Editor
New Delhi: In a scathing rebuke, the Supreme Court of India has strongly criticized the investigation conducted by the Manipur police in relation to the recent wave of ethnic violence that shook the state. The Court expressed serious concern over the sluggish approach adopted by the authorities, deeming it a complete breakdown of law and order and machinery of the State. The delay in registering FIRs, the slow progress in recording witness statements, and the lack of significant arrests despite the filing of 6,000 FIRs have drawn sharp scrutiny from the Court.
Delays and Inefficiency in Investigations Evoke Strong Criticism from the Apex Court
During the hearings, the Court was appalled to learn that FIRs were not registered for nearly three months after the incidents occurred, raising serious questions about the efficacy and dedication of the State police in handling such grave matters. The Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, along with Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Misra, presiding over the bench, expressed deep concern about the systemic nature of violence in Manipur and the need for a thorough and impartial investigation into the incidents.
Bench Seeks Accountability as Thousands of FIRs Yield Only Few Arrests Over Ethnic Unrest
Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta, representing the State, informed the bench that a total of 6,532 FIRs were filed, of which only 11 were related to crimes against women. However, when pressed about the delay in registering "zero" FIRs and converting them into regular FIRs, SG Mehta could not provide immediate answers, citing the abrupt preparation of the data.
The Court took specific note of an incident where an FIR was registered on 7th July for an occurrence that took place on 4th May, involving a woman being violently dragged out of a car, and her son lynched to death. Expressing dismay over the lack of significant arrests in most cases, the bench questioned the capability of the State police to conduct an effective and efficient investigation.
Court Mulls Formation of Committee to Ensure Impartiality and Restoration of Law & Order
In light of the concerns raised about the investigation's inefficiency, the Court is contemplating the establishment of a committee comprising former High Court judges. This committee would conduct an overall assessment of the situation, oversee rehabilitation efforts, and ensure a proper pre-investigation process for recording witness statements, thereby striving to ensure fairness and impartiality throughout the proceedings.
Additionally, the bench discussed the challenges of transferring all 6,500 FIRs to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and proposed the bifurcation of cases based on the nature of offenses to prevent overburdening the agency.
Unclaimed Bodies Add to the Crisis as Court Demands Swift Action and Compensation
During the hearings, concerns were raised about unclaimed bodies of victims lying in morgues due to the communal tension, with the Court urging authorities to identify the bodies and inform families, providing necessary assistance and compensation.
State Police Under Scrutiny as Court Proposes Bifurcation of Cases to Avoid Overburdening CBI
The Court's approach aims to ensure a fair and impartial investigation into the Manipur violence, regardless of the identity of the victims or perpetrators. The matter will continue to be heard, with the Manipur Director General of Police summoned to appear before the Court on Monday, August 7, at 2 PM, to answer the Court's queries. The Court's decisions and actions are essential to address the breakdown of law and order in Manipur and bring justice to the victims of violence.