New Delhi: The Supreme Court has strongly criticized the government’s handling of the violence, in Manipur stating that the states constitutional machinery has completely broken down for the two months. Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, who led the bench expressed dissatisfaction with the inefficient investigation process highlighting delays in filing First Information Reports (FIRs) and recording statements. Consequently, the court demanded that the Manipur Director General of Police personally appear during the hearing.
The Opposition has seized on these comments. Is calling for the removal of Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh and the imposition of Presidents Rule in the state. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that 6,523 FIRs related to violence had been registered, including 11 cases involving crimes against women and children.
Justice Chandrachud inquired about arrests made regarding a case where women were reportedly paraded naked and subjected to gang rape. While some arrests have been made there was dissatisfaction with both investigation progress and delays in taking action. The court also highlighted discrepancies in FIR dates as slow progress in resolving these cases.
Taking note of 150 deaths occurring since violence erupted in Manipur, Justice Chandrachud demanded data, on all registered FIRs. The court has instructed the Director General of Police to furnish information regarding each First Information Report (FIR). This includes providing the dates of incidents, registration details of the FIRs, statements made by witnesses and information, about any arrests made.