Manipur Violence: Three reports submitted by the Committee before the Supreme Court, next hearing on August 25

The Committee constituted by the Supreme Court to look into humanitarian aspects of the issues related to Manipur violence submitted three reports today before the bench. The members of the committee include Former Chief Justice of J&K High Court Justice Gita Mittal, former Bombay High Court judge Justice Shalini Phansalkar Joshi, and former Delhi High Court judge Justice Asha Menon. The bench constituting Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, Justice Manoj Misra, and Justice JB Pardiwala directed the counsels to circulate the reports and asked the committee members to respond to the proposed suggestions. After going through the reports, the bench observed that “The reports submitted by Justice Mittal led committee shows essential documents need to be reissued, the victim compensation scheme needs an upgrade and a nodal administration expert be appointed.” 

Along with this, the bench also noted that there is a need for certain changes in context with the requisite administrative assistance, necessary publicity vis work portal, and other infrastructure changes; therefore, CJI said, “Suggestions in that regard may be collated by Ms. Vrinda Grover in due consultation with the committee which shall be shared with the Advocate General of Manipur by Thursday morning. List the matter on Friday.” During the proceedings, Senior Advocate Indira Jaising requested the bench to grant power to the committee members to lay down their own procedure. Also, she pointed out that Committee members have no place to sit and the head of the Committee had asked the Delhi HC for the same. In response to this, CJI said, “I will have a word with Justice Mittal and the Chief Justice of Delhi High Court. If the Vulnerable Deposition Witness Creation Office can be used by her, it would be fine. If not, then the Ministry of Home Affairs can make the required arrangement.” Lastly, the matter is now listed for hearing on August 25, 2023, where the Supreme Court bench will pass orders to facilitate the functioning of the all-women Committee