The Supreme Court has proposed to create a special trial court for daily hearing of Manipur violence cases. The court directed the investigating agencies to expedite the investigation and directed the Manipur government to provide full cooperation to the CBI and SIT.
New Delhi [भारत]July 24 (ANI): The Supreme Court on Friday said it is considering setting up a dedicated trial court for daily hearing of criminal cases arising out of the 2023 caste violence in Manipur. Along with this, the court directed the investigating agencies to expedite the pending investigation.
A bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohan directed the Manipur government to provide all necessary assistance to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Special Investigation Teams (SIT). The bench noted that the agencies have reported facing several hurdles in carrying forward the investigation.
Proposal for special court for daily hearing
The Supreme Court said, “We propose temporarily to set up special courts with the concurrence of the State of Manipur and the High Courts of Manipur and Guwahati, so that the cases can be heard on a day-to-day basis.”
The bench was told that the SIT is investigating 3,020 cases related to the Manipur violence in eight districts. Of these, charge sheets have been filed in 301 cases, charges have been framed in 41 cases, and trial has begun in only 10 cases. The Supreme Court also noted that the prosecution proposes to examine 2,924 witnesses in these cases.
CBI investigation progress report
Regarding the investigation being conducted by the CBI, the agency informed the Supreme Court that out of the 31 cases transferred to it, charge sheets have been filed in 21. The agency said that supplementary investigation is underway in 11 cases, while closure reports have been filed in six cases, of which three have been accepted by the competent court. Four cases are still under investigation.
The CBI also apprised the court of practical difficulties affecting the investigation, citing the delicate law and order situation in the state. Recording statements and interrogating witnesses has been particularly challenging, she said, given the large number of people displaced by the violence.
The lawyers also told the bench that prolonged internet shutdown had adversely affected the collection of digital evidence, while restrictions on movement hampered field investigations in violence-hit areas.
The court gave important instructions
Keeping these constraints in mind, the Supreme Court said that although the investigating agencies are facing genuine difficulties, the investigation cannot remain open indefinitely and must be completed within a reasonable time-frame.
The court directed the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police of Manipur to provide all necessary assistance to the investigating agencies and to assess what additional logistical or administrative support can be provided to facilitate the investigation. It also sought a fresh status report on the progress of the investigation and directed officials to compile details of all those FIRs in which investigation is still pending or chargesheet has already been filed.
The Supreme Court also considered an application filed by the International Meitei Organisation, seeking a CBI inquiry into the disappearance of around 30 persons. The Court directed the applicants to approach the Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court, who may consider referring the issue to a SIT or any other appropriate forum. (ANI)
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