Sridevi Reddy Gade
The Supreme Court of India took a historic step. Chief Justice Of India DY Chandrachud, heading a three-judge Bench, on August 7 announced in open court that the Supreme Court will appoint an all-women committee of three former High Court judges headed by Justice Gita Mittal, a former Chief Justice of the Jammu & Kashmir High Court, to provide the healing touch in violence-torn Manipur.
Other members of the committee- Justice Shalini Phansalkar Joshi, a retired Bombay High Court judge, and Justice Asha Menon, a former Delhi High Court judge. This will be a broad-based committee which will be constituted to supervise, intervene and monitor relief and rehabilitation, restoration of homesteads, religious places of worships, better relief work, etc,
Chief Justice Chandrachud said the court also appointed retired Maharashtra cadre IPS officer Dattatray Padsalgikar, who had served in the National Investigation Agency, the Intelligence Bureau, and in Nagaland, to monitor the overall investigation of cases registered during the violence. More than 6500 FIR have been registered from May to July in Manipur.
The Manipur government, represented by Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta, said it has transferred 11 FIRs concerning sexual violence committed against women, including the Thoubal sexual violence incident, to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). As for the other cases, which would remain with the Manipur Police, the State government said it has formed 42 Special Investigation Teams (SIT).
Collaborative efforts needed
Recent developments in the Manipur case, along with the huge issue of violence against women, emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts. Cooperation between the judiciary, government, civil society, and individuals is of utmost importance in creating a secure environment for women and children. The active involvement of the Supreme Court, as demonstrated by the women’s bench, serves as a symbol of hope and a powerful reminder that justice can be achieved when society unites against violence and discrimination.
Nonetheless, the road ahead requires sustaining and expanding these efforts to cover the entire nation. Together, strengthening women’s representation within the judiciary and increasing awareness about women’s rights are parallel objectives that we must persist to cultivate a society that is truly equal and just for all. By forming a pioneering women’s bench consisting of three judges, the court has expressed the urgent need to combat gender-based violence, ensure justice for the victims, and enhance women’s participation in the judicial sphere.
Violence against Women & Children
The All Manipur Human Rights Forum (AMHRF) has rightly brought attention to the disturbing rise in violence against women and children in Manipur. This alarming situation has caught the attention of legal professionals and human rights advocates alike. The Supreme Court’s intervention was prompted by the apparent lack of accountability from the state government in addressing these critical concerns. This move underscores the importance of integrating women’s perspectives into resolving the unique challenges faced by women and children in the region.
The Supreme Court’s initiative to address violence against women and children in Manipur is a remarkable leap forward. The proactive approach of the women’s bench, combined with the establishment of Women’s Courts, instills optimism about the pursuit of justice and equality.
Nonetheless, the road ahead requires sustaining and expanding these efforts to cover the entire nation. Together, strengthening women’s representation within the judiciary and increasing awareness about women’s rights are parallel objectives that we must persist to cultivate a society that is truly equal and just for all.
(Sridevi Reddy Gade is a High Court advocate from Hyderabad, writes regularly for Excel India on a range of issues.)
