SC Proposes Special Courts for Manipur Violence Cases, Directs CBI, SIT to Expedite Probes
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
The Supreme Court has proposed setting up special courts for day-to-day trials in criminal cases arising from the 2023 ethnic violence in Manipur. It also directed the CBI and Manipur SIT to expedite investigations and ensure victims receive chargesheet copies without delay.
Background
Ethnic violence erupted in Manipur on May 3, 2023, following a 'Tribal Solidarity March' against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Over 200 people have been killed, hundreds injured, and thousands displaced.
Key facts
Supreme Court bench led by CJI Surya Kant proposed special courts for day-to-day trials in Manipur violence cases.
Court directed CBI and Manipur SIT to expedite pending investigations.
Victims and families have not yet received copies of chargesheets filed by CBI and SIT.
Legal aid counsel for victims can approach Gauhati and Manipur High Courts to obtain chargesheet copies.
Centre, CBI, SIT, and Manipur government must furnish details of completed and pending investigations.
Manipur High Court directed to examine cases of 30 missing persons since the clashes began.
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 ST demand.
Over 200 killed, hundreds injured, thousands displaced in the ethnic clashes.
Prelims pointers
- Supreme Court of India
- CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation)
- SIT (Special Investigation Team)
- Gauhati High Court
- Manipur High Court
- Dattatray Padsalgikar (former Maharashtra DGP)
- May 3, 2023 (start of Manipur violence)
- Scheduled Tribe (ST) status demand by Meitei community
Mains angles
- GS2: Role of judiciary in ensuring speedy justice and human rights protection during ethnic conflicts.
- GS3: Internal security challenges posed by ethnic violence and role of investigative agencies.
- GS2: Centre-state relations in managing law and order and coordination with CBI and SIT.