The Union Government has appointed Justice Balbir Singh Chauhan, a former judge of the Supreme Court of India, as the new chairperson of the Commission of Inquiry probing the ethnic violence that erupted in Manipur in May 2023. The decision was formalised through a gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on Thursday. Justice Chauhan will officially assume office on March 1 after the resignation of Justice Ajai Lamba, former Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court, comes into effect on February 28.
The Commission of Inquiry was constituted by the Centre on June 4, 2023, in response to the large scale ethnic clashes that affected several districts of Manipur. The violence led to loss of lives, displacement of residents, and damage to public and private property. The panel was tasked with examining the sequence of events, identifying the factors that triggered the unrest, and recommending measures to prevent recurrence of similar incidents in the future.
According to the latest notification, the terms of reference and other conditions governing the commission will remain unchanged. This means the scope of the investigation, reporting structure, and operational framework will continue as originally defined when the panel was first established. The government has emphasised the importance of ensuring continuity in the inquiry process despite the change in leadership.
Justice Balbir Singh Chauhan brings extensive judicial experience to the role. During his tenure in the Supreme Court, he handled several significant constitutional and administrative matters. His appointment is seen as a move to maintain the credibility and independence of the inquiry. The Commission is expected to continue gathering evidence, interacting with stakeholders, and reviewing official records related to the violence.
The ethnic unrest in Manipur in 2023 drew national attention and prompted discussions on law and order, social harmony, and administrative response. The Centre and the state government have since taken multiple steps aimed at restoring normalcy, including security deployments and rehabilitation measures for affected communities. The findings of the Commission of Inquiry are expected to play a crucial role in shaping future policy decisions and accountability measures.
With Justice Chauhan set to take charge from March 1, the government has reiterated its commitment to a thorough and impartial investigation. The continuation of the same terms of reference indicates that the focus of the inquiry remains consistent, ensuring that the mandate given in June 2023 will be fully pursued. The final report of the commission will be closely watched as it is expected to provide detailed insights into the causes of the violence and suggest measures to strengthen peace and stability in Manipur.
