The Supreme Court today directed the CBI and the trial court to ensure the appearance and examination of two key victim-witnesses in a case concerning alleged sexual violence during the 2023 ethnic violence in Manipur.
A bench headed by Justice Surya Kant and comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana issued the direction while hearing CBI pleas challenging the bail granted to two accused. It directed the CBI to ensure that both witnesses appear before the trial court on October 7, 9 and 28, the dates fixed for recording their statements.
The court said the trial should proceed without delay and indicated that the bail pleas could be considered after the two victim-witnesses had been examined.
Additional Solicitor General D.P. Singh, appearing for the CBI, submitted that the accused being out on bail could affect the victims’ willingness to testify. He stressed the seriousness of the alleged offences and the need to secure the victims’ testimony.
Senior advocate Shadan Farasat, appearing for one of the accused, argued that the CBI had not proceeded with the trial at the required pace. He said the case involved around 30 witnesses and was at the second stage of proceedings.
Justice Bagchi questioned why the two victims had not been available for examination.
Advocate Nizam Pasha, appearing for the victim-complainant, explained that the previous hearing date had fallen on a public holiday, when the centres where the victims were scheduled to depose remained closed. The court was also informed that one of the victims was suffering from dengue.
The bench observed that victims could not be expected to appear when their examination was scheduled on a public holiday. It nevertheless directed the authorities to ensure their appearance on the dates fixed for examination.
The court also emphasized that witness protection was the responsibility of the authorities and said it could reconsider the bail granted to the accused if any misuse of the concession was found.
The trial court was directed to comply with the order, with all parties asked to extend full cooperation.
