The Supreme Court on Friday while hearing a batch of petitions pertaining to the district-wise identification of minorities, expressed its disapproval over the failure of certain state governments to submit affidavits and responses, despite previous reminders.
A Bench comprising Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Dipankar Datta said this while hearing a batch of petitions seeking direction to the Union government for laying down of comprehensive guidelines for the identification of minorities at the district level.
During the hearing today, the Bench questioned as to why the states, despite being reminded on earlier occasions, have yet not furnished the details.
Justice Khanna said that the court would impose costs on states failing to comply and asked for the list of states, which were yet to file a reply or furnish the date.
Despite showing its resentment, the Apex Court granted another opportunity for non-compliant state governments to submit responses within six weeks.
It clearly stated that a failure to comply within the stipulated timeline would result in a cost of Rs 10,000 being imposed on the respective state government.
The Court further instructed the Union of India to file a status report two weeks before the next date of hearing.
The Court has adjourned the hearing until April, directing the Registry to relist the matter on a non-miscellaneous day in April 2024.
Granting one last opportunity to state governments to either furnish details or data to the Central government or file an affidavit in this court.
Last year in April, the top court had granted a last opportunity to state governments and Union Territories to submit their responses regarding the identification and notification of religious and linguistic minorities.
The Apex Court had clearly said that no reply will indicate that the recalcitrant state government had nothing to say on the matter.
Even after strict warning, few states failed to file their responses, leading to this recent development.
The Centre had filed a report in the case with the views of the States and UTs recently.