The Supreme Court of India, in a recent ruling, refused to issue directives to the Indian Army and paramilitary forces regarding the provision of security in tribal areas in Manipur.

The bench, comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices PS Narasimha and Manoj Misra, highlighted that the Supreme Court has never before issued such directions to the Indian Army in its 72-year history. The court emphasized that civilian control over the army is a fundamental principle of democracy and should not be breached.

The court further explained that the responsibility for maintaining law and order and ensuring the security of the state lies with the elected government. Consequently, it would be inappropriate for the court to issue directives to the army and paramilitary forces, including decisions on the deployment of specific battalions. The court directed the state and central governments to ensure the protection of life and liberty for citizens in Manipur.

The Supreme Court's ruling came in response to a batch of pleas filed regarding the outbreak of violence in Manipur. One of the pleas was filed by the Manipur Tribal Forum, alleging that the central government's assurances to the court regarding the handling of the issue were false. The forum, among other parties, sought directions from the court to evacuate Manipuri Tribals who had taken refuge in CRPF camps and ensure their safe return to their residences under security escort.

The court declined the forum's request for the deployment of the army in tribal areas to control the situation. It also heard a plea filed by the Manipur government challenging a High Court order that lifted the internet shutdown in the state. The Solicitor General, Tushar Mehta, expressed the government's concern over the High Court order and sought time to receive instructions on the matter.

In a separate case, the Supreme Court granted interim protection to a lawyer who had been charged with sedition after accompanying a fact-finding team investigating the violence.