Why SC Refused To Give Directions To Indian Army On Manipur Violence

The Supreme Court on Tuesday declined the plea of the Manipur Tribal Forum seeking protection of the Kuki tribe by the Indian Army, saying it would not be appropriate for the court to pass such direction to the Army and paramilitary forces.

A bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud and Justices PS Narasimha and Manoj Misra highlighted that the greatest hallmark of democracy was civilian control over the army. Hence it would not like to breach it, the court stated, according to a report in Bar and Bench.

"In last 72 years we have never issued such directions to the Indian army. The greatest hallmark of democracy is civilian control over the army and we cannot breach that," the court said.

The SC noted that the law and order along with the security fell within the domain of the elected government. So, it would not be appropriate for the court to pass judicial orders to the Army and paramilitary forces.

"Maintenance of law and order and preservation of security of state falls in executive domain. We are of the view that it will not be appropriate for this Court in exercise of judicial function to direct Army and paramilitary forces," the Court stated.

Hence, the apex court directed the state and Centre to give protection to people's life in Manipur. "However we impress upon state and union to ensure there is protection of life and liberty of people in Manipur. Where exactly a particular battalion will be etc is a dangerous area for us to get into," the Court added.

A batch of petitions related to the eruption of violence in Manipur came up for hearing in the Supreme Court on Tuesday and one of the pleas was filed by Manipur Tribal Forum which alleged the Centre of giving false assurance to the apex court on handling the Manipur crisis.

Recently, the state government had assured to submit an updated status report detailing the actions it had undertaken to curb the violence.