Guwahati: The Supreme Court on Monday refused to entertain a plea seeking voting facilities for approximately 18,000 Internally-Displaced persons (IDPs) in Manipur, citing the potential disruption it could cause to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
The plea was presented in light of the ethnic strife that has displaced thousands in the region.
A bench comprising Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra expressed reluctance to intervene at such a late stage, asserting that any interference would pose significant challenges to the conduct of the elections in Manipur, PTI reported.
“You have come at the last minute. At this stage, what can be virtually done? We cannot interfere at this stage,” the bench was quoted.
The two Lok Sabha seats of Manipur are scheduled for polling in two phases on April 19 and 26.
The petition, brought forward by Manipur resident Naulak Khamsuanthang and others, urged the Election Commission of India (ECI) to facilitate arrangements for displaced persons residing outside Manipur to cast their votes in the upcoming elections.
The petitioners proposed the establishment of special polling booths in the states where these individuals are currently residing.
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Highlighting the plight of the IDPs, the petition emphasised the desire of approximately 18,000 internally-displaced people to participate in the electoral process in Manipur.
Manipur has been grappling with escalating violence since May last year, stemming from ethnic tensions.
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