New Delhi, April 15: The Supreme Court declined to consider a plea requesting special voting arrangements for approximately 18,000 internally displaced individuals from Manipur, who have been affected by ethnic strife, for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The court’s decision was based on the belief that intervening at this late stage would significantly disrupt the election process.
The plea was filed by Naulak Khamsuanthang and others from Manipur, urging the Election Commission of India to enable voting for displaced persons by establishing special polling booths in the states where they are currently residing. The plea was heard by a bench led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, who emphasized the impracticality of addressing the issue so close to the elections.
The ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur, which began in May 2023, has resulted in more than 160 fatalities and numerous injuries. As a consequence of this violence, many individuals have been displaced and are currently residing in relief camps far away from their homes. Despite the gradual decrease in the number and intensity of violent incidents, the situation remains precarious for those affected.
The plea sought to ensure that these internally displaced individuals have the opportunity to exercise their voting rights in the Lok Sabha elections, even while living outside of Manipur. However, due to the timing of the plea and its potential impact on the election process, the Supreme Court declined to intervene in the matter.
