Manipur ethnic violence: SC grants extension to Justice Gita Mittal-led committee

The Supreme Court on Wednesday extended till July 31, 2026 , the tenure of the Justice Gita Mittal committee , an apex court–appointed panel tasked with overseeing relief, rehabilitation and compensation for victims of the ethnic violence in Manipur . The extension was granted by a bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi , after the court was informed that although the committee’s original tenure had ended in July 2025 , it had continued functioning without a formal renewal. Regularising its continuation, the court directed that the panel’s work would now stand formally extended until the end of July 2026.

The committee was appointed after the outbreak of violence , and not before it. Ethnic clashes first erupted in Manipur on May 3, 2023 , following a ‘ Tribal Solidarity March ’ organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status . The unrest soon escalated into widespread violence between Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups, leading to one of the most prolonged and serious internal security crises the state has witnessed in recent decades. Against this backdrop, and amid growing concern over the humanitarian fallout, the Supreme Court stepped in to ensure structured monitoring of relief and rehabilitation measures.

On August 7, 2023 , the apex court ordered the constitution of the three-member committee , days after it described as “ deeply disturbing ” a video showing women being paraded naked during the violence. The court made it clear that the purpose of the panel was to ensure that victims,particularly women, children and displaced families received timely assistance, compensation and institutional support, independent of administrative delays or political considerations.

The committee is headed by Justice Gita Mittal , former Chief Justice of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court , and includes Justice Shalini P. Joshi , a former judge of the Bombay High Court , and Justice Asha Menon , a former judge of the Delhi High Court . The panel was authorised to submit its findings and recommendations directly to the Supreme Court , which continues to monitor matters related to the Manipur violence. The court was informed during the hearing that the committee has so far submitted 42 detailed reports , covering multiple dimensions of relief and rehabilitation.

According to submissions made before the bench, the committee’s recommendations have focused on rehabilitation of displaced families , reconstruction of damaged and destroyed homes , payment of compensation , and restoration of livelihoods . The panel has also highlighted the need for medical care , psychological counselling , and special support for women and children affected by trauma. In addition, the committee has stressed better coordination among state authorities , improved access to relief camps, and mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability in the distribution of aid.

Alongside the committee, the Supreme Court had also appointed former Maharashtra Director General of Police Dattatray Padsalgikar to monitor investigations into criminal cases arising from the violence, including cases involving grave offences against women. This dual mechanism—one focusing on humanitarian relief and rehabilitation, and the other on criminal accountability—was intended to address both the immediate and long-term consequences of the unrest.

The ethnic violence has had devastating consequences for Manipur. More than 200 people have been killed , several hundred injured, and thousands displaced since May 2023. Entire localities were burnt, places of worship damaged, and families forced to flee their homes, many of whom continue to live in relief camps or temporary shelters. The prolonged nature of the crisis has placed immense strain on the state’s administrative machinery and social fabric, prompting repeated judicial interventions.

During Wednesday’s hearing, the Supreme Court did not take up the issue of President’s Rule in Manipur. The bench made no observations on whether President’s Rule would end or be extended , as the matter was not before it. The continuation or extension of President’s Rule remains within the jurisdiction of the Union government and Parliament , and no timeline or decision was indicated during the proceedings.

By extending the tenure of the Justice Gita Mittal committee, the Supreme Court reaffirmed its commitment to continued judicial oversight of relief and rehabilitation efforts in Manipur. The court’s order ensures that the committee can carry forward its mandate in a sustained manner, even as the state continues to grapple with the humanitarian and social aftermath of the ethnic violence.