In a display of profound anguish, the Supreme Court sternly rebuked the sluggish and tardy investigation into the tragic loss of lives, dignity, and properties during the ethnic violence that gripped Manipur. The court decried an "absolute breakdown of constitutional machinery for two months" in the state, summoning the Director General of Police (DGP) to provide an explanation on August 7. Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud led the bench, which vehemently criticized the state police for their incapability in handling law and order, citing significant delays in registering FIRs, making arrests, and recording victim statements.
The Supreme Court expressed deep concern over the apparent absence of law and order in Manipur, highlighting the alarming delay in registering crucial FIRs since May 3. The court pointedly asked if this indicated a complete breakdown of constitutional machinery and whether the state had lost control of maintaining law and order. Despite the Union government's directive for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into a distressing incident captured in a viral video, the court questioned the efficiency and progress of the investigation and called for accountability.
While permitting the CBI to record statements of victims from the May 4 incident shown in the video, the Supreme Court revealed its intention to establish a committee, potentially comprising former high court judges and experts. The committee's mandate would extend to recommend measures for relief, rehabilitation, and compensation, as well as ensuring a fair investigation. The court emphasized the need to bifurcate the numerous FIRs, considering the limitations of the CBI's capacity to handle such a substantial volume of cases and the evident shortcomings of the state police.
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The conflict between the dominant Meitei community and the tribal Kukis erupted on May 3 during protests against a proposed scheduled tribe (ST) status for the Meiteis. The violence rapidly escalated, displacing tens of thousands of people, who sought refuge in jungles across state borders, resulting in at least 150 fatalities. The court underscored the gravity of the situation and urged prompt action to deliver justice to the victims.
In an effort to ascertain the nature and progress of the investigation, the Supreme Court directed the DGP of Manipur to personally appear before the court on August 7. The court insisted on receiving comprehensive data regarding the FIRs, specifically those involving serious offenses such as murder, rape, arson, looting, destruction of property, outraging the modesty of women, and damage to places of religious worship. The court's unwavering focus remains on the pursuit of justice, irrespective of the identities of perpetrators and victims.
Amid the ongoing proceedings, senior advocates voiced concerns over illegal immigration from Myanmar and the alleged involvement of drug cartels exacerbating the violence in Manipur. However, the Supreme Court asserted that the paramount objective was to ensure justice for the victims, emphasizing the need for a fair and transparent investigation. With the gravity of the situation unfolding in Manipur, the court remains steadfast in its commitment to deliver a just and conclusive outcome.
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