New Delhi, July 11, 2023: The Supreme Court, in a significant ruling, declined to issue directions to the Indian Army and paramilitary forces regarding security arrangements in tribal areas of Manipur. The bench, headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, underscored that the Supreme Court has never issued such directives in its 72-year history. The Court emphasized that civilian control over the army is a fundamental principle of democracy that must not be breached.
The Court further stated that the maintenance of law and order and the preservation of state security are under the purview of the elected government. It deemed it inappropriate for the Court to interfere by issuing directives to the Army and paramilitary forces regarding their deployments. Instead, the Court directed the State and Central governments to ensure the protection of life and liberty for the citizens of Manipur.
The Supreme Court was hearing a batch of petitions related to the outbreak of violence in Manipur. One of the pleas was filed by the Manipur Tribal Forum, alleging that the assurances given by the Central government to the Court were false. The Forum sought the deployment of the Army in tribal areas to control the situation, but the Court declined the request.
In another matter, the Court granted interim protection to a lawyer who faced charges of sedition after accompanying a fact-finding team to investigate the violence. The Court also heard a plea filed by the Manipur government challenging a High Court order that revoked the internet shutdown in the state.
While the Court acknowledged the importance of addressing concerns related to violence and ensuring the well-being of the affected individuals, it maintained that the role of the judiciary does not extend to directing military operations. The ruling emphasizes the principle of civilian control over the armed forces and affirms the separation of powers in a democratic system.
