SC On Manipur Viral Video: ‘Not Isolated Incident… How Many Cases Filed?’

New Delhi: New Delhi: Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud observed on Monday that the viral video of women being paraded naked in Manipur was not the only instance of sexual violence against women since ethnic violence erupted in the north-eastern state in early May.

“This video is not the only incident of assault on women. Affidavit filed by Home Secretary indicates multiple instances,” said the CJI.

A CJI-headed three-member bench, also comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Misra, is hearing a batch of petitions about violence in Manipur.

Justice Chandrachud asked the Attorney General how many FIRs about assault on women have been lodged since May 3, when ethnic violence broke out between the Kuki and Meitei community.

“It should not be that only when another video comes to light that we direct registering of FIR… We have to make sure justice is done to these three women,” the CJI said.

The women who were paraded naked and sexually assaulted have filed a fresh petition in the top court.

Kapil Sibal, appearing for the petitioners, told the Supreme Court that they neither want a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) investigation nor transfer of the case from Manipur.

“It is clear that the police is collaborating with those who perpetrated the violence. They took them to crowd. What confidence do we have on the state which is there to protect citizens?” said the senior advocate.

“If there’s an element of bias, an independent agency is needed,” he further said.

CBI took over the probe two days ago.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, told the SC bench that the government has no objection if the apex court monitors the investigation.

The Supreme Court called for an evolving broad mechanism to deal with violence against women in Manipur.