Manipur Violence: “We will hear on reopening. 3rd July…Sorry, earliest we can hear is 3rd July,” SC on an early listing of the matter

Today, June 20, 2023, the vacation bench of the Supreme Court refused to urgently list the Interlocutory Application (IA) filed by the Manipur Tribal Forum in vacation and listed it on July 3, 2023. Senior Advocate Colin Gonsalves mentioned the matter today before the vacation bench highlighting the urgency of the matter. While mentioning the matter for urgent listing before Justice MM Sundresh and Justice Surya Kant, Senior Advocate stated that 70 tribals were killed even after the assurance of the government to curb violence which may increase in the future. In context to this, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta stated that “Security agencies are on the ground. Similar prayers were being made before vacations. The court decided to hear it after reopening. Let it be heard after vacations.” Senior Advocate Gonsalves further argued that “They gave assurance earlier. After assurance, 70 tribals were killed. I am asking for army protection. It is listed on 17th July. By then, 50 more tribals will be killed.” However, the bench disagreed to entertain IA in the vacation stating “This is purely a law and order situation…Court is not required to pass orders for army intervention.” Justice Surya Kant said “We will hear on reopening. 3rd July…Sorry, earliest we can hear is 3rd July.”