Supreme Court Judges to Witness Manipur Relief Camps on March 22

Supreme Court judges under the leadership of Justice B.R. Gavai are expected to undertake an inspection visit of relief camps in Manipur on March 22, 2025, as part of observing the situations prevailing among the affected people. This is set alongside the celebrations to mark the 12th-anniversary foundation of the Manipur High Court and shall encompass rendering legal aid and other help to the victimized populations.

Purpose of the Visit

The team, consisting of Justices Surya Kant, Vikram Nath, M.M. Sundresh, K.V. Viswanathan, and N. Kotiswar Singh, will visit the relief camps, meet affected families, and make sure legal aid and welfare services are extended to those entitled. Justice Gavai is scheduled to inaugurate virtual legal services and medical camps in several districts of Manipur, such as Imphal East, Imphal West, and Ukhrul.

Legal and Medical Aid

Under this initiative, legal aid centers will be established at different sites to facilitate access by internally displaced persons (IDPs) to government schemes, rebuild lost identity documents, and access employment opportunities. The camps will also provide access to victims for social welfare programs like pensions and health benefits. Each government department that has volunteered has been asked to select at least five important schemes relevant to the displaced people.

Also, 25 specialist doctors from Chennai will carry out medical check-ups and administer necessary treatment to relief camp inmates. The medical services will be extended for six more days to provide continued healthcare assistance to the affected families.

Ethnic Violence in Manipur: A Background

Manipur has been experiencing ethnic strife since May 2023, when a demonstration seeking Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the Meitei tribe resulted in clashes with the Kuki tribe. The clashes have claimed more than 250 lives and left over 50,000 people displaced. The state is still divided, with the valley held by the Meiteis and the hills under the control of the Kukis, with a buffer zone guarded by paramilitary troops.

Political Responses and Judiciary’s Role

The Congress party has received the visit of Supreme Court judges warmly but criticized the central government’s response to the crisis. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh asked why Prime Minister Narendra Modi had not gone to the state affected by violence despite the seriousness of the situation.

This visit by the Supreme Court delegation highlights the judiciary’s commitment to addressing the humanitarian crisis and ensuring justice for the displaced communities in Manipur.