Team Meitei Personalities Manipur (TMP Manipur) and Meitei Alliance Trust have filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court seeking safe, unrestricted and non-discriminatory movement of people and goods along National Highways in Manipur.
Filed under Article 32 of the Constitution, the petition names the State of Manipur, the Union Government through the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the National Highways Authority of India as respondents.
The petitioners have sought directions to prevent unlawful highway blockades, extortion and unauthorised collections from commuters and transporters, while ensuring that peaceful protests are conducted without unlawfully obstructing essential transport routes.
They have urged the Court to direct the Centre and the State Government to formulate a coordinated highway protection plan identifying vulnerable stretches, establishing emergency response mechanisms and ensuring adequate security during disruptions.
The PIL also seeks action against intimidation, coercion and extortion linked to unauthorised collection of money, purported taxes, tolls and compulsory contributions from highway users. It proposes a 24-hour complaint mechanism with designated nodal officers to facilitate prompt reporting and investigation.
The petitioners have further sought surveys and appropriate legal action against unauthorised gates, barriers, checkpoints, collection booths and other structures allegedly erected on National Highway land.
Other reliefs sought include reports on alternative road connectivity during disruptions, consolidated records of blockades and related cases, periodic status reports, and judicial oversight of measures taken by the authorities. The petition also seeks consideration of a Special Court for expeditious trials of highway-related offences, subject to the applicable legal framework.
The petitioners have argued that uninterrupted highway access is essential for transporting food, medicines, fuel and other necessities, besides safeguarding public safety and freedom of movement.
