NEW DELHI: Supreme Court assured about bringing a new set of guidelines on August 25th which will also ensure higher compensation for victims of riots in Manipur. SC considered the suggestions and recommendations of the three reports submitted by the three-member Women's Judicial Commission chaired by Justice Geeta Mittal. The commission is vociferous for a compensation scheme that will abide by the scheme of the national legal authority. The chief justice has asked for a response from the central government on this matter.

On the need for a separate office for the commission, the SC allowed Justice Geeta Mittal and the Chief Justice of Delhi High Court to arrive at a decision. Justice Asha Menon, a Malayali retired from the Delhi High Court, and Shalini Joshi, a former judge of the Bombay High Court, are members of the committee. Senior advocate Vrinda Grover was appointed to draft the rules of procedure for the committee.

Other suggestions from the committee:

• Many people lost important documents like Aadhaar cards in the conflict. The issue is crucial as major benefits reach people only through Aadhaar.
• A person with adept administrative skills and experience should be appointed to find out the total compensation involved which will also cover the psychological support, mental health care of victims, medical assistance, management of relief camps, and data collection.
• It should be clarified whether the central government or the Manipur government should provide funds for the committee’s work.
• A press officer should be appointed to brief the media.