CHONGTHAM NIMAI SINGH Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Shri N. Jotendro, learned Sr. Advocate assisted by Ms. M.C. Linthoingambee, Advocate appearing for the petitioners in PIL No.49 of 2018; Shri N. Kumarjit, learned Advocate General, Manipur assisted by Shri P. Tamphamani, Advocate for the State respondents, Shri H.S. Paonam, learned Sr. Advocate assisted by Shri S. Gunabanta, Advocate for the respondent No.2 in WP(C) No.825 of 2018; Shri M. Hemchandra, learned Sr. Advocate for the petitioners in WP(C) No.1084 of 2018 and 327 of 2019 and the respondent No.5 in PIL No.49 of 2018, Shri Y. Nirmolchand, learned Sr. Advocate assisted by Shri L. Raju, Advocate for the petitioner in W.P. (C) No. 1036 of 2018; Shri S. Suresh, learned ASG for the Union of India; Shri A. Mohendro, learned Advocate for the petitioner in WP(C) No.825 of 2018 and the respondent No.4 in PIL No.49 of 2018, Shri B.P. Sahu, learned Senior Advocate assisted by Shri S. Yaiskul, Advocate appearing for the Manipur University; Shri Th. Ibohal, Senior Advocate for the respondent No.6, MUTA in PIL; Shri Th. Modhu, the learned Advocate for the respondent No.8, MUSA in PIL; Shri N. Ibotombi, Senior Advocate for the Manipur University in WP(C) No.825 of 2018 and Shri A. Sashikumar, Advocate for the respondent No.7, MUSU.

(2.) The above mentioned petitions namely writ petitions and the PILs, have arisen out of the same set of facts and therefore, the same are being disposed of by this common judgment and order. The said petitions have, indisputably and undoubtedly, arisen out of the problems plagued by the student"?s agitation in Manipur University for quite some time. A University is meant for the education of students and therefore, the interest of the students is paramount. The teachers and staff of the University are the stakeholders whose roles are indispensable for the smooth functioning of the University.

(3.) A PIL No.48 of 2018 was taken up by this Court pursuant to a letter dated 29-09-2018 submitted to the Hon"?ble Chief Justice of this court by a journalist, Shri Hemantakumar Ningomba, the then Editor of Hueiyen Lanpao, a local daily (Manipuri Edition) for taking up appropriate action regarding the imbroglio of the Manipur University vis-a-vis the unwanted atmosphere in the institution whereby the academic careers of thousands of students were at stake. His letter dated 29-09-2018 reads as under: