In a significant development, the Supreme Court of India has taken charge of monitoring the investigation into the heinous Manipur violence. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, expressed no objection to the apex court overseeing the probe, ensuring transparency and accountability in the pursuit of justice. The hearing, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, addressed a series of petitions concerning the appalling violence in Manipur. Among the distressing incidents was a viral video showing two women being paraded naked on May 4, which sparked widespread outrage.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal represented the two survivors seen in the video, who filed a petition seeking justice for the harrowing assault they endured. However, they opposed the transfer of the trial to Assam and the involvement of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the case. AG R Venkataramani made a significant commitment to personally supervise the CBI probe, assuring the court of thoroughness and impartiality in the investigation. In response, Kapil Sibal advocated for a court-monitored Special Investigation Team (SIT) instead of the CBI, aiming for an independent body to conduct the inquiry. Senior advocate Indira Jaising proposed the establishment of a high-powered committee to visit Manipur and record statements from the survivors.
This committee’s report could potentially shape the court’s future course of action in addressing the violence’s root causes and ensuring preventive measures. Furthermore, senior advocate Colin Gonsalves stressed the need for an SIT comprised of retired senior police officers, excluding any personnel from Manipur to maintain objectivity. He raised concerns about the presence of a conspiracy behind the series of rapes in the state, reporting 16 such instances. The court also considered the plea of advocate Vrinda Grover, who emphasized that lodging FIRs should not be the sole end of the criminal procedure. She highlighted an incident where two Kuki women working at a carwash in Imphal were raped and killed, and their family had to seek refuge in relief camps.
The Supreme Court, deeply disturbed by the video evidence of the women being paraded naked, condemned the use of women as instruments for violence, labeling it “unacceptable in a constitutional democracy.” In response, the bench directed the Central and Manipur governments to take immediate remedial, rehabilitative, and preventive measures and update the court on their actions. On July 27, the Centre informed the top court that it had transferred the case to the CBI as it maintains “zero tolerance towards any crimes against women.” The Ministry of Home Affairs urged the trial to be moved outside Manipur for a time-bound conclusion. Seven arrests have been made in connection with the incident so far.
Since the May 3 Tribal Solidarity March, which saw protests against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status, Manipur has experienced widespread ethnic violence, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries. As the Supreme Court closely monitors the CBI investigation and considers calls for an independent SIT and preventive measures, hopes for justice and healing among the survivors and their families continue to remain high.