Supreme Court Proposes Women Judges Committee to Probe Manipur Video Allegations of Sexual Violence after Naked Parade
Supreme Court Contemplates Committee of Retired Woman Judges to Probe Manipur Video Allegations of Sexual Violence
Introduction:
The Supreme Court of India is considering the formation of a committee comprising retired woman judges to investigate incidents of sexual violence against women in Manipur.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra addressed the issue raised by two Kuki-Zomi women from Manipur who appeared in a video, paraded naked by men.
This proposal comes after two Kuki-Zomi women from Manipur, who were seen paraded naked in a video, approached the apex court seeking a probe by a special investigation team (SIT) into the appalling incident.
Seeking Details of Action Taken:
The Court sought details from the State authorities regarding the action taken so far, including information about the 6,000 first information reports (FIRs) that have been claimed to be registered. It is evident that the Court is keen to assess the progress made in addressing the issue before considering further intervention.
Proposal for a Committee of Women Judges:
Recognizing the need for objective assistance in the investigation, the Court proposed the establishment of a committee consisting of woman judges and domain experts. Alternatively, they also considered forming a committee comprising both woman and male judges. The objective is to ensure a comprehensive and unbiased inquiry into the matter.
Importance of Timely Investigation:
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, the Court emphasized that a timely investigation is crucial as delay could lead to the loss of critical evidence. They cited a recent incident in Imphal, where crucial evidence might have been lost due to delayed action.
Demand for Confidence-Building Mechanism:
Various advocates representing the victims stressed the importance of a confidence-building mechanism. They suggested the formation of a high-powered committee, involving women from civil society who are rooted in the community, to instill confidence in the survivors of sexual violence.
Debate Over SIT Composition:
The Court sought the opinion of the State and Centre on the composition of the SIT in case it is constituted. They requested the Union government and State to provide their views on the composition of the SIT and also volunteered to do their own background checks on the suggested members.
The Way Forward:
The matter will be heard again at 2 pm on Tuesday, and further discussions on the proposed committee and the investigation process will take place.
Conclusion:
The Supreme Court’s consideration of forming a committee of retired woman judges signals its commitment to addressing the distressing issue of sexual violence in Manipur. The proposal aims to ensure a fair and transparent investigation into the heinous incidents that have deeply affected the victims and the nation. As the case progresses, hopes remain high for a thorough and impartial inquiry that delivers justice and safety to the survivors of these appalling acts.
