SC asks authorities to set up to 2 special courts to deal with Manipur violence cases probed by CBI, NIA

The Supreme Court has requested the Manipur and Assam governments to consider establishing up to two special trial courts to exclusively handle CBI and NIA cases stemming from the 2023 ethnic violence in Manipur. The bench, comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, directed authorities to compile details of such cases with chargesheets filed to aid victims, families, and legal counsel in accessing relevant records.

They also tasked the registrar general of the high court to submit a status report on the matter before the next hearing. The CBI has investigated 31 cases, with 27 final reports and 22 chargesheets filed. The NIA has filed chargesheets in 15 cases, with investigations ongoing in the remaining 15. The bench inquired if the Special Judges handling these cases are solely dealing with CBI and NIA cases originating from Manipur or also addressing other cases.

The court emphasized the need for uninterrupted CBI and NIA investigations, law-and-order situation, and support for students' safety in Manipur.