Supreme Court Recommends Dedicated Courts for Manipur Violence Cases
In a significant move, the Supreme Court of India has called for the establishment of two exclusive trial courts to handle cases related to the 2023 Manipur violence. These cases, investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA), have been a focal point of the judicial system, given the complexity and sensitivity involved.
The suggestion was made by a bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V Mohana. The bench was reviewing the progress of investigations conducted by the CBI and the NIA into these cases.
Exclusive Handling of CBI and NIA Cases
CJI Surya Kant expressed concerns about whether the current Special Judges handling these cases were exclusively focused on the Manipur violence or if they were also managing other unrelated matters. “Our concern is whether these courts are dealing exclusively with the CBI and NIA cases arising out of the Manipur violence or whether they are also dealing with other cases,” he remarked.
The bench directed that two separate courts be established to deal exclusively with the CBI and NIA cases linked to the violence in Manipur. Furthermore, the Registrar General of the Gauhati High Court was instructed to submit a status report by the next hearing.
Accessibility and Security Concerns
CJI Kant emphasized the importance of making case details accessible to lawyers and affected families. “The request is that particulars of those cases, including the relevant case numbers and status of the proceedings, be made available so that the legal counsel as well as the families concerned have access to the reports and proceedings,” he stated.
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In addition, the court addressed the security situation in Manipur, instructing both state and central security agencies to ensure that the CBI and NIA can continue their investigations without disruptions. “With respect to the law-and-order situation, the CBI and NIA shall be facilitated so that they are able to carry out their investigation uninterruptedly,” CJI Kant added.
Progress of Investigations
Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati updated the court on the status of the investigations. She reported that the CBI had filed final reports in 27 out of 31 cases, with 22 being charge sheets and five being closure reports. Four cases remain under investigation. Cognisance of the charges has been taken in 20 cases.
Regarding the NIA, 15 out of 30 cases are still under investigation, while charges have been framed in seven of the 15 charge-sheeted cases. The cases are distributed across courts in Delhi, Gauhati, and Manipur.
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Background of the Manipur Violence
The violence in Manipur was triggered by opposition from certain tribes regarding the inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe list. The Manipur High Court’s directive to expedite this inclusion led to ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki–Zo communities.
Following a viral video depicting violence against women, the Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance of the issue, issuing various directives to mitigate the violence and assist victims.
Rehabilitation Efforts
The court also reviewed the rehabilitation efforts for those displaced by the violence. It noted that funds had been disbursed to over 4,000 out of approximately 7,000 identified beneficiaries for house reconstruction. Despite this, some families claimed that around 24,000 families were yet to receive assistance. The court tasked a three-member committee with verifying these claims and reporting back.
Additionally, the committee was directed to investigate alleged encroachments on properties linked to places of worship and ensure that no further encroachments occur.
