26th August 2025 (20 Topics)
1
Aug
2
Aug
4
Aug
5
Aug
6
Aug
7
Aug
8
Aug
9
Aug
11
Aug
12
Aug
13
Aug
14
Aug
15
Aug
16
Aug
18
Aug
19
Aug
20
Aug
21
Aug
22
Aug
23
Aug
25
Aug
26
Aug
SalwaJudum Judgment of SC
Context:
The Supreme Court’s 2011 judgment banning SalwaJudum has resurfaced in political debate after allegations against Justice B. Sudershan Reddy, Opposition’s Vice-Presidential candidate.
Background of SalwaJudum
- SalwaJudum (“peace march” in Gondi) was a state-backed civilian militia movement launched in 2005 in Chhattisgarh to counter Maoist insurgency.
- It mobilised tribal youth, sometimes forcibly, into Special Police Officers (SPOs), also known as Koya Commandos.
- It was accused of serious human rights violations, including burning of villages, killings, and displacement.
- The movement was widely criticised by activists and human rights organisations.
Special Police Officers (SPOs)
- SPOs were appointed under the Chhattisgarh Police Act, 2007.
- They were armed civilians trained to fight Maoists, paid an honorarium of about ?3,000 per month.
- Recruitment included youth, often under 18 years old, lacking education and proper training.
Case Before the Supreme Court
- In Nandini Sundar vs. State of Chhattisgarh (2011), the legality of appointing SPOs and arming civilians to counter Maoists was challenged.
- Petitioners argued this violated Article 14 (Equality before Law) and Article 21 (Right to Life with Dignity).
Supreme Court Judgment (2011)
- Declared SalwaJudum illegal and unconstitutional.
- Held that the state cannot arm civilians and deploy them in counter-insurgency operations.
- SPOs were found to be inadequately trained, underage, and used as cannon fodder in Maoist areas.
- Directed the government to:
- Disband SPOs and SalwaJudum.
- Withdraw firearms issued to them.
- Refrain from using surrendered Maoists or civilian groups in combat roles.
- Deploy only properly trained police and paramilitary forces.
Significance of Judgment
- Reaffirmed constitutional supremacy over executive expediency.
- Stressed that rule of law cannot be sacrificed for short-term gains in counter-insurgency.
- Upheld the principle of protection of tribal rights and dignity under Articles 14 and 21.
More Articles
Courses
Study
Notes
Home
Resources
More
