Introduction
In a significant move, the Supreme Court has proposed the formation of a committee composed of three former high court judges to address the complex issues stemming from the ethnic violence that has plagued Manipur. The committee’s mandate goes beyond merely investigating incidents of violence; it also extends to overseeing rehabilitation efforts and implementing remedial measures.
Committee members
The committee, comprising Justice Gita Mittal (former Chief Justice of Jammu & Kashmir HC), Justice Shalini Joshi (former Judge of Bombay High Court), and Justice Asha Menon (former judge of Delhi High Court), aims to restore confidence in the rule of law and provide a comprehensive approach to resolving the ongoing conflict in Manipur. This diverse panel of experts is expected to tackle a wide range of issues, ensuring a holistic approach to resolution.
Former IPS officer Dattatray Padsalgikar has been entrusted with overseeing the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) investigation. To bolster the investigative process, five officers of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) rank, drawn from various states, will collaborate with the CBI while adhering to its administrative structure.
Moreover, a total of 42 Special Investigation Teams (SITs) will be formed to probe cases that have not been transferred to the CBI.
To maintain impartiality and enhance credibility, these SITs will be supervised by Deputy Inspector General (DIG) ranked officers from outside Manipur, each overseeing six SITs. This ensures proper scrutiny and progress tracking of investigations.
District wise special Investigation intiative
Furthermore, the Supreme Court’s order emphasizes the formation of District-wise Special Investigation Teams to probe violence-related cases. The Centre has indicated its support for this approach, underlining its commitment to addressing the ongoing crisis in the northeastern state.
In cases involving crimes against women, the Supreme Court has directed the formation of district-level SITs headed by female officers of Superintendent of Police rank. This move not only prioritizes the sensitivity of such cases but also ensures diverse representation in the investigative process.
The Supreme Court’s order comes after it criticized the Manipur state police for their sluggish response to incidents of ethnic violence and the violation of women’s rights. This proposed committee signifies a concerted effort by the judiciary to restore stability, instill confidence in the rule of law, and provide redress to victims of violence and discrimination.
While there have been calls for an independent body to investigate the supply of arms and ammunition in the region, the Centre argues that the police should be trusted with the probe. The court’s decision to form this committee aims to strike a balance between judicial oversight and utilizing law enforcement resources effectively.
Conclusion
As the Supreme Court works to address the complex issues surrounding Manipur’s violence and rehabilitation needs, the nation watches closely to see how this multifaceted approach will bring about meaningful change and pave the way for justice and healing in the strife-torn state.
