In a scathing indictment of the Manipur Police investigation into ethnic violence, the Supreme Court of India expressed deep concern over the handling of the case. The Court rebuked the police for its lethargic approach, highlighting a shocking delay in registering First Information Reports (FIRs) and making arrests related to the violence.

The Court, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud along with Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Misra, was hearing multiple petitions pertaining to the Manipur violence, including those filed by victims of sexual violence. The systemic nature of violence came under scrutiny, prompting the Court to take firm action.

The Court's order revealed that nearly 6,000 FIRs were registered concerning the violence, but many of them were delayed by several months after the actual incidents occurred. Shockingly, only a few arrests have been made so far, leaving the Court appalled at the lack of progress in the investigation.

The Manipur Director General of Police has been summoned to appear personally before the Court on Friday at 2 PM to address the concerns raised by the Court. The Court has demanded answers regarding the tardy investigation, the delay in registering FIRs, recording witness statements, and the limited number of arrests made.

Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta, representing the State, revealed that 6532 FIRs were filed, with 11 of them related to crimes against women. However, the Court further questioned the nature of these FIRs, including how many of them were "zero" FIRs and when they were converted into regular FIRs.

CJI Chandrachud pointed out a specific incident where an FIR was registered on 7th July for an incident that occurred on 4th May, stressing the gravity of the situation. He expressed concern that, except for a couple of cases, there were barely any arrests made in connection with the violence.

The Court strongly criticized the state police for its apparent incapacity to conduct an efficient investigation. It suggested a need for an independent body, possibly a committee of former judges from the High Court, to assess the overall situation, rehabilitation, and restoration of affected homes.

Regarding the CBI's involvement, the Court acknowledged that transferring all 6500 FIRs to the agency could overload its mechanism. Hence, the Court emphasized the importance of bifurcating the cases based on the nature of offenses to ensure a fair and comprehensive investigation.

In light of the ongoing investigation and concerns raised by the Court, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) may be constituted to oversee the pre-investigation process, including the proper recording of witness statements.

The Supreme Court clarified that its approach would be impartial, irrespective of the identity of the victims or perpetrators. The focus remains on seeking justice for the victims and restoring law and order in Manipur.