Supreme Court Urges Caution in Manipur Violence Proceedings, Emphasizes Humanitarian Perspective
The Supreme Court, in its latest hearing on the Manipur violence, underscored the importance of avoiding the escalation of violence or the creation of additional problems through court proceedings. Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, leading the bench, emphasized that the issue should be approached from a humanitarian standpoint, with the court recognizing its limitations in managing security and law and order matters.
During the hearing, various pleas related to the ongoing violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur were considered. Solicitor General of India (SGI) Tushar Mehta presented a status report highlighting the Central government's efforts to restore normalcy in the state, describing the situation as "constantly evolving."
Senior Advocate Colin Gonsalves, representing the Kuki groups, expressed concerns about the serious escalation of violence, contradicting the earlier statement made by SG Mehta regarding the reported deaths. The Chief Justice urged Gonsalves to provide specific suggestions at the next hearing date, focusing on the primary concern of apprehending the assailants.
Addressing the issue of law and order, the Chief Justice emphasized that the court must not overstep its role, as it is a legal forum and not a substitute for the elected government. The Court directed the Chief Secretary of Manipur to submit a status report regarding the seizure of weapons from police stations.
One of the pleas before the court is an interlocutory application filed by the Manipur Tribal Forum, which accuses the Central government of making false assurances regarding its handling of the situation. The Forum seeks the deployment of the Army in tribal areas to control the violence and ensure the safe return of Manipuri Tribals to their residences under security escort.
Previously, the Manipur government had assured the Supreme Court of addressing concerns and taking proactive measures to curb the violence. The Court had called for relief arrangements, the rehabilitation of displaced persons, and the protection of places of worship. The Union Home Ministry had also formed a committee, led by former Gauhati High Court Chief Justice Ajay Lamba, to investigate the matter.
However, the Forum raised objections, claiming that the arrangement was made without consulting the tribal groups who are the victims of the violence.
TAGS: Supreme Court Manipur violence court proceedings escalate violence create problems humanitarian perspective limitations Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud Meitei and Kuki communities ongoing violence Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta status report Central government normalcy Senior Advocate Colin Gonsalves law and order skepticism assailants Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act UAPA weapons seizure Chief Secretary of Manipur terrorist groups elected government interlocutory application Manipur Tribal Forum Army deployment relief camps displaced persons places of religious worship Union Home Ministry Ajay Lamba investigation false assurances.
