New Delhi (Agency): he Supreme Court of India, on Monday, emphasized the need to address the serious issue of sexual violence against women in Manipur. As part of this effort, the court requested details of all registered First Information Reports (FIRs) related to such cases from both the central and state governments. The court, comprising Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Mishra, was hearing a petition filed by two tribal women who were subjected to a horrendous incident of being paraded naked and sexually assaulted in Manipur. The court is also dealing with several pleas connected to inter-ethnic clashes in the northeastern state.
The bench expressed its determination to ensure justice for the women who approached the court while also addressing the broader problem of violence against women in Manipur. It directed the authorities to take action wherever complaints have been lodged and asked for information on the number of FIRs filed concerning violence against women.
The Supreme Court highlighted the need to examine approximately 6000 FIRs that were registered, seeking details such as zero FIRs, actions taken, legal aid provision, the status of recording victims’ and witnesses’ statements, and more from both the central and state governments.
During the hearing, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the survivors who were paraded naked, alleged that the Manipur Police had collaborated with the mob, facilitating the sexual violence against the women. He opposed transferring the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and instead demanded the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to handle gender violence cases.
In response, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta assured that the Central government would have no objection if the investigation is monitored by the apex court, suggesting that the court itself oversee the investigation. Meanwhile, senior advocate Indira Jaising, representing the intervenors, urged the court to create a High Powered Committee to gather ground reports on sexual violence cases.
Advocate Vrinda Grover proposed appointing local commissioners to take effective steps in relation to the relief camps. On the other hand, Attorney General R Venkataramani requested an adjournment to present a more coherent account of the incidents and opposed the formation of an SIT, claiming it would marginalize the state government’s role in the investigation.
The Supreme Court hinted at the possibility of forming a committee comprising retired judges and subject experts to record victims’ statements in the violence-hit state. However, the court deferred hearing on an application seeking action on a similar incident that occurred in Bengal, focusing first on the Manipur case.
The court expressed surprise at the delay of over 18 days in registering the FIR and emphasized its intention to “restore the faith” of the community in the constitutional process.
The hearing will continue tomorrow to review the Centre government’s response, detailing actions taken concerning the disturbing incident. The Central Government had previously informed the court that the investigation had been transferred to the CBI and requested the case, including the trial, to be moved to a state outside Manipur.
On July 20, the Supreme Court had taken suo moto cognizance of the distressing viral videos and had asked the Centre and the state government to update it on the steps taken by July 28.
“Using women as instruments for perpetrating violence is simply unacceptable in a constitutional democracy,” said a bench led by CJI D.Y. Chandrachud on July 20, a day after the viral video surfaced on social media. The bench warned the Solicitor General of India that the court would intervene if the state government failed to take action, urging them to act promptly.
The court directed both the Centre and Manipur governments to take immediate measures and report on the actions taken before July 28.
