SC proposes special courts for Manipur violence cases, seeks speedy probes
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
The Supreme Court proposed setting up special courts for day-to-day trials in criminal cases arising from the 2023 ethnic violence in Manipur. It also directed probe agencies to complete pending investigations expeditiously and ensure victims receive copies of chargesheets.
Background
Ethnic violence broke out in Manipur on May 3, 2023, after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' protested the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status. Over 200 people have been killed, hundreds injured, and thousands displaced.
Key facts
Supreme Court bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana proposed special courts for day-to-day trials in Manipur violence cases.
Court directed probe agencies (CBI, state SIT) to complete pending investigations expeditiously.
Victims and their families must receive copies of chargesheets; legal aid counsel can approach Gauhati and Manipur chief justices for copies.
Probe agencies must provide chargesheet copies to lawyers within one week.
Court asked Additional Solicitor General to collate data on completed and pending investigations to determine number of special courts needed.
Manipur High Court asked to look into cases of 30 missing persons from the violence.
CBI, state SIT, and monitoring committee (headed by former Maharashtra DGP Dattatray Padsalgikar) to file fresh status reports.
Violence began on May 3, 2023, after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' against Meitei demand for ST status.
Prelims pointers
- Supreme Court bench: CJI Surya Kant, Justices Joymalya Bagchi, V Mohana
- Monitoring committee head: Dattatray Padsalgikar (former Maharashtra DGP)
- Manipur violence start date: May 3, 2023
- Tribal Solidarity March: protested Meitei demand for Scheduled Tribe status
Mains angles
- Role of judiciary in ensuring speedy justice in ethnic violence cases
- Challenges in investigation and trial of large-scale communal violence
- Victim rights and access to justice in criminal proceedings
- Federal coordination between state and central agencies (CBI, SIT)