The Chhattisgarh High Court has issued notice to the State Government on a petition concerning the service conditions and entitlements of former Salwa Judum personnel who were subsequently inducted into the Chhattisgarh Armed Police Force. The State has been directed to file its reply within six weeks. A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Krushna Ram Mohapatra and Justice Santosh Sharma passed the order after hearing the matter. The petition raises questions relating to service benefits, alleged discriminatory treatment and the right to equality in public employment. Salwa Judum emerged as an anti-Naxalite movement in the Bastar region around 2005, with several local youths subsequently appointed as Special Police Officers (SPOs). In 2011, the

 

Supreme Court prohibited the use of SPOs in anti-Naxalite operations. Subsequently, some personnel associated with the movement were inducted into the Chhattisgarh Armed Police Force. The petitioners have sought appropriate consideration of their service-related rights and entitlements, alleging unequal treatment. The matter also raises issues concerning Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution, which guarantee equality before the law and equality of opportunity in public employment. Advocate Fatesh Kumar Sahu, who practises before the Supreme Court, and Advocate Vidyabhushan Soni, who practises before the Chhattisgarh High Court, are representing the petitioners.