Absolute Breakdown of Constitutional Machinery in Manipur: Supreme Court

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday showed serious concern over the government’s efforts to pacify communal violence in Manipur. The Supreme Court said there has been an absolute breakdown of constitutional machinery in the state for the past two months.

Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, who is heading the bench, termed the investigation by Manipur police “tardy” and “lethargic”. He pointed out that there has been a delay in FIRs being registered and statements being recorded.

The court ordered the personal presence of the Manipur Director General of Police during the next hearing on Monday.

The apex court asked why only seven arrests have been made so far despite registering 6,000 FIRs.

The bench headed by the Chief Justice also directed the state government to prepare a statement setting out the date when women paraded nude in Manipur, the date of registration of zero FIR, the date of registration of regular FIR, the date on which witness statements were recorded, and the date on which statements under section 164 CrPC have been recorded, and date of arrests made.

The Supreme Court is also considering to constitute a committee of former judges to decide on remit to supervise the work of government, compensation, restoration of work, investigation and recording of statements.