The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday extended the tenure of the Justice Gita Mittal Committee until July 31, 2026, directing the court-appointed panel to continue its work monitoring relief, rehabilitation and related measures for victims of the prolonged ethnic violence in Manipur.
The decision was taken by a Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justice Joymalya Bagchi.
First constituted in August 2023 during the height of the conflict, the three-member committee — led by former Jammu & Kashmir High Court Chief Justice Gita Mittal, and including retired Justices Shalini P. Joshi and Asha Menon — was tasked with ensuring that humanitarian concerns arising from the violence receive consistent judicial oversight.
The committee was directed to submit fortnightly status reports directly to the Supreme Court to keep it apprised of developments on the ground, including relief efforts, rehabilitation of displaced persons, compensation for victims and measures to support survivors, especially women affected by gender-based violence.
Since its inception, the panel has already submitted dozens of reports detailing progress and challenges in addressing the humanitarian crisis triggered by the outbreaks of violent clashes in the state.
The extension comes amid continued concerns over the law and order situation in Manipur and the pace of rehabilitation and justice for victims of the ethnic clashes that began in May 2023 and have displaced thousands while causing extensive loss of life and property.
In its order, the Supreme Court noted that no formal extension had been recorded after the committee’s term ended in July 2025, prompting the court to regularise its continuation until the new deadline.