Manipur High Court Issues Notice for Compensation to Victims in Kuki Women Organisation Case
Court Defers Notice to CRPF Personnel to Maintain Security Force Morale Amid Tensions
In a significant development, the Manipur High Court, under the stewardship of Justice A. Guneshwar Sharma, has issued a notice pertaining to compensation claims for victims involved in the case initiated by the Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights Trust against the State of Manipur. The writ petition, numbered WP(C) No. 740 of 2025, sought multiple reliefs, including the registration of FIRs, prosecution sanctions, investigation by a Special Investigation Team (SIT), and compensation for the injured parties.
During the proceedings held on September 18, 2025, the court specifically decided to proceed with the notice related to the compensation aspect of the petition, while deferring notice to individual CRPF personnel to avoid impacting the morale of the security forces amidst the prevailing unrest in the region.
Advocates for the petitioner, led by Mr. Anand Grover, presented their case, emphasizing the necessity for judicial intervention to ensure justice for the victims. Meanwhile, the legal counsel for the respondents, including Mr. Lenin Hijam, Advocate General, and Mr. BR Sharma, Central Government Counsel, acknowledged the court's notice but expressed concerns regarding the involvement of CRPF personnel at this stage.
The court, taking into account submissions from both sides, allowed the official respondents to file a counter affidavit within three weeks, with the opportunity for a rejoinder affidavit to be filed within two weeks thereafter. The case is scheduled to be listed again on October 17, 2025.
This decision comes amidst heightened tensions in Manipur, where security forces are grappling with maintaining order. The deferment of notice to CRPF personnel was recommended by the Advocate General to prevent any adverse effects on the morale of security personnel currently engaged in active duty in the area.
The outcome of this case could have profound implications for the handling of similar petitions in conflict zones, where the balance between ensuring justice and maintaining operational integrity of security forces remains a delicate task.
Bottom Line:
Writ petition seeking multiple reliefs including registration of FIR, grant of prosecution sanction, SIT investigation, and compensation to injured persons. Court proceeds to issue notice specifically for prayer regarding compensation to victims.
Statutory provision(s): None specified in the judgment text.
