March 19, 2025: A delegation of six Supreme Court judges, led by Justice Bhushan R Gavai, Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), will visit relief camps in Manipur on March 22 to assess the conditions of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and strengthen efforts in legal and humanitarian aid. The visit is being undertaken as part of the 12-year celebration of the Manipur High Court and aims to address the ongoing challenges faced by those affected by the ethnic violence of 2023.

Nearly two years after the clashes that erupted on May 3, 2023, between the Meitei and Kuki communities, more than 50,000 people remain displaced, with thousands still living in relief camps. The violence, which claimed over 250 lives, has left a lasting impact, with many struggling to access legal, medical, and financial support. In response to this crisis, the Supreme Court has been actively monitoring the situation and ensuring relief measures are implemented.

During the visit, Justice Gavai, along with Justices Surya Kant, Vikram Nath, MM Sundresh, KV Viswanathan, and N Kotiswar Singh, will interact with displaced families and oversee legal aid initiatives. Justice Gavai will also virtually inaugurate legal services camps, medical camps, and new legal aid clinics across multiple districts, including Imphal East, Imphal West, and Ukhrul. As part of the initiative, essential relief materials will be distributed to affected families.

NALSA has emphasized that the legal services camps will help IDPs access government welfare programs, including healthcare, pension schemes, employment opportunities, and the reconstruction of lost identity documents. Each participating department has been instructed to highlight at least five key schemes tailored to the needs of the displaced population. In addition, a team of 25 specialized doctors from Chennai will conduct medical camps across all relief sites. These camps will continue for an additional six days, ensuring sustained access to healthcare, medicines, and check-ups for displaced individuals.

The Manipur State Legal Services Authority (MASLSA) has played a crucial role in providing legal aid in relief camps, with 273 special legal aid clinics set up to assist displaced persons in securing government benefits and recovering lost documents. According to NALSA, the ongoing efforts aim to bridge the gap between legal rights and accessibility, ensuring that every affected individual receives the necessary support to rebuild their lives.

The Supreme Court has been closely monitoring the rehabilitation process since it took suo motu cognizance of the crisis in 2023. Multiple petitions have sought protective measures for victims, including the transfer of 27 cases under investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to designated judges in Assam to ensure fair trials. Among these, 20 cases involve serious offenses such as sexual violence and murder, including the widely condemned incident of two Kuki women being paraded naked.

In August 2023, the Supreme Court appointed former Maharashtra DGP and ex-Deputy National Security Adviser Dattatray Padsalgikar to oversee investigations carried out by both the CBI and the 42 Special Investigation Teams (SITs) formed by the state government. These teams are currently handling over 6,500 First Information Reports (FIRs) related to the violence. While Padsalgikar has submitted his report, the court has yet to evaluate its findings. Additionally, a committee led by Justice Gita Mittal has submitted 37 reports recommending relief and rehabilitation measures, with some of these reports still pending review. Earlier this week, a bench led by Justice Sanjiv Khanna extended the tenure of the committee until July.

As the Supreme Court judges prepare to visit Manipur on March 22, their engagement with displaced communities and oversight of legal and medical aid initiatives is expected to provide a clearer picture of the ongoing crisis. Their visit underscores the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring that legal rights, humanitarian aid, and rehabilitation measures reach those who continue to bear the brunt of the 2023 violence.