42 SITs looking at cases not transferred to CBI, says SC in Manipur violence

The Supreme Court announced on Monday that it intends to issue an order establishing 42 Special Investigation Teams (SIT) to investigate matters related to the Manipur unrest that have not yet been submitted to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

A Bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud stated that while cases have been handed to the CBI, it is seeking to direct that five officers of at least Deputy SP rank be brought into the CBI from various states.

“These officers will also be functioning within the four corners of the infrastructure and administrative structure of CBI. There will be 42 SITs looking at cases that have not been transferred to CBI”, the top court said.

Six DIG level officers from outside Manipur would supervise SITs that are already investigating matters that have not been referred to the CBI. The Supreme Court stated that it is considering appointing a committee of three former High Court judges to look into the inquiry, relief, corrective measures, compensation, rehabilitation, and so on.

“The Committee of three former judges will be headed by Justice Gita Mittal, and also comprise Justice Shalini Joshi, Justice Asha Menon”, apex court said.