HC initiates suo-motu PIL on flood
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 03 2025: The High Court of Manipur has taken suo-motu cognizance of the severe flood and landslide situation affecting large parts of the State since late May 2025 .

The High Court took action on a detailed note submitted by the Registrar General, High Court of Manipur, based on inputs provided by the Member Secretary, Manipur State Legal Services Authority.

The Division Bench, comprising Chief Justice K Somashekar and Justice A Bimol Singh, has registered the matter as a Public Interest Litigation titled "In re: Monitoring of flood and landslide issues in the State of Manipur" .

A notice has been issued to 43 respondents, including the State of Manipur represented by the Chief Secretary, and the Union of India represented by the Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs.

The PIL seeks the establishment of a comprehensive monitoring mechanism to oversee the efforts of all concerned stakeholders involved in managing the humanitarian crisis.

The Court emphasized the need for coordinated, timely, and effective measures aimed at protecting the life and liberty of citizens affected by floods and landslides.

The relief and rehabilitation efforts must address critical needs such as food, shelter, clothing, medical aid, alternate accommodation, and compensation and reconstruction packages for victims.

The PIL highlights that approximately 19,811 people have been affected, with Imphal East and Senapati districts amongst the severely hit districts in valley and hill areas.

Over 3,365 houses damaged; key public institutions like All India Radio Imphal and Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences faced inundation, it said.

Relief camps have been established for displaced residents; rescue operations by Police, Army, Paramilitary and Disaster Relief Force, NGOs etc have saved over 800 individuals, it noted.

The floods and landslides have caused widespread disruption, displacing thousands and damaging critical infrastructure.

The PIL stressed the urgent need for a coordinated response prioritizing nutrition, healthcare, sanitation, safe shelter, and special care for vulnerable groups such as children, women, elderly, and differently-abled persons.

The Court has directed all respondents to submit a status report on their ongoing relief and rehabilitation activities by June 9, 2025, and will oversee the creation of a monitoring committee to ensure transparency, efficiency, and accountability.

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