The survivors of the harrowing incident in Manipur, where women were paraded naked and sexually assaulted, have lodged a new petition before the Supreme Court. During the hearing on the viral video of the incident, Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, highlighted that this was not an isolated case of sexual violence since the outbreak of ethnic violence in the northeastern state over two months ago.
Chief Justice Chandrachud further raised concerns about the 14-day delay in police response, considering that the incident came to light on May 4.
The women who endured the traumatic experience in Manipur have now approached the Supreme Court with a fresh petition related to the viral video. They have also filed a separate application concerning the FIR related to the sexual assault incident on May 4, seeking protection of their identity.
In response to the petition, the Supreme Court has requested both the Central and state governments to provide details about the FIRs filed in connection with the matter. The court has also asked for information regarding the steps taken to investigate and rehabilitate those displaced during the ethnic clash in Manipur.
The court sought specific information about the total number of FIRs filed, the types of FIRs registered, the count of zero FIRs initiated, and the cases transferred to the magistrate’s jurisdiction.
Chief Justice Chandrachud emphasized that the video was not an isolated instance of violence against women, as an affidavit filed by the home secretary indicated multiple similar instances.
The CJI also questioned the Attorney General about the number of FIRs related to assaults on women lodged since May 3, when the violence between the Kuki and Meitei communities erupted.
The court expressed the importance of prompt action in such cases and emphasized that justice must be ensured for the three women involved.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the petitioners, informed the court that they do not seek a CBI investigation or the transfer of the case outside the state. However, he expressed concerns about the collaboration between the police and the perpetrators of the violence, raising doubts about the state’s ability to protect its citizens.
