Anjel Chakma Case: Supreme Court Closes PIL on Alleged Racial Violence Against Northeast Residents

New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday brought to a close a public interest litigation that sought comprehensive guidelines to tackle identity-based and racially motivated violence against people from the Northeast. While disposing of the plea, the court requested the Attorney General of India to look into the concerns highlighted by the petitioner.

The petition was moved in the wake of the alleged racially driven killing of Tripura resident Anjel Chakma in Uttarakhand in December last year. Appearing in person, advocate Anoop Prakash Awasth argued that citizens from the Northeastern states are often subjected to racial slurs, discrimination, and targeted assaults in different parts of the country.

He urged the court to consider issuing directions for the establishment of nodal agencies in various states to specifically handle complaints relating to identity-based discrimination and violence.

The matter was heard by a Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipul Pancholi. During the proceedings, the Chief Justice voiced concern over the idea of setting up mechanisms based on regional identity, observing that such measures might inadvertently deepen social divisions rather than resolve them.

Highlighting India’s federal framework, the Bench stressed the importance of fostering national unity instead of creating structures that could reinforce regional distinctions. The court advised the petitioner to submit a formal representation before the competent authority for further consideration.

Referring to past government responses, Awasth cited a 2017 statement by former Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju, who had indicated that there was no proposal to establish a dedicated nodal agency. The petitioner also contended that the recently enacted criminal laws do not specifically address offences aggravated by racial motives.

In its order, the Bench acknowledged that the petition raised significant issues concerning the need for an effective legal framework to prevent violence rooted in race, place of birth, or language before formally disposing of the case.

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