The two women, seen being paraded naked and subjected to sexual violence in Manipur, have moved a writ petition before the Supreme Court. The court’s three-judge bench, comprising Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Misra, will hear the case. The identities of the women have been concealed as ‘X’ and ‘Y’ in these petitions.
On July 20, the Supreme Court took cognizance of the viral video of two women being paraded naked and subjected to sexual violence in Manipur. The video was from May 4. “We are very deeply disturbed by the videos which have emerged yesterday about the two women who were paraded in Manipur. We are expressing our deep concern. It is time that the government really steps in and takes action. This is simply unacceptable,” the Chief Justice said.
“What is portrayed in the media and visuals which appeared shows gross constitutional violation and infraction of human life using women as instruments of perpetrated violence is against constitutional democracy. Let Centre and State apprise court on steps taken,” the court remarked.
“Simply unacceptable. Using women as an instrument in an area of communal strife to inflict gender violence is deeply disturbing. This is the grossest of constitutional abuse and human rights violations. We are deeply disturbed by the videos which have emerged. If the government does not act, we will,” the Chief Justice said.
The Chief Justice then sought the details of action taken against the perpetrators since May and warned the government, “We will give a little time for government to take action otherwise we will step in.” The case was listed before the court on July 28; however, it was not considered as the Chief Justice did not preside that day. The matters pertaining to Manipur violence would now be taken up on July 31.
In response to the distressing video, the Government of India has decided to entrust the investigation into the incident to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The decision to transfer the investigation into the incident was taken considering the gravity of the offence and with the consent of the Manipur Government.
The Government of India has said that it has “zero tolerance towards crimes against women” in its affidavit and submitted that several remedial steps have been taken to support the victims. Furthermore, the government has requested the Supreme Court to transfer the case trial to another state and sought a direction to complete the trial within 6 months of filing chargesheet.
“Legal aid has also been offered to the victim to district legal service authority. The state government has formulated rehabilitative measures for the victims, including counselling from a trained professional, shelter at a place of choice meeting secrecy and security, arrangement for education in case of willingness to pursue education, assistance with meaningful livelihood, adequate provisions for vocational training and suitable job to the victim and the next of kin subject to the willingness and suitability,” the government’s affidavit read.
The Government of India, in its affidavit, also informed the court that it is monitoring the law and order situation in Manipur to expedite the process of justice, even though the matters fall under the State Government’s jurisdiction. The government also informed the court that several measures have been incorporated to ensure security and provide necessary assistance for swift investigation, rehabilitation and remedial action.
Furthermore, the government has mandated that all such incidents are reported to the Director General of Police (DGP) and offered suitable rewards to whistle-blowers for reporting such incidents, ensuring their anonymity.
