The Supreme Court’s strong criticism of the state machinery in Manipur was directed towards the lapses and delays in filing FIRs and investigating cases of violence reported since May 3. The Manipur government’s status report submitted to the court revealed glaring errors in the filed FIRs and investigative shortcomings.
According to the government’s report, a total of 6523 FIRs were filed in Manipur between May 3 and July 3, encompassing various incidents of violence, including 11 cases related to sexual violence against women.
The court highlighted one particular case of alleged “hacking to death” of a woman and her son, wherein the status report showed that the autopsy had been conducted. However, the sections mentioned in the report did not include the offences of murder (Section 302) or attempt to murder (Section 307) of the Indian Penal Code. Instead, the mentioned sections were related to rioting, molestation, arson, and common intent.
Similarly, another case mentioned in the report was related to the alleged kidnapping and gangrape of an 18-year-old woman on May 15. The FIR in this instance incorrectly cited Section 376D of the IPC, which pertains to rape committed by staff or management of institutions on an inmate. The more appropriate section for gangrape (Section 376G) was not mentioned in the FIR.
Despite the critical nature of these incidents and the seriousness of the allegations, the report seemed to omit certain crucial aspects, leaving room for concern over the accuracy and completeness of the investigations.
The court’s rebuke over the handling of these cases aims to prompt better diligence and attention from the state machinery in dealing with cases of violence and ensure that proper and accurate FIRs are filed, and thorough investigations are conducted to deliver justice to the victims and hold the perpetrators accountable.