SC gives committees on Manipur 2 months

According to the order sheet of August 7 proceedings, the top court bench led by Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud will take up the reports on October 13 for further directions

Updated on: Aug 11, 2023, 24:12:36 IST

By Utkarsh Anand, New Delhi

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The Supreme Court has given two months to Dattatray Padsalgikar, former deputy national security adviser and ex-director general of police (DGP) of Maharashtra, and a high-powered committee comprising three retired women high court judges, to come back with their reports on investigation and the efficacy of rescue, relief and rehabilitation measures in the sectarian violence-hit Manipur.

According to the order sheet of August 7 proceedings that was released late on Thursday, the top court bench led by Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud will take up the reports on October 13 for further directions.

Padsalgikar will oversee the investigation to be carried out by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into at least 12 cases of crimes against women that the Centre conceded will be probed by the federal agency.

The retired IPS officer, the court order clarified, will also monitor and supervise the 42 special investigation teams (SITs) constituted by the Manipur government for probing more than 6,500 other First Information Reports (FIRs) registered in connection with the violence in the northeastern state.

“Padsalgikar is also requested to investigate the allegations that certain police officers colluded with perpetrators of violence (including sexual violence) during the conflict in Manipur,” it added.

The all-women committee of three former high court judges have been tasked with enquiring into the nature of violence against women and ensuring physical and psychological well-being of those housed at relief camps, besides the payment of damages to victims.

In its 36-page order, the apex court criticised the N Biren Singh government for its “tardy pace of investigation by the investigating machinery,” referring to delays in lodging of FIRs and no arrest, among other reasons.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Utkarsh Anand
Utkarsh Anand is the National Legal Editor at Hindustan Times, where he leads the newspaper's coverage of the Supreme Court, constitutional law, the judiciary and the Union law ministry. He joined Hindustan Times in 2020 after stints at Press Trust of India (PTI), The Indian Express and CNN-News18, and has over two decades of experience reporting on law, governance and public policy. His work has focussed on some of India's most consequential constitutional and legal developments, including the Supreme Court's judgments on Article 370, marriage equality, decriminalisation of homosexuality, the Babri Masjid dispute, electoral reforms and judicial appointments. He specialises in making complex legal proceedings and judgments accessible to readers while examining their wider social and political impact. Beyond daily reportage, Utkarsh has led investigative projects and enterprise reporting that have shaped public debate and prompted institutional responses. His work has received several journalism awards, including the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award. As National Legal Editor, he has also played a key role in expanding Hindustan Times' legal journalism footprint, mentoring reporters and strengthening coverage across platforms. A Chevening South Asia Journalism Programme Fellow, Utkarsh regularly writes analyses on the judiciary and constitutional issues, and his reporting is widely followed by lawyers, judges, policymakers, academics and readers seeking clarity on India's evolving legal landscape.Read More