New Delhi, February 13: The Supreme Court on Friday sought a status report from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on the progress of investigations into sexual violence cases arising out of the 2023 ethnic violence in Manipur. The Court also indicated that day-to-day monitoring of the trials may be entrusted to the Manipur High Court in coordination with the Gauhati High Court.
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A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi was hearing matters related to the trial of sexual violence cases that occurred during the Manipur crisis. The Court observed that, in light of a new Chief Justice taking oath at the Manipur High Court, an effective mechanism could be established at the state or regional level to oversee the cases.
The Bench suggested that the Chief Justices of the Manipur and Gauhati High Courts could coordinate to ensure proper recording of statements and provide a free and fearless environment for victims and witnesses. The Court asked senior counsel to obtain instructions on why the task of day-to-day monitoring of all pending matters should not be entrusted to the jurisdictional High Court.
Following the outbreak of violence in 2023, the Supreme Court had transferred 11 sexual violence cases to the CBI for investigation. The trials are currently being conducted in Assam, with victims and witnesses deposing from Manipur, including Churachandpur, through video conferencing.
Senior advocate Vrinda Grover, appearing for some of the victims, informed the Court that an application had been filed seeking a comprehensive status report from the CBI on all 11 cases. She stated that in one case, the victim had passed away in January 2026 and that her family had not been informed that a chargesheet had been filed.
Grover expressed concern over what she described as a lack of communication and transparency, submitting that victims were not being informed about the status of investigations and trials. She alleged that in certain proceedings, accused persons were not appearing and the CBI was not present, raising questions about the seriousness with which the trials were being conducted.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Union government, stated that there was no objection to transferring monitoring to the High Court. He said the CBI must respond to concerns raised by victims, whether before the Supreme Court or the High Court. He also submitted that the situation in Manipur was now calm and peaceful and that local conditions could be better appreciated at the High Court level.
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The Bench directed the CBI to file its status report by the next date of hearing and posted the matter for February 26. The Court also observed that coordination between the Manipur and Gauhati High Courts could strengthen the rule of law and ensure effective oversight of proceedings.
During the hearing, senior advocate Colin Gonsalves sought access to reports filed by earlier committees appointed by the Court to address criminal justice and rehabilitation issues. The Bench, however, indicated that some reports may contain sensitive material and would need to be examined before being shared.
Earlier, the Supreme Court had constituted a committee headed by former Chief Justice Gita Mittal to oversee humanitarian aspects, including conditions in relief camps and rehabilitation measures. It had also appointed former IPS officer Dattatray Padsalgikar to monitor the investigation, though no special investigation team was formed.
