Manipur: SC passes directives to “restore sense of faith in the rule of law”, forms court monitored committees to oversee probe and relief

“To restore a sense f faith in the rule of law and build a sense of confidence”, the Supreme Court on Monday passed a number of directives centering on the Manipur violence. A bench comprising of CJI DY Chandrachud, Justice JB Pardiwala, and Justice Manoj Mishra heard the petitions in relation to Manipur, in the presence of the Manipur DGP who was summoned by the SC during the last hearing, where the CJI called the police investigation in Manipur ‘tardy’.

A committee of three former female High Court judges will be constituted, who would oversee the “diverse aspects of humanitarian nature.” Headed by J. Gita Mittal (former Chief Justice of J&K High Court), the committee would also comprise of J. Shalini Phansalkar Joshi (former Bombay High Court judge) and J.Asha Menon (former Delhi High Court judge), who in adherence to the SC the court directive will be a broad based committee, looking into issues pertaining to “relief, remedial measures, rehabilitation measures, restoration of homes and places of worship”, acting as the eyes and ears of the court.

The Court acknowledged the Center’s decision to hand over 11 FIRs pertaining to sexual violence in Manipur to the CBI for further investigation. In tandem with the investigation, the Court observed that it will add “one more layer of security” by appointing Mr. Dattatray Padsalgikar, former Maharashtra DGP and Mumbai Commissioner to oversee the investigation being conducted by the CBI.

In addition, 42 SITs will be formed to look after State police investigations, pertaining to the cases that will not be transferred to the CBI, noted the Supreme Court. These SITs will include at least one inspector from other State Police forces, and will be supervised by 6 DIG rank officers who do not belong to Manipur.

The Attorney General for India, R Venkataramani put forth a note, containing all the details sought by the bench. “The government is handling the situation on a very mature level. Today the position is still sensitive. Any externally directed investigation doesn’t inspire confidence”, said AG for India, stating murder cases should be investigated by senior level officer at the SP rank, and cases of sexual violence be investigated by teams comprising of only female officers.

CJI DY Chandrachud said that a formal order of the aforementioned directives and observations of the court will be uploaded by the end of today.