Women Seen In Manipur Sexual Assault Video Approach Supreme Court

The two women, who were shown in the horrific video in Manipur, being paraded naked and subjected to sexual violence amidst the ethnic conflict in the State, have approached the Supreme Court in a writ petition. The petition is to be heard by a bench comprising CJI DY Chandrachud, Justice JB Pardiwala, and Justice Manoj Misra today (July 31, 2023). 

The identities of the women petitioners have been concealed as 'X' and 'Y' in the petitions. They have sought directions to ensure fair and impartial investigation in the case. 

The petition has been filed through Advocate on Record Javedur Rahman.

On July 20, the Supreme Court had taken suo moto cognisance of the issue and had directed the Centre and the State Government to inform it of the steps taken to bring the perpetrators into law. The court has stated in no uncertain terms that it would give a little time for the government to take action but if something was not done soon, it would step in. 

In response, the Union Government decided to entrust the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) with the investigation in the matter. The step was taken with the consent of the State Government of Manipur considering the gravity of the offence. The Union Government also requested the Supreme Court to transfer the trial out of the State of Manipur to any other State. Along with this, it also sought a direction to complete the trial within six months of filing the chargesheet.

Another PIL has also been filed in the matter, seeking an independent expert committee under the leadership of a former judge of the top court to inquire into ‘incidents of sexual assault and ongoing violence’ in the state of Manipur.

Further, the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) as well as the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) have both condemned the violence witnessed by Manipur, especially referring to the distressing video.

Additionally, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognizance of complaints seeking its urgent intervention into the incident.