Court can't be used to escalate Manipur violence, observes SC

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Supreme Court on Monday cautioned that the proceedings pertaining to the violence in Manipur should not be used as a platform to escalate tensions. A bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said this during the resumed hearing of a bunch of petitions pertaining to the ongoing violence in Manipur where clashes erupted on May 3 between various communities. Solicitor general Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Manipur government and Centre, described the prevailing situation as «constantly evolving».

He added that the Centre has taken various steps to restore normalcy in the state. On the other hand, senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, appearing for the Kuki groups, raised concerns about serious escalations in the state. He contended that despite assurances given by the Central government, the situation has worsened in the state and the casualties are on the upswing.

Speaking for the bench, the CJI orally remarked that the court «must be conscious» that it is «not running security or law and order». Observing that it is a «humanitarian issue and needs to be looked at from that angle», the CJI added: «If we start running law and order, then what is the elected government for? We have to be conscious of the remit of the Supreme Court.» The matter will be taken up for resumed hearing on Tuesday. Manipur's chief secretary has been asked to file a status report.

Last month, during the summer break, the Manipur Tribal Forum, in a fresh interlocutory application, had told SC that the Centre's assurances pertaining to the condition in Manipur were «empty, meaningless, non-serious and false». The forum alleged that one of the groups involved in the attacks has the backing of the state machinery. In its application, the Tribal