CJI Cautions Against Using Supreme Court to Escalate Violence in Manipur, Clarifies Court’s Role
Imphal: During the hearing of PILs related to the ongoing violence in Manipur, the Supreme Court made it clear that its platform should not be exploited to further escalate the situation. The court stressed that it can only monitor the measures taken by the state government and issue relevant orders, but it cannot assume control over the security apparatus. The Manipur government presented the latest status report on the situation, and the hearing will continue on Tuesday.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta urged the petitioners to conscientiously deal with this matter while displaying utmost sensitivity. He stressed the significance of refraining from spreading misinformation as it could exacerbate an already challenging situation. Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, representing the petitioners, highlighted the serious escalation in the situation in Manipur. In response, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud urged Gonsalves to come up with concrete suggestions.
The CJI emphasized that the court’s skepticism should not lead to the assumption of responsibility for maintaining law and order. Gonsalves argued that the narrative seems to be against the tribal population in Manipur, to which the CJI responded by stating that the court does not want the proceedings to serve as a platform for further violence or exacerbation of existing issues in the state. The court clarified that it does not have control over the security apparatus or law and order, but it is open to considering suggestions.
The CJI observed that the matter should not be viewed from a partisan standpoint but rather as a humanitarian issue. He also stressed the importance of adhering to certain protocols while arguing before the court.
The situation in Manipur has remained tense as clashes between various ethnic groups have persisted. Recently, on Monday, one police officer was killed and ten others were injured in a clash in Manipur’s west Kangpokpi area.
The unrest began on May 3 with a march organized against the Scheduled Tribe demand of the Meitei community. The Supreme Court’s role in monitoring the situation and the need for concrete suggestions from the parties involved remain crucial as efforts to address and resolve the ongoing violence in Manipur continue.