi Lal Memorial @Pune #2 : Gallery
  • The historical account of Kabaw Valley #3
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2024 #6: Gallery
  • E-Pao.net : 25th Anniv & 2025 Wishes
  • Protest @Delhi - Murder of Meiteis #2: Gallery
  • Observance of Thang-Ta Day #1 : Gallery
  • Nupi Lal Memorial @Pune #1 : Gallery
  • Meitei Mayek Tamba : Online Classroom #5
  • Maibi Jagoi @ Mera Houchongba: Gallery
  • Ta Ta TabuHtoN :: Seireng
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025
  • GHOST of PEACE :: Download Booklet