Government's Urgent Appeal: Shift Manipur Sexual Assault Case To A Different Venue As Crisis Continues

The central government has appealed to the Supreme Court to transfer the trial of the Manipur sexual assault case to another state.

The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing to consider the central government's request to transfer the trial of the Manipur video case.

This request comes in the aftermath of a dastardly video of two women being stripped naked and paraded by a mob of warring tribes in the northeast state went viral over social media.

Tension in violence-hit Manipur escalated after this video surfaced on social media platforms on 4 May.

On 18 May, a case was registered by the Manipur Police at Nongpol Sekmai Police Station in Thoubal district.

The case was filed against unidentified armed persons under sections of abduction, gangrape and murder.

The Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud-led bench was scheduled to address several cases related to the ethnic violence in the northeast state on 28 July.

However, the matter had to be deferred due to the CJI's health issues.

The Manipur violence case was brought to the attention of the top court on 20 July through suo moto cognisance.

The court directed both the state and central governments to promptly address the situation and provide updates on the actions taken.

CJI Chandrachud strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a severe violation of the Constitution.

In the meantime, the central government, represented by Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla in an affidavit, informed the court that the case has been transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation.

The government also emphasised its commitment to maintaining zero tolerance towards crimes against women.

Additionally, the central government requested the Supreme Court to relocate the trial for the Manipur violence case outside of the state.

They also urged the court to ensure the solve the entire case, including the gang-rape case, within a six-month timeframe.