In a recent development concerning the ongoing violence in Manipur, the Supreme Court of India has underscored that court proceedings should not be leveraged to exacerbate the situation or instigate further issues. The court, presided over by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, stressed the need for a humanitarian approach to the matter, acknowledging the court’s limitations in managing security or law and order.
the Chief Justice stated;
“We do not want these proceedings to be used as a platform for further escalations of violence and other problems. We must be conscious that we are not running security or law and order. This is a humanitarian issue and needs to be looked at from that angle. Keeping in mind these facets we will hear the case tomorrow,”
These remarks were made during the hearing of several pleas related to the ongoing conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur. The situation in the state, described as “constantly evolving” by Solicitor General of India (SGI) Tushar Mehta, was discussed in a status report detailing the Central government’s efforts to restore normalcy.
Senior Advocate Colin Gonsalves, representing the Kuki groups, expressed concerns about serious escalations in the state. He contested the Solicitor General’s previous statement that only 10 deaths were reported, claiming the number had risen to 110.
In response, the Chief Justice emphasized that skepticism should not prompt the court to intervene in the law and order situation. He asked Gonsalves to provide specific suggestions at the next hearing.
Gonsalves’ primary concern was the arrest of the assailants. The Solicitor General, on the other hand, highlighted the importance of understanding the ongoing situation and its underlying causes.
The Chief Justice then shifted focus to the seizure of weapons from police stations, requesting an update on actions taken in this regard. He directed the Chief Secretary of Manipur to file a status report.
Gonsalves attributed the escalations to terrorist groups banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The Chief Justice, however, reminded all parties that the court is a legal forum and should not usurp the responsibilities of the elected government. He said;
“This platform is sometimes used as a different one and we must not forget that this is a legal forum. If we start running law and order, then what is the elected government for? We have to be conscious of the remit of the Supreme Court,”
Last week, the state government pledged to file an updated status report detailing measures taken to curb the violence. One of the pleas is an interlocutory application filed by the Manipur Tribal Forum, alleging that the Central government’s assurances to the top court regarding its handling of the issue are false.
The Forum had requested the deployment of the Army in tribal areas to control the situation. It was among the parties that had approached the top court seeking directions to the Central and State governments to evacuate Manipuri Tribals who had fled to CRPF camps and to ensure their safe return to their residences under a security escort.
On May 8, the Manipur government assured the Supreme Court that concerns regarding the ongoing violence will be addressed and that remedial measures will be taken on a proactive basis. The court had then called for arrangements to be made in relief camps and for necessary precautions to be taken to rehabilitate displaced persons and to protect places of religious worship.
The Union Home Ministry had later constituted a committee led by former Gauhati High Court Chief Justice Ajay Lamba to probe the matter. The Forum, however, deemed this arrangement unacceptable, as it was done without consulting the tribal groups who are the victims.