Petitioner seeks justice for journalists harassed at Gwaltabi checkpoint; High Court issues Notice to respondents

In a significant move to uphold constitutional rights and federal integrity, the High Court of Manipur has issued notice in PIL No. 11 of 2025 filed by Dr. Bachaspatimayum Deben Sharma, a respected academician and public-spirited citizen, through his counsel Mr. Khaidem Mani, Senior Advocate assisted by Meihoubam Rakesh, Advocate.
The petition, which came up for hearing on 27 May 2025 before a Bench comprising the Chief Justice Mr. K. Somashekar and Justice Ahanthem Bimol Singh, challenges the unlawful obstruction of a Manipur State Transport (MST) bus by personnel of the 4 Mahar Regiment at Gwaltabi Checkpoint on 20 May 2025. The vehicle was ferrying accredited journalists assigned to cover the State-sponsored 5thShirui Lily Festival.
According to the petition, the journalists were coerced to remove or conceal the word “Manipur” from the MST bus signage, leading to a direct infringement of their fundamental rights under Articles 19(1)(a), 19(1)(d), and 21 of the Constitution. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and raised serious concerns regarding the federal balance and administrative propriety between State and Central authorities.
Despite the Government of Manipur’s prompt issuance of an inquiry order dated 21 May 2025, the Petitioner has contended that the said order is procedurally deficient and lacks neutrality. It does not include the journalists or civil society in the inquiry panel and fails to define clear terms of reference.
The High Court, after hearing submissions from Senior Counsel Mr. Khaidem Mani on behalf of the Petitioner, has issued notice to all Respondents and directed the filing of responses by the Union of India and the State Government. The case has been listed for further hearing on 10 June 2025.
Speaking after the hearing, Senior Advocate Khaidem Mani stated, “This petition is about more than a single incident. It’s about safeguarding freedom of the press, preserving the dignity of the State, and restoring constitutional order in a region troubled by arbitrary use of force.”
The Petitioner’s legal team continues to press for the constitution of an independent and impartial inquiry panel consisting of retired judges, human rights defenders, and media representatives, along with the issuance of clear SOPs for coordination between Central and State forces.
The next date of hearing is scheduled for 10 June 2025.