A bench led by the Chief Justice of India, D Y Chandrachud, while hearing a batch of pleas on Manipur violence, said that the proceedings should not be used to escalate the violence or further create problems.
He was of the view that the issue should be approached from a humanitarian perspective while keeping in mind the limited jurisdiction of the court in matters relating to security/law and order.
"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,” he said.
Tushar Mehta, Solicitor General of India, while highlighting the efforts of the Union government to restore normalcy, said that the situation is constantly evolving.
Colin Gonsalves, senior advocate appearing for the Kuki groups of Manipur said that situation is serious in the state and around 110 deaths have been reported.
However, the CJI was of the view that scepticism should not lead to interference with the law and order situation.
Accordingly, Gonsalves was directed to provide concrete data on the next date of hearing. Gonsalves highlighted that escalations were caused due to terrorist groups banned under the UAPA.
CJI asked for an update in relation to the seizure of weapons from the police stations, and the chief secretary was directed to file a status report.
The court was of the view that it being a legal forum, the court ought not take over the responsibilities of the elected government.
On 8 May, the Manipur government had assured the Supreme Court that the concerns regarding the ongoing violence will be addressed and remedial measures would be taken.
The court directed for arrangements to be made in the relief camps and for rehabilitating displaced persons and protecting places of worship. A committee has been constituted by the Union Home Ministry headed by Justice Ajay Lamba, retired judge of Gauhati High Court.
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