SC Forms All-Woman Judicial Panel to Oversee Relief in Manipur

Chief Justice of India, D.Y. Chandrachud, has revealed the establishment of an all-women panel dedicated to facilitating healing and relief in the violence-affected area of Manipur. This panel will comprise three accomplished former High Court judges, led by Justice Gita Mittal. The primary objective of the panel is to extend a healing touch to the prevailing situation in Manipur.

Download Free April 2024 BOLT PDF (Current Affairs)

Members of the Committee

The distinguished all-women committee comprises three highly experienced former High Court judges:

Justice Gita Mittal: Former Chief Justice of the Jammu & Kashmir High Court.
Justice Shalini Phansalkar Joshi: Retired judge of the Bombay High Court.
Justice Asha Menon: Former judge of the Delhi High Court.

Objectives of the Panel

The primary responsibility of the committee is to supervise and manage relief and rehabilitation initiatives, facilitate the restoration of homes and places of worship, and enhance overall relief efforts in the violence-affected regions. This comprehensive committee is dedicated to addressing the multifaceted aspects of the situation in Manipur with the aim of instigating positive transformations.

Investigation

In addition, Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud has appointed retired IPS officer Dattatray Padsalgikar to oversee the investigation of cases arising from the violence. An extensive number of more than 6,500 First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered in Manipur between May and July.

To ensure a comprehensive and unbiased investigation, the Director General of Police (DGP) from six different states will select six Deputy Inspector General (DIG) rank officers each. These designated officers will oversee the Special Investigation Teams (SITs) established for handling these cases. This approach aims to establish multiple levels of oversight to guarantee a just and meticulous investigation process.

About Manipur Violence

The situation in Manipur is tense and volatile. There has been an upsurge in violence between the majority Meitei community and the minority Kuki-Zomi tribe since early May 2023. The violence has led to the deaths of over 160 people and the displacement of thousands more.

Background

The violence is rooted in long-standing ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki-Zomi communities.
The Meitei are the majority community in Manipur, and they have traditionally held political and economic power.
The Kuki-Zomi are a minority tribe, and they have felt marginalized by the Meitei.
The violence in Manipur has been exacerbated by the activities of armed groups, such as the Kuki National Organization (KNO) and the United People’s Front (UPF).
These groups have been fighting for the rights of the Kuki-Zomi people, and they have been responsible for some of the violence.

Manipur Government’s Response

The government of Manipur has responded to the violence with a heavy-handed approach.
The security forces have been deployed in large numbers, and there have been reports of human rights abuses.
The government has also imposed curfews and restrictions on movement.

The situation in Manipur is a humanitarian crisis. Thousands of people have been displaced from their homes, and they are living in camps. There is a shortage of food, water, and medical supplies. The violence has also had a devastating impact on the economy of Manipur.

Casualties

As per the latest update provided by the State government, the recent unrest in Manipur has tragically caused 150 fatalities, marked by a series of incidents primarily spanning from May to June.
The confrontations have left 502 individuals injured, and the region has witnessed a staggering 5,107 cases of arson.
The report further notes that 252 individuals have been taken into custody, along with an additional 12,740 preventive arrests aimed at maintaining public order and safety.

The situation in Manipur is a serious threat to peace and stability in the northeast region of India. It is important for the government of India to take urgent steps to address the violence and to find a political solution to the conflict.

Shubham Mittal

Shubham Mittal is a renowned current affairs writer and expert in government exam preparation, inspiring readers with insightful articles and guiding aspirants with his expertise.

Oliveboard Live Courses & Mock Test Series