The Supreme Court Thursday issued notice to the centre and the Uttar Pradesh government on two petitions seeking a CBI probe into the communal flare-up in Muzaffarnagar that has claimed 38 lives and also for providing immediate relief to the victims and other people stranded in the town.

An apex court bench headed by Chief Justice P. Sathasivam issued notice on two petitions - one by Mohammad Haroon and eight other residents of Muzaffarnagar and the other by the Supreme Court Bar Association.

While issuing notice, the court made it clear that it was not commenting on the plea to direct the central government to discharge its obligations under Article 355 of the constitution.

The court also directed the centre and the UP government to inform it about the steps taken to assist the people who are stranded and are without food and water.

The court also sought details on the opening of proper relief camps and providing psychological help to the victims.