“No One Must Be Left Behind”: Justice BR Gavai Urges Nationwide Support and Legal Aid for Manipur’s Displaced as Supreme Court Judges Inaugurate Relief Efforts
Kiran Raj
Supreme Court Judge Justice BR Gavai called for immediate legal and humanitarian assistance to help internally displaced persons (IDPs) in violence-hit Manipur. Speaking at the virtual inauguration of Free Legal Services Camps, Free Medical Camps, and four Legal Aid Clinics from Churachandpur, he urged citizens across India to come together to restore peace and harmony in the region.
In his address as Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), Justice Gavai pointed to the constitutional responsibility of reaching vulnerable populations during times of crisis. “A just society is one where justice, healthcare, and opportunity are available to all,” he said. “Internally displaced persons, among the most vulnerable, face enormous challenges as they try to rebuild. It is both a moral and constitutional duty to ensure no one is left behind.”
Justice Gavai spoke about the commitment to deliver justice swiftly and affordably, even in the most remote corners of the country. The newly opened Legal Aid Clinics, established by the Manipur State Legal Services Authority (MASLSA), will provide free legal services inside displaced communities, helping people secure their rights and navigate their legal challenges.
Encouraging displaced families to access these services, Justice Gavai added that Legal Services Institutions stand beside them as they work to rebuild their futures.
“The State of Manipur is going through a difficult time, but together — with the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary — these challenges will pass,” he said. He also called on citizens from all parts of India to assist in restoring peace and rebuilding the strife-torn state.
The event saw the launch of four Legal Aid Clinics across Manipur: at LMS Law College, Nongpok Sanjenbam, Thongkhong Laxmi Bazar in Imphal, and Somdal village in Ukhrul.
Alongside legal aid, a Mega Medical Camp was organized, covering 290 relief camps consolidated into 106 sites. About 400 doctors and 800 support staff were deployed to provide critical healthcare to displaced communities.
Justice Gavai, accompanied by fellow Supreme Court judges - Justice Vikram Nath, Justice MM Sundresh, Justice KV Viswanathan, and Justice NK Singh, also distributed certificates to 41 newly enrolled advocates from Churachandpur and learning materials to students returning to school.
The judges visited relief camps at Sadbhavna Mandap in Tuibong, Churachandpur district, and Moirang College in Bishnupur district. Relief supplies, including mosquito nets, emergency lamps, infant milk powder, buckets, mugs, and diapers, were handed out to displaced families.
Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court Justice D Krishnakumar, Justice A. Bimol Singh, Justice A. Guneshwar Sharma, and Justice Golmei Gaiphulshillu were also present during the inaugural programme.
