New Delhi, Feb 13 (NationPress) The Supreme Court of India has on Friday requested a status update from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding the ongoing investigations into sexual violence incidents linked to the sectarian unrest in Manipur. The court hinted that the responsibility for the daily oversight of the trials might be delegated to the respective High Courts.

A panel consisting of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi proposed that the Chief Justices of both the Manipur High Court and Gauhati High Court collaborate to create an efficient system for monitoring the trials and associated procedures.

“Considering that a new Hon’ble Chief Justice has assumed office in Manipur, an efficient framework can be established at the state or regional level in conjunction with the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court. Thus, senior counsel and party representatives should seek direction on why the ongoing monitoring of all pending cases should not be managed by the High Court,” the CJI-led Bench commented.

In the wake of the violent confrontations in Manipur during 2023, the Supreme Court had assigned 11 sexual violence cases for CBI investigation. The trials are presently taking place in Assam, with victims and witnesses permitted to testify via video conferencing from Manipur.

During the session, senior advocate Vrinda Grover, representing several victims, reported that a request for a detailed status report from the CBI had been submitted. She informed the apex court that in one instance, a victim had passed away in January 2026 without her family being notified about the filing of a chargesheet.

“The CBI failed to inform her, my Lords, about the chargesheet. That hope for justice sustained her,” Grover asserted, also noting that in some cases, “the two accused are absent, and the CBI is not in attendance. The lack of seriousness in these proceedings is appalling.”

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, the second-highest law officer of the Centre, acknowledged that “nobody can dispute what Ms. Grover has articulated. The rights of the victim must remain intact,” and emphasized that the CBI needs to address the raised concerns, whether in the Supreme Court or the High Court.

He further stated that the situation in Manipur has now become “calm and peaceful,” suggesting that the High Courts could better assess the local context.

In response, the CJI Kant-led Bench remarked that to “fortify the rule of law and the essence of justice,” the Chief Justices of both the Manipur and Gauhati High Courts should coordinate to establish how statements are recorded and how a “free and fearless environment” can be ensured for victims and witnesses.

“The CBI should submit its status report by the next hearing date. Other matters may simply be postponed,” the apex court instructed. Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, representing the Manipur Tribal Forum, requested copies of 27 reports that were previously submitted to the apex court by committees established to tackle criminal justice and rehabilitation issues.

“Two committees have been constituted—one focused on criminal justice and the other on rehabilitation. Twenty-seven reports have been filed in this court, yet we do not have a single copy available. Rehabilitation efforts are stalled, and prosecution rates are alarmingly low,” he stated.

However, the CJI Kant-led Bench noted that some reports might include sensitive information.

“If a report is submitted in this court and contains sensitive data, it could be misappropriated before reaching you. We will review it first and determine the next steps,” it remarked.

The matter has been scheduled for further deliberations on February 26. Previously, the apex court formed a committee led by former Chief Justice Gita Mittal to oversee humanitarian issues, particularly concerning women and children, and to monitor conditions in relief camps alongside compensation and rehabilitation efforts.

While no Special Investigation Team (SIT) was established for this case, the Supreme Court designated former IPS officer Dattatray Padsalgikar to supervise the investigation.