The Supreme Court on Friday said it is considering the constitution of dedicated trial courts to conduct day-to-day hearings in criminal cases arising out of the 2023 ethnic violence in Manipur, while directing investigating agencies to expedite pending investigations and complete them within a reasonable timeframe.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohan made the observations while reviewing the progress of investigations into the large number of cases registered in connection with the violence.
The apex court directed the Manipur Government to provide all necessary logistical and administrative assistance to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Special Investigation Teams (SITs), noting that both agencies had reported facing several hurdles in carrying forward the investigations.
“We tentatively propose to constitute special courts with the concurrence of the State of Manipur and the High Courts of Manipur and Guwahati so that trials can be taken up on a day-to-day basis,” the Bench observed.
During the hearing, the court was informed that the SITs are investigating 3,020 cases across eight districts affected by the ethnic violence. Of these, charge sheets have been filed in 301 cases, charges have been framed in 41 matters and trial has commenced in only 10 cases. The prosecution also informed the court that it proposes to examine 2,924 witnesses in these cases.
The CBI submitted that it has filed charge sheets in 21 of the 31 cases transferred to it. Supplementary investigations are underway in 11 cases, while closure reports have been filed in six matters, three of which have already been accepted by the competent court. Four cases continue to remain under investigation.
The agency also highlighted practical difficulties in conducting investigations due to the fragile law and order situation in the state. It informed the court that recording statements and examining witnesses had become difficult as many witnesses had been displaced during the violence.
Counsel appearing in the matter also submitted that prolonged internet shutdowns had hampered the collection of digital evidence, while restrictions on movement had affected field investigations.
Taking note of these submissions, the Supreme Court observed that although the investigating agencies were facing genuine challenges, investigations could not remain pending indefinitely. It directed the Manipur Chief Secretary and Director General of Police to extend all necessary assistance to the CBI and SITs and assess additional support required to facilitate the probes.
