6 Supreme Court Judges to Visit Manipur; MPCC President Criticizes Churachandpur Bar Association

Ukhrul, Mar 20: A six-member Supreme Court delegation led by Justice B.R. Gavai is set to visit Manipur on March 22 as part of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) Mission. The delegation, which includes Justice N. Kotiswar, Justice Surya Kant, Justice Vikram Nath, Justice M.M. Sundresh, and Justice K.V. Viswanathan, aims to provide legal and medical aid to displaced and distressed families. The visit coincides with the 12th-anniversary celebrations of the Manipur High Court.

According to the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) press statement, the team comprising Justices B.R. Gavai, Surya Kant, Vikram Nath, M.M. Sundresh, K.V. Viswanathan, and N. Kotiswar Singh will inaugurate Legal Services Camp, Health Camp, and Legal Aid Clinics, and provide relief materials to the IDPS in Churachandpur. Justice B.R. Gavai, who serves as NALSA’s executive chairman, will also virtually inaugurate legal services, medical camps, and legal aid clinics in Imphal East, Imphal West, and Ukhrul districts.

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“Nearly two years after the devastating sectarian violence of May 3, 2023, which led to the loss of hundreds of lives and displaced over 50,000 people, many continue to seek refuge in relief camps across Manipur,” NALSA said, adding that the visit highlights the ongoing need for legal and humanitarian assistance to these affected communities. It also stated that the legal service camps would connect IDPs with government welfare programs, ensuring access to vital benefits such as healthcare, pensions, employment schemes, and identity document reconstruction. Each participating state department will outline at least five key schemes tailored to address the needs of the displaced population, it added.

Moreover, NALSA stated that a team of 25 specialized doctors from Chennai would conduct medical camps across all relief centers, for six additional days, ensuring sustained medical support, treatment, and access to essential medicines for displaced families.

“This visit underscores Nalsa’s steadfast commitment to justice, especially for marginalized and vulnerable communities. By bridging the gap between legal rights and accessibility, NALSA aims to ensure that every displaced person receives the support, protection, and resources they need to rebuild their lives with dignity,” it added.

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However, the scheduled visit has sparked controversy after the Churachandpur District Bar Association (CDBA) announced a ban on the entry of a Meitei judge into the district. This decision has been met with sharp criticism from the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC), which has condemned it as inappropriate and unacceptable.

Speaking at Congress Bhawan in Imphal on Thursday, MPCC President Keisham Meghachandra questioned the intent behind the ban, emphasizing that Supreme Court judges are appointed to uphold justice and should not face ethnic-based restrictions. He expressed disappointment over the bar association’s stance, stating that barring a Meitei judge who is part of the Supreme Court delegation on a humanitarian mission is highly inappropriate. He urged the association to reconsider its decision and refrain from such acts.

Meghachandra also announced that the Congress Party has designated 2025 as the “Year of Organisation,” with a series of key meetings planned to strengthen the party’s structure. These include a Party Organisation Meeting in New Delhi on March 27, chaired by AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, and a CWC Extended Meeting in Ahmedabad on April 8, followed by an AICC Members’ Session on April 9. Fourteen Congress District Presidents from Manipur are expected to participate in the New Delhi meeting.

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