Victims without counsel? SC seeks Urgent Legal Aid in Manipur cases shifted to Assam

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court took note of delays in appointing legal aid counsel in cases arising from the Manipur violence that have been transferred outside the State, stressing that the lapse is affecting victim’s ability to meaningfully participate in the proceedings. With several trials now underway in Assam, the Court emphasised the urgency of ensuring timely legal representation to maintain fairness and effective coordination in these cases.

The case arose when the Court was informed that, despite an earlier direction, legal aid counsel had not yet been appointed in a batch of transferred cases, creating practical hurdles for victims in filing responses and executing vakalatnamas. Counsel appearing for the victims highlighted that many affected individuals are primarily Manipuri-speaking, making it difficult to engage with proceedings in another State without lawyers familiar with their language and context. The Court had earlier directed coordination between the Manipur and Assam Legal Services Authorities to appoint suitable counsel, while the authorities submitted that the process was underway and that logistical or financial constraints, including travel, would not be a barrier.

The Bench emphasised the importance of effective legal representation in ensuring meaningful access to justice, especially in cases transferred across State lines. It reiterated that its earlier direction applied across all such matters and was aimed at facilitating the proper participation of victims, particularly through language-compatible legal assistance. Stressing the need for prompt compliance, the Court called for expedited appointment of legal aid counsel and indicated that further procedural timelines, including in bail-related matters, would be structured only after ensuring adequate representation.

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