The Supreme Court of India has extended the tenure of a high-powered committee of retired judges by six months. This committee was set up to evaluate the effectiveness of relief and rehabilitation efforts in Manipur, where ethnic violence has been ongoing since May 2023.
A bench led by Chief Justice of India, Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, issued the order to extend the committee’s tenure, which expired on July 15. The decision came after senior counsel Vibha Makhija, appointed as an amicus to represent the committee, requested the extension.
She emphasized the need for the committee to continue monitoring the humanitarian efforts in the violence-hit state. Agreeing with her, the bench, which also included justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, extended the committee’s tenure.
Formation and Purpose of the Committee
The committee was formed in August 2023 and consists of three former high court judges: Justice Gita Mittal (former Chief Justice of the Jammu & Kashmir High Court), Justice Shalini P Joshi (former Bombay High Court judge), and Justice Asha Menon (former Delhi High Court judge). This all-women committee was tasked with investigating violence against women, ensuring the physical and psychological well-being of those in relief camps, and overseeing the payment of damages to the victims.
Since its formation, the committee has submitted several important reports. These reports cover a range of issues, including the provision of essential supplies in relief camps, medical assistance for displaced people, restoration of religious places, dignified disposal of bodies, and disbursal of compensation.
Background of the Violence
The violence in Manipur began on May 3, 2023, during a protest against a court-ordered change to the state’s reservation policy. This change granted Scheduled Tribe status to the dominant Meitei community, leading to clashes with the tribal Kuki community. The violence quickly spread across the state, displacing tens of thousands of people who fled their burning homes and neighborhoods into jungles and often across state borders. At least 170 people have been killed in the violence.
The Supreme Court’s decision to extend the committee’s tenure highlights the ongoing need for oversight and support in Manipur. The committee will continue to monitor and report on the situation, ensuring that relief and rehabilitation efforts are effective and that the needs of the affected communities are met.
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