The Supreme Court has expressed grave concern over the handling of ethnic violence in Manipur, criticizing both law enforcement and the government’s response. The court was appalled to learn that FIRs had not been registered for almost three months after some incidents, and only a few arrests had been made despite 6,000 FIRs being filed.
The bench, comprising Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, Justice JB Pardiwala, and Justice Manoj Misra, is hearing petitions related to the Manipur violence, including those filed by victims of sexual violence. The court summoned Manipur’s Director General of Police to answer the judges’ questions on August 4.
The investigation was deemed “tardy” based on preliminary data, with significant delays in registering FIRs, recording witness statements, and making arrests. The court observed that the investigation appeared lethargic and that statements were recorded after prolonged intervals.
The Solicitor General of India, representing Manipur, was unable to provide details on the number of “zero FIRs” filed out of the 6,532 FIRs and the timing of arrests related to the sexual violence video case. The court pointed out the long delay in filing FIRs and the lack of arrests, raising doubts about the state police’s capability to handle the situation.
The Chief Justice remarked that there seemed to be an absolute breakdown of law and order, with the state police appearing incapable of conducting investigations. He questioned the DGP’s actions and criticized the arrests made, calling them “performative.” The court questioned whether policemen had been interrogated in cases where women alleged they were handed over to the mob.
The judges emphasized that the events in Manipur cannot be justified by comparing them to other incidents elsewhere. They stressed the urgency to address the issues, urging the authorities to take prompt and effective actions to restore law and order and bring perpetrators to justice.