The Supreme Court on Friday directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to submit a detailed status report within two weeks on its probe into 11 FIRs linked to the 2023 ethnic violence in Manipur, while also emphasising the need to strengthen victim rehabilitation and improve monitoring of ongoing trials.
A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justice Joymalya Bagchi, observed that the responsibility for supervising trials related to the violence may be better handled by constitutional courts rather than the apex court itself. The bench suggested that the Manipur High Court, which recently appointed a new Chief Justice, the Gauhati High Court, or a coordinated mechanism involving both courts could oversee proceedings and related developments to ensure effective monitoring.
The court also instructed the Centre and the Manipur government to implement the recommendations made by the Justice Gita Mittal committee, which was constituted to oversee relief, rehabilitation, and welfare measures for victims affected by the ethnic clashes. The panel, headed by former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Justice Gita Mittal and comprising former judges Justices Shalini P. Joshi and Asha Menon, has already submitted multiple reports outlining steps required for rehabilitation and support of displaced and affected communities.
The proceedings included concerns raised by senior advocate Vrinda Grover, who appeared for a woman victim of sexual violence who recently died. She alleged serious lapses in communication by the CBI, stating that the victim had not been informed about the filing of a chargesheet in her rape case and that key accused persons were not appearing before the trial court. Grover also claimed the victim’s death was linked to trauma suffered after the assault.
Responding to the concerns, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta acknowledged that victims’ rights must be fully protected and supported the court’s direction for a status report. The bench underscored that victims should be provided free legal aid and indicated that lawyers from the Guwahati Bar could be engaged if local legal aid counsel were unavailable due to the previously tense environment in the state.
During the hearing, the court discussed coordination between the Manipur and Gauhati High Courts to ensure proper recording of victim statements and smoother conduct of trials. The Chief Justice said instructions would be sought on whether both High Courts could share monitoring responsibilities through a structured mechanism.
Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, representing a tribal forum of Kuki communities, informed the court that although several committee reports had been submitted, affected groups had not received copies, claiming rehabilitation efforts had stalled and prosecutions remained limited. The court expressed concern about the sensitive nature of the documents but indicated that redacted versions could be considered.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on February 26. The violence, which erupted on May 3, 2023, during a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ opposing the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status, has so far resulted in over 200 deaths, hundreds of injuries, and large-scale displacement across Manipur. The Supreme Court had earlier extended the tenure of the Justice Gita Mittal committee until July 31 to continue overseeing relief and rehabilitation measures.
