SCAORA Condemns Manipur Sexual Violence, Objects To 'Illegal' FIRs Against Advocates & Activists

The SCAORA has pinned the blame on the state machinery and the administration for failing to control the riots in Manipur and protect basic human rights. In its resolution, the lawyers’ body has stated:

“Deeply shocked and saddened by the videos which have emerged on social and other media platforms about human rights violations in Manipur, the SCAORA condemns the incident in strongest words. Our collective heads hang in shame against this grossest of human rights violation. Such incidences not only reflect the failure of the state machinery in protecting the basic human rights of the citizens but also its failure of administration and controlling the riots in the state.”

Strongly object to illegal FIRs against advocates and activists: SCAORA

Besides this, the association has also expressed its ‘strong objection’ to any illegal first information reports (FIR) being registered and arrests made by the police against advocates and activists endeavouring to help the riots-struck victims and families.

This is likely in response to the Manipur police booking Advocate Deeksha Dwivedi for the alleged offences of sedition and conspiracy to wage war against India. The FIR against her and two others was registered on the strength of a private complaint lodged over an alleged remark describing the Manipur violence as ‘state-sponsored’ in a press conference under the banner of the National Federation of Women (NFIW), which is associated with the Communist Party of India (CPI). This press conference was held after Dwivedi visited Manipur as a part of a three-member fact-finding team. When Dwivedi moved the top court, a bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud agreed to grant her interim protection for four weeks while she approached the Manipur High Court for an appropriate remedy.

The top court has also taken suo motu cognisance of the viral video that emerged from the State of Manipur, asking the Centre and the Manipur government to inform it of the steps taken to hold the perpetrators accountable as well as prevent similar incidents in the future. Both governments were also directed to “take immediate steps – remedial, rehabilitative and preventive and to apprise the Court of the action which has been taken before the next date of listing on affidavit”. The step to take cognisance of the horrific incident that recently came to light was commended by the lawyers’ association.

The SCAORA also mirrored the deep concern expressed by the bench, when it noted:

“The Court is deeply disturbed by the visuals which have appeared in the media since yesterday depicting the perpetration of sexual assault and violence on women in Manipur. What is portrayed in the media would indicate gross constitutional violations and infractions of human rights. Using women as instruments for perpetrating violence is simply unacceptable in a constitutional democracy.”

Finally, the resolution concludes by stating:

“The SCAORA…resolves to provide any and all assistance that the Supreme Court may require to bring the perpetrators of this most inhuman act to justice including offering pro bono legal assistance to any and all Manipur state riots affected victims if required.”

Click here to read the resolution