Supreme Court Advocates Special Courts for Manipur Violence Cases

In response to the escalating number of criminal cases stemming from the ethnic violence in Manipur in 2023, the Supreme Court of India has suggested the establishment of special courts to facilitate daily trials. This initiative aims to expedite the judicial process and ensure that victims receive timely access to the chargesheets related to their cases. A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, alongside Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, addressed a series of petitions concerning the violence in Manipur, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by victims and their families in obtaining necessary legal documents. The court noted that many individuals affected by the violence have yet to receive copies of the chargesheets filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the state Special Investigation Team (SIT). To address this issue, the court has authorized legal aid representatives for the victims to approach the chief justices of both the Gauhati and Manipur High Courts to request these documents. The bench has mandated that these copies be provided to the legal counsel within one week, ensuring that victims are kept informed about the progress of their cases.

The Supreme Court's bench further instructed Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati to gather comprehensive information regarding the cases where investigations have concluded and chargesheets have been filed. This data will be crucial in determining the number of special courts required to manage the trials efficiently. The court emphasized the importance of a swift judicial response to the ongoing crisis, which has resulted in significant loss of life and displacement. Since the outbreak of violence on May 3, 2023, triggered by a 'Tribal Solidarity March' in the hill districts, over 200 individuals have lost their lives, with many more injured and thousands displaced from their homes. The court's proactive stance aims to address the backlog of cases and ensure that justice is served promptly to those affected by the turmoil.