SC Asks Manipur, Assam To Consider 2 Exclusive Courts For 2023 Violence Cases

The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Manipur and Assam governments and other authorities to consider setting up two exclusive courts for cases linked to the 2023 Manipur violence being investigated by the CBI and NIA.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana said one court could deal with CBI cases and another with NIA cases. The Registrar General of the concerned High Court has been asked to submit a report before the next hearing.

The court noted that special judges are already hearing CBI and NIA cases. It wanted to know whether those judges are dealing only with the Manipur violence cases or are also handling other matters. The aim is to ensure that these cases move faster.

The push comes as thousands of witnesses are still part of the wider cases. Earlier court records showed 2,924 witnesses cited by the state SITs. The CBI had also said that many witnesses were displaced by the violence, making their examination difficult. Investigators faced other problems, including a lack of trust, language issues and difficulties in collecting digital evidence.

The CBI has investigated 31 cases. It has filed final reports in 27, including 22 chargesheets and five closure reports. Four cases remain under investigation. Courts have taken cognisance in 20 of the 22 chargesheeted cases. All CBI cases have been transferred to Gauhati.

The NIA was given 30 cases. It has filed chargesheets in 15, while 15 remain under investigation. Charges have been framed in seven cases. Of the 15 chargesheeted cases, eight are in Manipur, five in Gauhati and two in Delhi.

The Supreme Court also directed authorities to compile case numbers, chargesheets and proceeding details so victims, their families and lawyers can access them. Senior advocate Vrinda Grover raised concerns over families not receiving some records.

The latest move follows the court's July proposal for day-to-day trials through special courts and its direction to agencies to complete pending investigations within a reasonable time.

The violence began on May 3, 2023, after a Tribal Solidarity March against the demand for Scheduled Tribe status for the Meitei community. More than 200 people have been killed, hundreds injured and thousands displaced.