Inform panel of steps taken to secure places of worship: SC to Manipur

The bench said the identification shall be across all religious denominations and irrespective of the nature of religious structure which has been damaged or destroyed. It asked the state government to appraise the committee of the steps taken to secure the places of worship.

SC also permitted the committee to prepare a comprehensive proposal, including the restoration of the places of worship which were damaged or destroyed. The court also extended the term of the committee by six months.

Senior Advocate Huzefa Ahamadi, appearing for the Meitei Christian Churches Council, urged the court to direct the state to make some arrangements so that believers can congregate for Christmas.

Senior Advocate Vibha Datta Makhija, appearing for the committee, said it “had visited and found that religious and non-religious buildings have suffered large degree of damage. Religious places were of various faiths including some Buddhist temples. Therefore we had asked the state to make a list of damaged places”. She added that the committee will submit the follow up in its next report.

The court also recorded the assurance given by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and ASG Aishwarya Bhati that the state will ensure that those in the relief camps are in a position to observe all requisite ceremonies in connection with Christmas.