Today(on 15th April), Supreme Court Denies Voting Rights Plea for 18,000 Displaced in Manipur Amidst Lok Sabha Election Preparations.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
NEW DELHI: Today(on 15th April), The Supreme Court of India has rejected a petition requesting voting facilities for around 18,000 internally-displaced persons in Manipur, displaced by ethnic conflict. The plea was submitted prior to the Lok Sabha elections, set to occur in two phases on April 19 and 26 in Manipur.
The bench, led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud alongside justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, expressed reluctance to interfere, citing potential disruption to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Manipur.
Emphasizing the late timing of the plea, they stated-
“Your application comes at the eleventh hour. At this juncture, what feasible actions can be taken? We cannot intervene now.”
Naulak Khamsuanthang, a resident of Manipur, along with others, filed the plea seeking an order from the Election Commission of India (ECI) to set up special polling stations in states where internally-displaced persons have been relocated. The aim was to facilitate their participation in the Lok Sabha elections, even though they are now residing outside Manipur.
The legal representative for the petitioners underscored the situation of the internally-displaced population, noting-
“Approximately 18,000 displaced individuals aspire to exercise their voting rights in the Manipur elections.”
Since May 2023, Manipur has been embroiled in a surge of violence. Ethnic tensions escalated on May 3 with the initiation of a “Tribal Solidarity March” in the hill districts, protesting the majority Meitei community’s call for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. This unrest has resulted in over 160 fatalities and numerous injuries to hundreds of individuals.
Despite a reduction in violent incidents, a considerable number of people remain displaced in relief camps, separated from their homes.
These internally-displaced individuals are eager to participate in the Lok Sabha elections, leading to their plea reaching the Supreme Court. However, the court’s decision not to consider the plea indicates potential obstacles for these individuals to engage in the democratic process.
The upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Manipur are highly significant for the state and its residents, offering a crucial opportunity to elect representatives who can address their concerns and tackle the ongoing challenges faced by the displaced population and the entire state. However, the Supreme Court’s decision not to intervene may present difficulties for internally-displaced individuals in Manipur in exercising their right to vote.
ALSO READ: SC to Review Voting Access for 18,000 Displaced People in Manipur LS Polls
The denial of voting facilities to the displaced population further highlights the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address the underlying issues contributing to the ethnic strife in Manipur. Efforts should be directed towards promoting peace, stability, and reconciliation among various communities, enabling the safe return of internally-displaced people to their homes, and ensuring the protection of their rights.
