Supreme Court Extends Tenure Of Justice Gita Mittal Committee By Six Months

On August 5, the Supreme Court granted a six-month extension to the Justice Gita Mittal Committee, which is tasked with addressing the humanitarian aspects of ethnic violence in Manipur. The bench, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, issued the order: “The committee chaired by Justice Gita Mittal stands extended by 6 months.”

Previously, Senior Advocate Vibha Makhija, serving as the amicus curiae for the committee, informed the bench that the committee’s term had expired on July 15. She emphasised the necessity of an extension to allow the committee to continue its crucial work.

The Supreme Court had established the Justice Gita Mittal Committee in August last year to address humanitarian issues arising from ethnic clashes in Manipur. This decision followed the Court’s strong criticism of the Manipur police’s investigation, describing it as “tardy,” and its concern over the sexual violence against women during the sectarian conflict.

The committee, formed by the bench including CJI DY Chandrachud, Justice JB Pardiwala, and Justice Manoj Misra, consists of:

1. Justice Gita Mittal, former Chief Justice of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court;
2. Justice Shalini Phansalkar Joshi, former Judge of the Bombay High Court;
3. Justice Asha Menon, former Judge of the Delhi High Court.

The committee’s extensive mandate includes:

1. Investigating the nature of violence against women in Manipur since May 4, 2023;
2. Reporting to the Court on necessary measures to support survivors, including dealing with rape trauma and providing social, economic, and psychological aid, as well as relief and rehabilitation in a timely manner;
3. Ensuring free and comprehensive medical and psychological care for survivors;
4. Ensuring dignified conditions in relief camps for displaced persons and recommending the establishment of additional camps if necessary;
5. Overseeing the disbursement of compensation to victims of sexual assault, violence, and their next of kin.

The extension allows the committee to continue its vital work in providing much-needed support and rehabilitation to those affected by the ethnic violence in Manipur.