In a significant step towards providing legal and humanitarian aid, six Supreme Court judges, led by Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, are set to visit relief camps in Manipur on Saturday, March 22, 2025. This initiative, spearheaded by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), aims to strengthen support for communities affected by the sectarian violence of May 2023.
Objectives of the Visit
The visit coincides with the Duodecennial Celebration of the High Court of Manipur. Justice Gavai, who serves as the Executive Chairman of NALSA, will be joined by Justices Surya Kant, Vikram Nath, M.M. Sundresh, K.V. Viswanathan, and N. Kotiswar Singh. The delegation will assess the conditions of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and oversee the implementation of legal and medical aid initiatives.
Key Initiatives
- Legal Services Camps: Justice Gavai will virtually inaugurate camps across all districts of Manipur, connecting IDPs with government welfare programs, including healthcare, pensions, employment schemes, and identity document reconstruction.
- Medical Camps: A team of 25 specialized doctors from Chennai will provide medical treatment and essential medicines to displaced families. These services will continue for an additional six days.
- Relief Distribution: Essential materials will be distributed to IDPs to address immediate needs.
- New Legal Aid Clinics: Clinics will be established in Imphal East, Imphal West, and Ukhrul districts to enhance access to justice.
Background
The ethnic violence of May 2023 claimed over 250 lives and displaced more than 50,000 people, leaving many in relief camps across Manipur. Despite ongoing rehabilitation efforts, challenges persist, including legal, medical, and financial issues. NALSA, in collaboration with the Manipur State Legal Services Authority (MASLSA), has been instrumental in providing aid, establishing 273 Special Legal Aid Clinics to assist IDPs.
This visit underscores the judiciary’s commitment to bridging the gap between legal rights and accessibility, ensuring that displaced individuals receive the support and resources needed to rebuild their lives with dignity. The initiative highlights the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing the aftermath of such crises.
