SC asks authorities to set up to 2 special courts to deal with Manipur violence cases probed by CBI, NIA

The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Manipur and Assam governments, along with other relevant authorities, to establish two special trial courts dedicated solely to handling cases related to the 2023 ethnic violence in Manipur. These courts would be divided, one for cases investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and another for those handled by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The directive came during a hearing led by a bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V Mohana. The court emphasized the need for exclusive jurisdiction over these cases to expedite justice and ensure transparency. The bench requested detailed information on the current status of investigations, particularly focusing on cases where chargesheets have been filed. It instructed the registrar general of the concerned high court to prepare a comprehensive report on the matter for submission before the next hearing. The court acknowledged that several cases have reached the stage of formal charges, with legal representatives and affected families needing access to relevant records. The order underscored the importance of maintaining clear documentation and ensuring that all parties, victims, their families, and legal counsel, are fully informed of the proceedings. The court also highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Manipur Police and security forces in restoring law and order following the violence. Joint operations have contributed to the recovery of weapons and the arrest of suspects. The judiciary expressed confidence in the continued uninterrupted work of the CBI and NIA, emphasizing the necessity of coordinated support from both state and central agencies to maintain security and facilitate smooth investigations. This includes safeguarding the safety of students and other vulnerable groups within the region. According to additional solicitor general Aishwarya Bhati, the CBI has concluded its investigations in 27 out of 31 cases, with 22 chargesheets filed and five closure reports submitted. Four cases remain active under investigation. Of the 22 charged cases, 20 have been formally accepted for prosecution, while one is scheduled for magistrate-level adjudication. All CBI cases have been transferred to Gauhati for trial. Meanwhile, the NIA has completed chargesheets in 15 of its 30 assigned cases, with the remaining 15 still under probe. In seven of the charge-sheeted NIA cases, formal accusations have been framed, though further inquiry continues. The court's decision to propose special courts stems from concerns over the large volume of witnesses awaiting examination. Out of 904 witnesses in CBI cases, 891 have not yet testified. The sheer scale of the caseload has raised questions about the efficiency of current judicial processes. The bench therefore urged the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court to evaluate the viability of creating dedicated courts for these cases, potentially transferring unrelated matters to other tribunals. This move aims to streamline the trial process and prevent delays caused by overlapping jurisdictions. Legal representatives, including senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, voiced frustration over the slow pace of trials, especially given the gravity of the offenses, such as sexual assaults and gang rapes captured on video. However, Ms. Bhati countered that the Supreme Court had already established mechanisms to oversee the investigation and trial procedures. She argued that revisiting these issues repeatedly would undermine the progress made over the past three years. She reiterated that legal aid counselors are available and that the court has consistently addressed the matter through multiple directives. The exchange reflected the tension between advocates pushing for faster resolution and officials emphasizing procedural adherence.