In a significant development for tribal self-governance in Tripura, the Supreme Court has issued a notice seeking explanations from the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the Tripura State Election Commission regarding the long-pending Village Committee elections. The apex court’s directive comes in response to a plea filed by Tripura’s royal scion and Tipra Motha founder, Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma, who had moved the court a couple of months ago over the inordinate delay.
The plea highlights that despite the tenure of the Village Committees under the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) Act, 1994, having expired, no elections have been held within the stipulated timeframe. This delay, the plea argues, is a direct infringement on the constitutional rights of the state’s tribal population to local self-governance. The Supreme Court has now granted four weeks for the ECI, the Tripura Election Commission, and the State Government to furnish a detailed explanation for the lapse.
Sharing his views on the court’s action, Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma said, “I thank the Hon SC for issuing notice. Our people have suffered and people who have done this should be held accountable. Fear of losing election cannot mean you can curtail the democratic rights of the indigenous people of Tripura. I am not going to remain silent.” The statement underscores the Tipra Motha leader’s resolve to continue the fight for the democratic rights of the tribal communities in the state. The legal battle is being watched closely as it could pave the way for the much-awaited elections, restoring local democratic institutions in the tribal areas of Tripura.
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