New Delhi (Agency): The Supreme Court has taken a strong stance in the ongoing petitions regarding the violent incidents in Manipur, calling for a prompt and effective investigation. Expressing dissatisfaction with the state police’s handling of the case, the court summoned the Director General of Police (DGP) of Manipur for a personal appearance.
The Supreme Court has emerged as a beacon of hope for the victims of the violent incidents that have recently engulfed Manipur. Taking cognizance of the gravity of the situation, a bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, alongside Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, has passed a significant order in response to the petitions seeking an independent probe into the violence.
Expressing dissatisfaction over the handling of the investigation by the authorities and the Manipur State Police, the Court emphasized the need for a speedy and efficient inquiry. It raised concerns over the considerable time gap between the occurrence of incidents and the registration of First Information Reports (FIRs), the recording of witness statements, and the limited number of arrests made so far.
The Court has summoned the personal presence of the Director General of Police (DGP) of Manipur to aid in the investigation process and provide clarity on the status of the 6,500 FIRs filed in connection with the recent violence. The Court has a keen interest in ensuring accountability and justice for the victims.
However, the Court also acknowledged the practical limitations of transferring all the FIRs to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Considering the sheer volume of cases, entrusting all of them to the CBI would risk overwhelming the agency, potentially compromising the quality of the investigation.
To address this concern, the Court proposed an alternative approach. It mooted the idea of forming a committee of retired judges, ensuring a broad-based committee to examine the allegations and cases. The committee’s responsibilities would encompass providing relief, compensation, and rehabilitation to the victims and ensuring a fair and comprehensive investigation. The Court is committed to recording the statements of victims, even if they have relocated outside Manipur, to ensure that justice is served.
The violent incidents in Manipur came to the nation’s attention through a distressing video that went viral on social media. The video depicted two women from the Kuki-Zomi community being paraded naked and molested by a mob of men. Prompted by the gravity of the situation, the Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance of the matter.
While the Court recognizes the ongoing CBI probe and its monitoring, its primary concern lies in the efficacy of the investigation conducted by the Manipur State Police. With over 6,000 FIRs registered in connection with the violence, the Court expressed its concern over the limited number of arrests made, raising questions about the state’s law and order machinery.
The Solicitor General, representing the government, provided some reassurance, stating that the situation in Manipur was gradually returning to normalcy. He emphasized the importance of the Court’s monitoring of the CBI’s investigation to ensure timely progress.
However, the Court emphasized the need for disaggregating the FIRs based on the nature of the offenses, such as murder, rape, arson, looting, and other categories. Such detailed information will enable the Court to better assess the situation and ensure justice is delivered to the victims.
The Court’s firm approach in handling the case has led to the summons of the Manipur DGP, reflecting its commitment to ensuring accountability and scrutinizing the actions taken by the state authorities. The Court remains steadfast in its pursuit of truth and justice for the victims affected by the violence in Manipur.
