Supreme Court Seeks Centre's Response on Nagaland's Plea to Prosecute 30 Army Personnel

In a significant development, the Supreme Court has intervened in a plea filed by the Nagaland government challenging the Centre's refusal to sanction the prosecution of 30 Army personnel. These personnel stand accused of involvement in a tragic incident in 2021, where 13 civilians lost their lives during an operation aimed at ambushing militants in the Mon district.

The Nagaland government, dissatisfied with the Central government's decision to deny prosecution sanction, has petitioned the Supreme Court under Article 32 of the Constitution. This article allows for petitions alleging violations of fundamental rights, asserting that the state has compelling evidence, including from a special investigation team, implicating the Army personnel.

A bench led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud has taken cognizance of the state's grievances and issued notices to the Centre and the Ministry of Defence. The court has scheduled a hearing on September 3 to delve into the matter further.

Previously, the Central government had halted the prosecution citing lack of sanction, a move contested by the state as arbitrary and not based on a thorough examination of the evidence. This legal standoff saw a temporary halt in proceedings last year when the Supreme Court stayed the prosecution following pleas from the accused personnel's families.

The case highlights tensions between military operations and civilian rights, emphasizing the role of legal processes in ensuring accountability and justice. The upcoming Supreme Court hearing promises to be a critical juncture in determining the next steps in this contentious legal battle.

This development underscores ongoing debates surrounding military conduct in conflict zones and the legal frameworks governing such incidents.