In a scathing indictment of the heinous atrocities inflicted upon women in Manipur, the Supreme Court has unleashed a powerful condemnation, stating that mobs employ sexual violence as a sinister tool to establish dominance and submission within communities. The Court asserts that it is the unequivocal responsibility of the state to quash such abhorrent acts.
Leading the charge for justice, Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, along with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, sounded a clarion call on August 7. They decried the repugnant violation of fundamental values like dignity, personal liberty, and autonomy through sexual crimes and violence against women. The Court remarked that such acts are an appalling travesty, demanding resolute action from the state to prevent and protect, according to PTI.
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The backdrop of these disturbing revelations is a backdrop of ethnic violence that erupted in Manipur, leaving over 160 dead and hundreds injured. The turmoil ignited on May 3 with the 'Tribal Solidarity March,' protesting the majority Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status. The top court expressed its concern over the rampant destruction of property and places of worship, a consequence of this sectarian strife.
The apex court underscored the urgency of prompt identification and arrest of the accused, as any delay could lead to evidence tampering, witness intimidation, and potential flight from justice. The court expressed its unwavering stance against any delay, stressing that it cannot be tolerated without a justifiable reason.
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With a resolute commitment to break the cycle of violence and restore faith in the justice system, the Supreme Court set up a committee of esteemed former high court judges. This triumvirate, comprising Justice Gita Mittal, Justice Shalini Phansalkar Joshi, and Justice Asha Menon, is tasked with investigating the nature of violence against women in Manipur. The committee will interface with survivors, families, local representatives, and authorities to formulate measures for supporting survivors and ensuring swift relief and rehabilitation.
To ensure a rigorous and impartial investigation, former Maharashtra DGP Dattatray Padsalgikar has been appointed to oversee the CBI's probe into transferred FIRs and the state's investigative machinery's inquiry into remaining FIRs. The Court further decreed the assistance of five officers from various states to support the CBI investigation, with at least one being a female officer.
Additionally, Dattatray Padsalgikar has been entrusted with investigating allegations of collusion between certain police officers and perpetrators of violence, particularly sexual violence, during the Manipur conflict. The Union and State Governments are directed to extend full cooperation for this comprehensive investigation, culminating in a detailed report to the Court.
