Supreme Court to Hear Plea for Voting Facilities for 18,000 Displaced People in Manipur

In response to urgent concerns regarding the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea seeking voting facilities for approximately 18,000 internally displaced people affected by ethnic strife in Manipur. The polling for two Lok Sabha seats in Manipur is scheduled to take place in two phases on April 19 and 26.

The plea, brought before a bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, highlights the pressing need for voting access for the internally displaced population ahead of the first phase of polling on April 19.

The lawyer representing the displaced individuals emphasized the importance of their participation in the democratic process, stating, “There are 18,000 internally displaced people. They want to vote in the elections in Manipur.”

In response to the urgency of the matter, Chief Justice Chandrachud assured the advocate of an early hearing, acknowledging the time-sensitive nature of the issue.

The backdrop of ethnic strife in Manipur, which has persisted since May 2023, underscores the significance of facilitating voting access for displaced individuals. The state has witnessed a tragic escalation of violence, resulting in over 160 fatalities and several hundred injuries. The initial outbreak of ethnic violence on May 3 was sparked by a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ protesting against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status.

While incidents of violence have gradually decreased, a substantial number of people remain displaced, residing in relief camps far from their homes. Against this backdrop, ensuring voting rights for the displaced population emerges as a crucial step in upholding democratic principles and fostering inclusivity in the electoral process.

As the Supreme Court prepares to deliberate on the plea, the outcome of the hearing holds significant implications for the electoral participation and representation of marginalized communities in Manipur.

Key Points:

• Supreme Court agrees to hear plea for voting facilities for 18,000 internally displaced people in Manipur.
• Plea highlights the urgency of ensuring voting access ahead of Lok Sabha elections.
• Chief Justice Chandrachud assures early hearing, recognizing the time-sensitive nature of the issue.
• Ethnic strife in Manipur since May 2023 has led to over 160 fatalities and numerous injuries.
• Facilitating voting rights for displaced individuals crucial for upholding democratic principles and inclusivity.

The Supreme Court’s intervention underscores the importance of safeguarding democratic rights and ensuring equitable access to the electoral process, particularly for vulnerable and marginalized populations affected by conflict and displacement.

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