Manipur High Court seeks Centre, State response on compensation for Kuki women injured in CRPF firing

The Manipur High Court recently asked the Union and State governments to respond to a petition seeking compensation for Kuki women protestors who were allegedly injured in an action by the security forces last year [Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights Trust v State of Manipur and 8 Ors].

However, Justice A Guneshwar Sharma for now chose not to issue any formal notice to the authorities on the prayer for registration of a criminal case and probe by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) into the incident.

"Official respondents are permitted to file counter affidavit within three weeks and rejoinder affidavit, if any, within two weeks," the Court said, while listing the matter for hearing on October 17.

The plea filed by Kuki Women Organization for Human Rights Trust alleged that during a protest in Saibol village of Manipur, rocket launchers were used against unarmed Kuki women protestors resulting in severe injuries to them.

The plea impleaded officers of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) as respondents in the case in their personal capacity. However, Advocate General Lenin Hijam opposed issuance of notice to them, stating it will affect morale of other security forces in discharging their duties.

Central government counsel BR Sharma also submitted that only the official respondent may be permitted to contest the case. Senior Advocate Anand Grover, appearing for the petitioner organization, conceded that the Court may pass an appropriate order in this regard.

"Considering the submissions made at the bar, notice to respondent Nos. 7 to 9 [CRPF personnel] is deferred," the Court then ordered.

Triumvir Law represented the petitioners. The team comprising Ajay Kumar, Anubhab Sarkar and Arjun Krishnan was led by Senior Advocate Anand Grover. The team was assisted by Chungnaimei Gonmei and Kamei Lungchuithailiu from the Chambers of Advocate Worthing Soro.

Advocate General Lenin Hijam with advocate S Niranjan appeared for the State government.

Advocate BR Sharma appeared for the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)

[Read Order]