Supreme Court considers special trial courts to expedite Manipur violence cases

The Supreme Court is considering the establishment of dedicated trial courts to conduct daily hearings in criminal cases related to the 2023 ethnic violence in Manipur while instructing investigating agencies to accelerate ongoing probes. A bench comprising 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 the Special Investigation Teams (SITs), noting that these agencies reported facing multiple obstacles during their investigations. “We tentatively propose to constitute special courts with the concurrence of the State of Manipur and the High Courts of Manipur and Guwahati in order that trials can be taken up on a day-to-day basis,” the court stated. The bench was informed that the SITs are investigating 3,020 cases across eight districts related to the Manipur violence. Charge sheets have been filed in 301 cases, charges framed in 41 cases, and trials have commenced in only 10 matters. The prosecution intends to examine 2,924 witnesses in relation to these cases. On the CBI investigations, the agency reported submitting charge sheets in 21 of the 31 cases transferred to it. Supplementary investigations continue in 11 cases, closure reports have been filed in six cases, of which three have been accepted by the competent court, while four cases remain under investigation. The CBI highlighted practical difficulties impacting investigations, including the fragile law and order situation in the state. It said recording statements and examining witnesses were particularly challenging due to the displacement of many individuals caused by the violence. Lawyers informed the bench that prolonged internet shutdowns hindered the collection of digital evidence, and movement restrictions obstructed field investigations in the affected areas. The Supreme Court noted these challenges but emphasised that investigations could not be indefinite and must be completed within a reasonable timeframe. The court directed the Manipur Chief Secretary and Director General of Police to provide all necessary assistance to the investigating agencies and to assess additional logistical or administrative support required to facilitate the probes. It also requested a fresh status report on the investigations and instructed authorities to compile details of all FIRs with pending investigations or charge sheets filed. Regarding an application by the International Meitei Organisation seeking a CBI probe into the disappearance of about 30 persons, the Supreme Court directed the applicants to approach the Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court, who may consider referring the matter to an SIT or another appropriate forum.