Army cannot use excessive and retaliatory force: Supreme Court

New Delhi: Taking a strict note of fake encounters in Manipur, the Supreme Court on Friday said Army and paramilitary forces cannot use ‘excessive and retaliatory force’.

The observation was given by the two judges bench of Justices M B Lokur and Justice R K Agarwal.

The bench said it was open to the Army to conduct its own inquiries into the allegations of fake encounters in Manipur.

The court also said to examine the claim of Nation Human Rights Control (NHRC) that it was a ‘toothless tigers’ and needed more powers.

The court said this while hearing a petition by filed by one Suresh Singh.

The petitioner has sought repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act that grants special powers to the Indian Armed Forces in disturbed areas.

The court had then also asked the Centre, Manipur government and NHRC to submit a comprehensive report on alleged fake encounter cases in the state.