In a significant move to alleviate the challenges faced by the people of Manipur, the Manipur High Court has ruled in favor of granting limited internet access in specific locations across the state. The court's decision comes in response to a series of public interest litigation (PIL) petitions seeking the restoration of internet services, which were suspended earlier this year following violent clashes.

Justices Ahanthem Bimol Singh and A Guneswar Sharma, presiding over the case, directed the state authorities to ensure that designated areas under their control are equipped with limited internet services. This step aims to assist the public, particularly during the ongoing student admission process and for carrying out urgent and essential services.

The court also mandated that social media access be blocked and necessary precautions be taken to address the state's concerns regarding law and order. Internet service providers have been instructed to submit affidavits on the feasibility of offering limited internet services while maintaining necessary restrictions.

The Manipur High Court's ruling brings a ray of hope to the people of Manipur who have been grappling with an indefinite internet shutdown since May 3, triggered by violent incidents that ensued following a court order on the inclusion of the Meetei/Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe list.

It is noteworthy that the Supreme Court, declining to urgently list a petition challenging the internet shutdown, deferred to the ongoing proceedings in the Manipur High Court. A vacation bench of Justices Aniruddha Bose and Rajesh Bindal concluded that duplicating the proceedings would be unnecessary.

The next hearing on this matter is scheduled for June 23, wherein the court will review the progress made regarding the implementation of limited internet services. With this positive development, the Manipur High Court's decision serves as a beacon of hope, offering relief to the people of Manipur and fostering essential connectivity in designated areas.