The Supreme Court recorded the assurance given by the Manipur government on Friday. The commitment involves taking the necessary steps to enable individuals in relief camps, a result of the state's recent riots, to participate in Christmas ceremonies and prayers.

In its order, the bench, comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud along with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra documented this commitment. The recording came following a plea from Senior Advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, representing the Meitei Christian Churches Council, who urged for a designated space where people in the state could gather to celebrate Christmas. Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta raised concerns regarding the situation, suggesting that the gathering of a specific community might lead to potential issues.

CJI Chandrachud questioned, "What about their right to observe Christmas then?" Solicitor General Mehta responded, "They have the right, but the petition never specifically requested a congregation for Christmas as a prayer."

The Court emphasized that those affected by the situation possess the right to observe and celebrate Christmas.

Additionally, the Court directed the state to compile a comprehensive list of religious sites that were vandalized during the earlier violence in the State. This information would serve as the basis for establishing a committee tasked with strategizing the restoration process for these places.

Furthermore, the Court mandated the State to provide this list to the Committee chaired by retired Justice Gita Mittal. This step was crucial to facilitate the Committee in formulating a comprehensive proposal for the restoration of the vandalized places of worship.

The Supreme Court today additionally instructed the State to maintain regular communication with the Committee, updating them on the progress and measures implemented in the restoration process of these places of worship.

The bench was presiding over a set of petitions concerning the eruption of violence in Manipur earlier this year.

Earlier, it had established an all-woman judicial committee led by Justice Mittal to scrutinize the investigation proceedings regarding the said violence.

In today's hearing, Senior Advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, speaking on behalf of the Meitei Christian Churches Council, informed the Court that they have identified the places of worship that suffered damage during the period of violence.

CJI Chandrachud raised queries directed at the state regarding measures in place to prevent encroachment upon these religious sites. The Court also inquired about the state's strategies and intentions concerning the repair and restoration of these places of worship.

In reply, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati stated that the damaged places of worship have been identified and secured to prevent further harm or encroachment.

In response to the Court's inquiry regarding the number of churches affected by the violence, Ahmadi specified that a total of 247 Meitei churches were impacted during that period of unrest.

Advocate Vibha Dutt Makhija, representing the Committee under Justice Mittal's leadership, highlighted that, apart from Meitei churches, other religious sites, such as Buddhist temples, have also incurred damage during the violent incidents.

Given this context, the Court deemed it fitting to issue directives to both the State and the committee for the identification, protection, and restoration of these places of worship affected by the violence. Additionally, the Court instructed the State of Manipur to formulate a proposal or plan addressing the rehabilitation of individuals whose homes were destroyed during the violent incidents.