In a significant move, the Supreme Court of India has taken suo motu cognizance of a disturbing video that surfaced online, showcasing two women from the Kuki tribe in Manipur being paraded naked and molested. This incident has sparked widespread outrage and concern, prompting the Court to intervene.
Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud expressed deep disturbance over the incident, stating,
“Simply unacceptable. Using women as an instrument in an area of communal strife. Grossest of constitutional abuse. We are deeply disturbed by the videos which have emerged. If the government does not act, we will.”
The Court has sought responses from both the Central and State governments regarding the actions taken to apprehend the culprits.
The Court emphasized the need for the government to inform them about the steps taken to prevent such incidents of violence. The Court ordered.
“We are of the view that court must be apprised of the steps taken by the govt so that perpetrators are booked for such violence. 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,”
Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta, representing the Central government, also condemned the incident, stating,
“This is unacceptable and we join your lordship. The government is also seriously concerned by the incident.”
He assured the Court that the government has initiated immediate steps to bring the perpetrators to justice, and the outcome will be presented before the Court.
The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing on this matter for July 28. The current unrest in Manipur stems from the opposition of certain tribes to the demand by the majority Meitei community for Scheduled Tribes status. The horrific video of the two women being paraded naked and molested went viral on social media, causing a public outcry.
The Supreme Court is already hearing a series of pleas filed regarding the outbreak of violence in the state. The Manipur government has assured the Supreme Court that concerns regarding the ongoing violence will be addressed and that remedial measures will be taken proactively.
The Manipur Tribal Forum had sought the deployment of the Army in tribal areas to control the situation, but the Court declined the request, stating that the apex court, in its 72 years of existence, has never issued directions to the Indian Army on how to conduct military, security, or rescue operations.