Supreme Court asked for each and every detail of the actions
However, the Supreme Court did not give any decision in the matter today. Instead, the court sought details of the administrative actions taken so far in Manipur. Now the Supreme Court will also have to hand over the information of all the 6,000 FIRs related to the incident. “We need to analyze the 6,000 FIRs separately to see how many zero FIRs have taken place, how many arrests have taken place, how many accused are in judicial custody, how many statements have been recorded under 156(3) and legal proceedings,” the court said. How is the assistance being given? “We can take the reply of the state tomorrow and consider it tomorrow,” the bench said.
Attorney General R Venkataramani and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta sought more time to give all the details but the court refused. He said, ‘We cannot give more time. If it is delayed, all the evidence will disappear. Take the incident of car wash in Imphal. I read about it too. The bench asked who would give a statement as to what happened there? On this the solicitor said that it is not possible to collect so many papers in such a short time. Then the Supreme Court said that the record of the FIR is kept online.
Both women victims of brutality reached the Supreme Court
On the other hand, the two women seen in the viral video from Manipur, seeking security for themselves, appealed to the Supreme Court to direct the local magistrate to record their statement under section 164 of the CrPC. The Supreme Court also sought opinion from the governments of Manipur and the Center as to what would be the composition of the SIT if it is constituted. The bench said, ‘After all, if we accept the request of the SIT, then you suggest some names from your side and also give opinion on the names given by the petitioners. We have to see the background of all this. Tell us if the names are good. The bench said that now the matter will be heard next at 2 pm on Tuesday. It is known that Chief Justice DY Chandrachud looked very strict in Monday’s hearing. Let us know what he said.
1. Not only two women, many such incidents happened in Manipur
The video of these three women is not the only instance of sexual harassment, there have been many such incidents and this is not an isolated incident. We will ensure that justice is done to these 3 women, but we also have to look at the wider issue of violence against women in Manipur. We have to ensure that action is taken in all cases where complaints etc. have been lodged. Tell us how many FIRs have been registered on violence against women?
2. Understanding both sides, will take appropriate action
We are understanding different sides very well. We will hear both the sides briefly and then we will decide the appropriate course of action. We do not have any evidence record now. Let us hear the petitioners and then also hear the views of AG and SG Mehta.
3. Comparing Manipur with Bengal or any other state is wrong
We are taking stock of the unprecedented incidents of violence against women in communal and caste violence. But it cannot be said that crimes against women are happening in Bengal also because the case of Manipur is different. Tell me what is your advice on the Manipur issue? We cannot justify what happened in Manipur by saying that such cases have happened in other states also.
4. Give details of cases, can’t give more time now
You said that 6,000 FIRs were registered in Manipur, what are the details? How many crimes have been committed against women? Then crimes of damage to public property, religious places were also committed, what is their status? Tell us how many such zero FIRs are there, are there any crimes registered under section 156(3), what kind of legal aid we are providing and also tell us if such a gruesome incident took place only against the two women seen in the video Is it or have other such incidents happened and how many FIRs have been filed in such cases?
5. All things are there in the media, but not with the government?
All the facts are in the media. It is strange that the Manipur government itself does not have the facts. But if the facts are partially true..we are not talking about collusion..but if he was handed over to mob by police…it is not like nirbhaya…that too was horrible…but here This is not an isolated situation… There is a pattern of such incidents in the communal and caste violence affected area.
6. Healing touch will have to be given to Manipur
There is a great need to give healing touch to the victims of Manipur violence. The violence is going on unabated and the court appointed team sent a message which has been taken note of by the Supreme Court… Judges and officers can be appointed who can present an unbiased view of the ground situation.
7. The victims should not have to seek justice, we will reach their doorstep
We have maintained that simply handing it over to SIT or CBI will not be enough. We have to issue instructions as to how to record section 161 statement. Where will a 19-year-old living in a camp who has lost her father and brother etc go to record her statement? Justice must reach his doorstep.