SC proposes special courts for speedy trial in Manipur violence cases
The Supreme Court on Friday (July 24, 2026) proposed setting up of special courts to conduct day-to-day trials in cases arising out of the 2023 Manipur violence and directed investigating agencies to expedite ongoing investigations to ensure there is no further “inordinate delay”.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohan heard a number of petitions related to ethnic violence in the state. Referring to the status reports filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Special Investigation Team (SIT), the Bench noted that the prevailing law and order situation has made it difficult to question witnesses, with many being displaced or transferred.
The court also pointed out that the prolonged suspension of internet services hindered the collection of digital evidence, while restrictions on the movement of investigating officers made field investigations difficult, contributing to delays in investigations.
“We tentatively propose to set up special courts with the concurrence of the Manipur State and the Manipur and Gauhati High Courts to conduct the trials on a day-to-day basis, especially in view of the inordinate delay already incurred in the ongoing investigation,” the Bench said.
To facilitate the setting up of the proposed special courts, the Bench directed Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the state government, the SIT and the CBI to collect details of cases in which investigations have been completed and charge-sheets have been filed as well as those in which investigations are still ongoing.
“This information is eminently necessary for the purpose of determining the strength of the special courts that we propose to set up,” the Bench said.
Speed up the probe
The Supreme Court also impressed upon the investigating agencies to expeditiously conclude the ongoing investigations and file the remaining chargesheets. It further directed the Chief Secretary Manipur and the Director General of Police to extend full cooperation to the investigating agencies and ensure effective coordination to facilitate the completion of the investigation.
“…Therefore, we emphasize on both the agencies to do their best to remove the hurdles and complete the investigation. In this regard, we direct the State of Manipur, Chief Secretary and Director General of Police to extend full cooperation, coordinate with the investigating agencies and see what kind of assistance can be provided to the CBI/SIT to overcome the above problems,” the Bench said.
In August 2023, the Supreme Court ordered the CBI to take over the investigation of 30 heinous cases and shift their trials to Assam to instill confidence among victims and witnesses. It also appointed former Maharashtra Director General of Police Dattatraya Padsalgikar to oversee the investigation and trials and set up a three-member committee headed by Justice Gita Mittal, former chief justice of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court, to look into issues related to rehabilitation and resettlement of victims.
Taking into account the latest status report filed by the CBI, the Bench observed that charge-sheets were filed in 21 cases while final reports were submitted in six cases out of which three were accepted. The SIT, which is probing 3,020 cases across eight districts in Manipur, also informed the Bench that charge-sheets have been framed in 31 cases, trials have been initiated in 10 cases and nearly 2,900 witnesses remain to be examined.
Provide victims with charges
On Friday, advocate Vrinda Grover, who appeared for the victims in two cases of sexual assault during the ethnic violence, informed the court that the families of the victims remained in the dark about the progress of the investigation and despite earlier directions of the court, they have not yet received the copies of the chargesheet filed by the CBI and the SIT.
The bench took cognizance of the complaint and directed the legal counsel representing the victims to approach the offices of the Chief Justices of the Gauhati and Manipur High Courts and obtain copies of the charge sheet.
“We direct the Legal Aid Counsel, Member Secretary, Manipur State Legal Services Authority and State Legal Services Authority, Gauhati to immediately contact the office of the Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court and also the office of the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court for delivery of the charge-sheet wherever the same has been filed but is yet to be given legal advice to the families of the victims or the accused. As soon as possible but not later than one week from the date of contacted legal counsel,” the bench ordered.
The bench also directed the Manipur High Court to investigate the cases involving 30 persons who have remained missing since the outbreak of ethnic violence.
It further directed the investigating agencies to file fresh status reports before the next date of hearing.
Published – 24 Jul 2026 13:32 IST