SC directs CBI to file status report on Manipur violence

New Delhi: The Supreme Court Friday directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to furnish a status report on the multiple cases arising out of violence in Manipur.

A division bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi also underlined the need for transparency, victim participation and effective monitoring of proceedings.

The bench, after hearing submissions from counsels appearing on behalf of victims' families, acknowledged concerns over delays and lack of communication.


On the issue of whether the criminal trials being conducted in Guwahati pursuant to previous directions of the apex court should continue there or the monitoring should now shift closer to Manipur in light of changed circumstances, the bench mooted entrusting the monitoring of trials to the chief justice of the high court.

The bench orally remarked that earlier the situation was different. "That time, this court's decision is perfectly fine. But now that the matters are maturing for trial, and trial might require a very, very close and deep monitoring and supervision, then probably the local judicial authorities are in a better position from that angle". The bench made it clear that it was not expressing any final view and that the final order will be subject to agreement of all stakeholders.

Appearing on behalf of the central government, solicitor general Tushar Mehta submitted that the situation in the state is now peaceful. "People are travelling freely. It is better if the issue is heard in the local environment," Mehta submitted. The bench indicated that subject to consensus amongst all stakeholders monitoring could be entrusted to the chief justice concerned. "Then we can entrust it to the chief justice... we can request to constitute even a special bench to monitor," it observed.

The bench, thus, flagged the possibility of streamlining monitoring mechanisms. Referring to the recent appointment of a new chief justice of the Manipur High Court, the court observed that "an effective mechanism at the state level or regional level, in coordination with the chief justices, can be established" to ensure regular oversight.

While noting that trial proceedings in certain cases were already being conducted under the supervision of the Guwahati High Court, the bench left open the question of continued monitoring, observing instructions may be sought on whether day-to-day supervision should remain with the Supreme Court or be effectively coordinated at the high court level.