In February 2020, the Supreme Court issued a notice to the Central government, asking for its response to the plea, which was filed through advocate Satya Mitra.
New Delhi, Feb 3: The Supreme Court on Monday refused to entertain a plea concerning suicides among armed forces personnel, stating that the allegations were too broad in nature.
A bench comprising Justices B R Gavai and K Vinod Chandran observed that it was not feasible for the apex court to conduct a “roving inquiry” under Article 32 of the Constitution.
The court pointed out that all the petitioners and the claims made in the plea were related to Chhattisgarh. The bench emphasized that the jurisdictional high court would be in a better position to address the matter.
“If the petitioners so desire, they may approach the jurisdictional high court for redressal of grievances,” the bench stated.
In February 2020, the Supreme Court had issued a notice to the Central government, asking for its response to the plea, which was filed through advocate Satya Mitra.
On Monday, additional solicitor general K M Nataraj, representing the Centre, argued that the petition contained general prayers. He stated that if the petitioners had specific grievances, they should present them to the appropriate authorities.
Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, appearing for the petitioners, highlighted the concerning data on suicides among armed forces personnel. He urged the Centre to explain the measures being taken to prevent such incidents.
“They must have a system in place,” Gonsalves insisted.
He also brought attention to the alleged mistreatment of junior-level personnel in the armed forces.
“They must have some remedies. There are cases of leaves being denied,” he pointed out.
However, the Supreme Court bench maintained that such an investigation would be beyond its scope.
“This is like making a roving inquiry throughout the country,” the bench remarked. It reiterated that the appropriate high court should handle the petitioners’ grievances.
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