People sit inside a relief camp for displaced Meiteis
Reuters
New Delhi: A group of Supreme Court judge led by Justice B R Gavai, executive chairman, National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), will visit relief camps in Manipur on March 22, 2025 on the occasion of the duodecennial celebration of the High Court of Manipur.
Justices Surya Kant, Vikram Nath, M M Sundresh, K V Viswanathan, N Kotiswar Singh would also accompany Justice Gavai.
According to an SC official, 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. "This visit by the Supreme Court judges highlights the ongoing need for legal and humanitarian assistance to these affected communities," he said.
During the visit, Justice Gavai will virtually inaugurate legal services camps and medical camps across all districts of Manipur, as well as new legal aid clinics in Imphal East, Imphal West and Ukhrul districts. There will be distribution of essential relief materials to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
The legal services camps will 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. A team of 25 specialized doctors from Chennai will conduct medical camps across all relief camps. Their services will continue for six additional days, ensuring sustained medical support, treatment, and access to essential medicines for displaced families," the press statement said.
Amid the violence, the NALSA along with Manipur State Legal Services Authority (MASLSA) played a crucial role in providing legal aid and support to affected communities. MASLSA has established 273 Special Legal Aid Clinics at relief camps, assisting IDPs in availing government benefits, lost documents, and medical aid, it said.
"This visit underscores NALSA’s steadfast commitment to justice, especially for marginalised 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.