The Supreme Court in the case observed and took suo motu cognizance of the horrific video wherein the video showed of two women in Manipur being paraded naked and is subjected to sexual violence amidst the ethnic conflict in the State.
The said court also asked the Central Government and the State Government to inform it of the steps which needs to be taken to bring the perpetrators into law.
The bench comprising of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud in the case observed and seek presence of Attorney General for India R Venkataramani and Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta.
Therefore, when the court assembled, while addressing the AG and the SG, the bench headed by CJI stated that, this court is very deeply disturbed by the videos which have emerged yesterday about the two women who were paraded in Manipur. This court is expressing our deep concern and it being the time that the government really steps in and took action. Thus, this is simply not acceptable.
The bench headed by CJI stated that using the women as instrument in an area of communal strife to inflict gender violence is deeply disturbing. Thus, this being the grossest of human rights violations.
Further, it has been stated by the CJI that though the video was of May 4, 2023 it does not make a difference.
The bench stated that this court will give a little time for government for taking action otherwise we will step in. therefore, the CJI in the matter also warned while asking the details of the action taken by the authorities since May to book the criminals. CJI also asked what action was taken by the Government for ensuring that such instances are not repeated, who knows weather it was being isolated or if there is the pattern.
It has also been informed by the CJI to the law officers that the Court was taking note of this issue for consideration in the ongoing batch of cases which concern to the Manipur Violence.
The bench of CJI in its order stated that the said court is deeply disturbed by the visuals of the video which have appeared in the media since yesterday about the perpetration of sexual assault and violence on women in Manipur. This court is of the view that the Court must be apprised of the steps taken by the government to hold the perpetrators accountable and also to ensure that such instances are not repeated in the strife in Manipur and the visuals which are being portrayed in the media would indicate reflects gross constitutional violations and infraction of human rights. Thus, while using the women as an instrument to perpetrate violence in a charged atmosphere is simply unacceptable in a constitutional democracy.
Further, the court directed the Union and the State Government to take immediate steps so as to apprise the Court of what action has been taken.
Accordingly, the court listed the matter to be next heard on Friday.
