Supreme Court Extends Tenure of Justice Gita Mittal Committee to Address Humanitarian Crisis in Manipur

Extension of Committee’s Tenure
In a significant development, the Supreme Court of India has extended the tenure of the Justice Gita Mittal Committee until July 31, 2025. The Committee, which was initially constituted in August 2023, is tasked with addressing the humanitarian concerns arising from the ethnic violence in Manipur, focusing primarily on the impact on women and marginalized communities. The Court's decision ensures that the Committee can continue its work, investigating the violence and ensuring relief for the affected individuals.

Clarification on Sexual Violence Cases
The Supreme Court also issued a crucial clarification regarding the trial of sexual violence cases handled by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). These cases, which were transferred to Assam for pre-trial steps, will now be tried in the courts of Guwahati. The clarification was made in response to concerns raised by a petitioner about the delay in the trial proceedings, ensuring that the cases are not postponed indefinitely and that justice is promptly delivered to the victims.

Union Government’s Duty to Submit Property Loss Report
As part of its ongoing efforts to address the aftermath of the violence, the Court has directed the Union Government to submit a detailed list of properties that have been burned, looted, or encroached upon during the ethnic clashes in Manipur. This list, which the Union has been asked to file in three weeks, is crucial for assessing the full extent of the damage caused by the conflict and will aid in future relief and rehabilitation efforts.

Mandate of the Justice Gita Mittal Committee
The Justice Gita Mittal Committee is tasked with a comprehensive mandate, including investigating the nature of violence against women in the state, ensuring timely medical, psychological, social, and economic support for survivors, and overseeing the provision of compensation to the victims of sexual violence and their families. The Committee is also responsible for ensuring the dignity of individuals in relief camps and recommending the establishment of additional camps if necessary.

Next Hearing Scheduled for July 21, 2025
The matter will be further heard on July 21, 2025, when the Supreme Court will review the progress of the Committee's work and the Union Government's compliance with its directives. This will include the submission of the property loss report and updates on the sexual violence trials.

Case Details: DINGANGLUNG GANGMEI Versus MUTUM CHURAMANI MEETEI AND ORS. | Diary No. - 19206/2023