The Supreme Court dismissed a petition seeking provision of voting facilities for approximately 18,000 individuals displaced due to ethnic conflict, ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Manipur.
Scheduled in two phases on April 19 and April 26, the voting for the two Lok Sabha seats in Manipur faces hurdles as the apex court, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, alongside justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, cited potential logistical challenges in intervening at this juncture.
“You’ve arrived at the last minute. At this point, what can realistically be done? We can’t intervene now,” the Bench stated.
The Supreme Court was considering a request from Naulak Khamsuanthang and others from Manipur. They were asking the Election Commission of India or ECI to organise special polling booths in the States where internally displaced persons from Manipur are living. This would allow them to vote in the Lok Sabha elections.
“The lawyer representing the petitioners stated that there are 18,000 internally displaced people, who wish to vote in the Manipur elections. The State has been experiencing ongoing violence since May 2023.”
Since ethnic clashes broke out on May 3 last year, more than 160 people have been killed and hundreds were injured in the State.
Earlier, 29 special polling stations were erected for the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections. These stations will serve about 5,000 displaced people currently living in camps. Election officials have confirmed that these arrangements are based on instructions from the Central Government.
Security steps have been heightened ahead of the elections. Polling stations that are considered vulnerable will be monitored by the Central Armed Police Force.
The number of these stations is likely to rise due to the current situation in the State, and all activities are being closely monitored.
