Evan V


The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday called upon the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to place a status report on record regarding investigation and prosecution progress in sexual violence cases arising out of the Manipur crisis. The Court also indicated that the ongoing monitoring—presently overseen by a committee headed by Justice Gita Mittal—may be transitioned to the Manipur High Court for day-to-day supervision.

A Division Bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi was hearing issues relating to the conduct of trials in sexual violence matters linked to the ethnic violence in the State.

At the outset, the Chief Justice recalled that a three-member committee headed by Justice Gita Mittal had been tasked (by directions dated October 7, 2023) with ensuring fair and time-bound investigation in the concerned matters. The Bench observed that, given the committee’s engagement with broader humanitarian aspects, it may be more appropriate for the newly appointed Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court to undertake monitoring, in coordination with the concerned High Court(s), to ensure expedition.

Advocate Vrinda Grover, appearing for certain victims, informed the Court that an application had been moved seeking a comprehensive CBI status report in all 11 cases earlier transferred for investigation pursuant to the Supreme Court’s directions. She also submitted that one victim had died in January 2026 and stated that access to trial court orders in that matter was obtained only recently.

Also Read: Disability Pension Broad-Banding Arrears For Eligible Ex-Servicemen Must Be Paid From January 1, 1996 Or Date Of Retirement Without 3-Year Limit: Supreme Court

On the question of victim communication and confidence in the process, she submitted: "The CBI never informed her, mylords that hope, that she may get justice, has kept her alive. Nobody ever informed her that there is a chargesheet filed." She further asserted that proceedings were not being pursued with requisite seriousness, stating: "The two accused are not appearing, the CBI is not present..."

Ms Grover also raised safety concerns about victims having to travel back to Manipur, and contended that affected families are not being kept informed across matters, adding:" In 11 cases, no one is informed. How do I know whether my deceased daughter's case is taking place? What is the difficulty in doing that?"

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Union, stated that the Centre had no objection to monitoring being entrusted to the High Court. He submitted: "The CBI must answer whether to mylords or the High Court, the state is now calm and peaceful, everyone is travelling, there are transborder issues with Myanmar, some vested interests representing those here. It would be better if the local environment were appreciated by the Chief Justice and the brother judges."

Advocate Nizam Pasha, appearing for certain victims in a connected case, submitted that as per earlier directions, cases had been transferred to Assam for pre-trial steps, with victims and witnesses deposing from Churachandpur.

The Chief Justice stressed that institutionalising monitoring at the High Court level would promote expedition and consistency, and suggested coordination between the Chief Justices of the Manipur and Gauhati High Courts. He observed: "For strengthening the rule of law, and the purpose of Justice, we can ask the Chief Justices of both the High Courts (Manipur and Assam) to coordinate and ensure how the statements are to be recorded, how a free and fearless environment, how can be provided."

Also Read: Kerala High Court Expunges Mental Health Review Board Caution Against Doctor Over Lapses In Mental Healthcare Act Compliance; Observes He Acted In A Professional Manner

The Bench directed the CBI to file a status report on the investigation/prosecution in the transferred cases and also asked the Chief Justices of the Manipur and Gauhati High Courts to evolve an effective coordination mechanism. The order records: "Let the CBI file its status report on the next date of hearing, other matters maybe simply adjourned. In view of the fact that a new Hon'ble Chief Justice has taken oath with Manipur, and an effective mechanism can be at the state level or at the regional level there in co-ordination with Hon'ble Chief Justice of Guwahati High Court and Chief Justice of Manipur High Court can be effectively established, let Sr Counsels, counsels for the parties have instructions in the matter as to why not the day to day monitoring of all the matters pending be entrusted to the jurisdiction of the High Court."

Senior Advocate Colin Gonsalves, appearing for the Manipur Tribal Forum, urged the Court to direct the sharing/handing over of 27 reports of the Justice Gita Mittal Committee for the purposes of rehabilitation and criminal justice-related submissions.

The Solicitor General opposed the Forum’s application, submitting: "the committee has reported to mylords that these organisations are causing hindrance, and they are instigating people to continue violence."

Mr Gonsalves disputed the allegation and requested that the Court disclose such reports as it deems appropriate, while keeping sensitivity considerations in mind. He also submitted that rehabilitation progress remained inadequate and that the reports were necessary for meaningful assistance to the Court.

The matter has been listed for hearing on February 26.

Case Title: DINGANGLUNG GANGMEI vs. MUTUM CHURAMANI MEETEI 

Diary No.: 19206/2023

Bench: Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi