Justice Balbir Singh Chauhan Appointed to Lead Manipur Violence Inquiry Panel

Justice Ajai Lamba resigned as chairperson of the Commission of Inquiry investigating the May 2023 ethnic violence in Manipur, which has resulted in over 260 deaths and displaced around 60,000 people. The commission, initially formed in June 2023 and given multiple deadline extensions, probes the causes, spread, and administrative lapses related to the violence. Former Supreme Court judge Justice Balbir Singh Chauhan has been appointed to lead the panel from March 1, 2026, with other members continuing their roles. The inquiry includes collecting affidavits and ensuring witness security, with hearings held in Imphal and Delhi.