The criminal procedures against 30 Army personnel who were involved in the December 2021 Nagaland massacres were dropped by the Supreme Court of India on September 17, 2024, in a major verdict. These individuals had been part in an operation in the Mon district, where an Army truck carrying miners was mistaken for an insurgent vehicle, resulting in the terrible deaths of thirteen civilians.The event, which sparked widespread outrage, led to several legal proceedings against the Army officers involved.
The Supreme Court ruled that the criminal cases could not proceed without proper sanction from the government, as required under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). The Court stated that the "proceedings in the impugned FIRs shall stand closed," but left open the possibility for prosecution if the necessary sanction is granted by the central government in the future. The Court also mentioned that internal disciplinary action could still be taken by the Armed Forces.
This ruling has raised concerns among critics regarding military accountability in conflict zones, especially under the protective cover provided by AFSPA, which shields personnel from prosecution without prior government approval
TAGS: Supreme Court Nagaland killings Mon district Army personnel AFSPA 2021 Nagaland operation dismissal of criminal proceedings government sanction Armed Forces Special Powers Act military accountability internal disciplinary action
