The Supreme Court on Monday disposed of a petition filed by the Kuki Women Organization for Human Rights after the Manipur government informed the court that the blockade on National Highway-2 had been removed and the supply of essential commodities restored.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana, was hearing the PIL seeking removal of the blockade on NH-2 and restoration of essential supplies to affected areas.
Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati informed the bench that NH-2 had been opened. The State’s status report also stated that steps were being taken to remove blockades from other national and state highways.
Senior Advocate Anand Grover, appearing for the petitioner, referred to the Manipur government’s August 28 order directing removal of blockades and obstructions from national and state highways and submitted that the petition’s concern was its implementation.
The court recorded that NH-2 had been reopened for the movement of essential commodities and, in view of the developments, the petitioner submitted that the plea had become infructuous. The petition was accordingly disposed of.
The development follows the Supreme Court’s August direction to the parties to submit comprehensive proposals for reopening blocked highways across Manipur. The bench had observed that highway blockades were affecting ordinary people and disrupting essential supplies.
The court had also directed that issues concerning highway blockades be brought before the local administration and observed that collection of money from trucks and vehicles entering Manipur should be stopped.