The Supreme Court has adjourned a PIL alleging the killing of 15 Adivasis during anti-Naxal operations in Chhattisgarh, observing that peace efforts are ongoing in the region.
The Supreme Court of India has postponed the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that accuses security forces of killing 15 innocent Adivasis during an anti-Naxal operation in Sukma, Chhattisgarh in 2018. The Court observed that a peace process is currently underway in the region, and its intervention at this stage could disrupt the ongoing efforts.
A bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and AG Masih briefly heard the matter and adjourned it for further hearing in July.
"Peace process is going on there. Today there is news that 26 people have surrendered. Unnecessarily such litigation would come in the way of this process...If peace is coming back in the area, why should we unnecessarily [...] things which might...," observed Justice Gavai.
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During the proceedings, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the authorities, alleged that the PIL was based on false claims. He stated that individuals who made the allegations were paid money, and the PIL was aimed at demoralizing the security forces.
The SG informed the Court that the authorities have filed an application requesting a Supreme Court-monitored investigation to identify the source of the current litigation.
"It is a case of false statements, and money has been paid to the persons who made those statements," the SG submitted.
He further pointed out that the petitioner, a Telangana-based NGO, had submitted photographs of incidents from Odisha and Maharashtra, which were unrelated to the present case. Upon objection, the petitioner acknowledged the error and apologized.
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Despite these submissions, Senior Advocate Colin Gonsalves, appearing for the petitioner, emphasized the need for judicial oversight in such serious allegations. He highlighted the positive impact of the 2016 Manipur extra-judicial killings judgment, where the Supreme Court had directed investigation and accountability for armed forces personnel accused of using excessive force.
"After the Manipur judgment, the number of annual killings has dropped from 300 to 3," Gonsalves stated, underlining the importance of Court intervention in human rights cases.
However, the bench remained firm on its decision to postpone the hearing.
"Digging up of the past should be discouraged," said Justice Gavai, referring to the situation in Manipur, where, despite efforts for peace by both sides, some elements continue to oppose the peace process.
The case will now be taken up in July, with the Court indicating that it would consider the matter after reviewing the developments in the region.
