Mon Mar 17 10:11:24 UTC 2025: **Supreme Court Orders Manipur Violence Trials to Guwahati**

**New Delhi, March 17, 2025** – The Supreme Court of India has ruled that the trials of cases stemming from the ethnic violence in Manipur, currently under CBI investigation, will be conducted in Guwahati, Assam. The court transferred the cases to Assam in August 2023, citing concerns about ensuring a fair trial given the environment in Manipur. This decision affects 27 cases, including those involving serious offenses such as rape, murder, and weapons looting, notably the case highlighted by a viral video depicting the naked parading of two women.

The three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, also extended the mandate of a committee overseeing victim relief and rehabilitation until July 31, 2025. This committee, headed by former Jammu and Kashmir High Court Chief Justice Gita Mittal, was established in August 2023. The court clarified that the Gauhati High Court will designate judges to preside over the transferred cases.

The court’s decision followed a review of the progress of the trials. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Manipur government, acknowledged the possibility of ulterior motives influencing certain parties involved. The next hearing is scheduled for the week of July 21.

The Supreme Court also pressed the Manipur government to finalize a sealed-cover report detailing damaged and encroached properties resulting from the violence. This report, requested in December 2023, is crucial for addressing the grievances of displaced persons and ensuring accountability for those responsible for property damage and encroachment. The court emphasized the need for the state to pursue legal action against trespassers and recover “mesne profits” – compensation for unlawful occupation. The court is also awaiting a response from the Manipur government regarding the release of funds for temporary and permanent housing for displaced individuals.

The violence, which began on May 3, 2023, following a tribal solidarity march, has resulted in over 200 deaths, hundreds of injuries, and thousands of displaced persons. Former Maharashtra police chief Dattatray Padsalgikar continues to oversee the criminal investigations.

Read More