14 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

4 min

Polity & GovernanceSocial IssuesNEWS

Supreme Court seeks CBI report on Manipur violence cases

SC directs CBI to detail evidence in Manipur violence cases.

The Supreme Court directed the CBI to file a status report detailing the evidence compiled in cases related to the Manipur violence, including sexual assault and gang rape of women. The court proposed monitoring the criminal trials through the Chief Justices of Manipur and Gauhati High Courts and ensuring quality legal aid for victims.

The direction followed concerns raised about the casualness in handling the trials, with accused individuals not appearing and CBI's absence. Advocate Vrinda Grover highlighted the death of a young woman in January 2026, believed to be linked to trauma from gang rape during the conflict.

Key Facts

The Supreme Court directed the CBI to file a status report on the Manipur violence cases.

The cases include sexual assault and gang rape of women.

The court proposed monitoring the criminal trials through the Chief Justices of Manipur and Gauhati High Courts.

The court emphasized ensuring quality legal aid for victims.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper II: Polity and Governance - Role of Judiciary, CBI, Fundamental Rights

GS Paper I: Social Issues - Violence against women

GS Paper III: Internal Security - Role of CBI in investigating crimes

In Simple Words

The Supreme Court is checking on the CBI's work in the Manipur violence cases. They want to make sure the CBI has enough evidence, especially in cases of sexual assault. The court also wants to ensure the victims get good legal help and that the trials are monitored properly.

India Angle

In India, this means the highest court is stepping in to ensure justice is served in a sensitive case affecting vulnerable people. It highlights the importance of the legal system in protecting citizens, especially in areas affected by conflict.

For Instance

Imagine your local police aren't properly investigating a crime in your neighborhood. A higher court can step in to make sure the investigation is done right and the victims get justice. It's like having someone double-check the work to ensure fairness.

This matters because it shows that even in difficult situations, the legal system can step in to protect people's rights and ensure justice is served. It reinforces the idea that no one is above the law.

Justice must be served, even when it's hard.

Visual Insights

Manipur Violence: Key Locations

Map showing Manipur, the state affected by the violence, and Guwahati, where the High Court is located.

Loading interactive map...

📍Manipur📍Guwahati

More Information

Background

The Supreme Court's intervention in the Manipur violence cases highlights the importance of the judiciary in safeguarding fundamental rights, particularly the right to life and personal liberty guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution. The court's role as a protector of these rights becomes crucial in situations where state machinery is perceived to be inadequate or biased. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), established in 1963, is the premier investigating agency of India. It derives its powers from the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946. Over time, the CBI's jurisdiction and functions have expanded to include investigation of corruption cases, economic offences, and special crimes. However, its independence and effectiveness have often been debated, particularly in cases involving political sensitivities. The concept of judicial review, which empowers the Supreme Court and High Courts to examine the constitutional validity of laws and executive actions, is a cornerstone of India's constitutional framework. This power, derived from Articles 13, 32, 226 of the Constitution, ensures that the government functions within the bounds of the Constitution and protects the fundamental rights of citizens. The Supreme Court's suo moto cognizance of the Manipur violence cases is an example of judicial review in action.

Latest Developments

Recent years have seen increased scrutiny of the CBI's functioning, with concerns raised about its autonomy and susceptibility to political influence. The Supreme Court has, on several occasions, emphasized the need to insulate the CBI from external pressures and ensure its impartiality. Amendments to the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act have been proposed to enhance the CBI's independence, but these are yet to be fully implemented. The issue of violence against women, particularly sexual assault and gang rape, remains a significant challenge in India. Despite stringent laws and increased awareness, such crimes continue to occur with alarming frequency. The government has implemented various schemes and initiatives, such as the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign and the Mahila Shakti Kendra scheme, to empower women and address gender-based violence. However, effective implementation and enforcement remain critical. The Supreme Court's active monitoring of criminal trials, as proposed in the Manipur violence cases, reflects a growing trend of judicial activism in India. This approach involves the judiciary taking a proactive role in ensuring justice and protecting fundamental rights, particularly in cases where the executive or legislature is perceived to be failing in their duties. However, judicial activism also raises questions about the separation of powers and the potential for judicial overreach.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key facts related to the Supreme Court's intervention in the Manipur violence cases that are important for UPSC Prelims?

The Supreme Court has directed the CBI to file a status report detailing the evidence compiled in the Manipur violence cases, especially those involving sexual assault. The court also proposed monitoring the criminal trials through the Chief Justices of Manipur and Gauhati High Courts and ensuring legal aid for victims. Remember the involvement of the CBI and the High Courts for exam purposes.

Exam Tip

Focus on the agencies involved (Supreme Court, CBI, High Courts) and the nature of the cases (sexual assault) for Prelims.

2. What is the constitutional basis for the Supreme Court's intervention in the Manipur violence cases?

The Supreme Court's intervention is rooted in its role as the protector of fundamental rights, particularly Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty. The court steps in when state machinery is perceived to be inadequate or biased in safeguarding these rights.

Exam Tip

Remember Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty) in relation to judicial intervention.

3. Why is the Supreme Court monitoring the CBI investigation in the Manipur violence cases?

The Supreme Court is monitoring the CBI investigation due to concerns about the casualness in handling the trials, including the absence of accused individuals and the CBI, and the need to ensure a fair and impartial investigation, especially in cases of sexual assault and violence against women.

4. What is the role of the CBI in cases of violence in states, considering the federal structure of India?

The CBI's involvement in state matters relates to the federal structure and Centre-State relations. While law and order are primarily state subjects, the CBI can investigate cases in states with the state government's consent or on the orders of the Supreme Court or High Courts, especially when there are concerns about impartiality or the inadequacy of state investigative agencies.

5. How does the Supreme Court's intervention in the Manipur violence cases relate to the concept of Judicial Review and Public Interest Litigation (PIL)?

The Supreme Court's intervention exemplifies Judicial Review, where the court examines the actions of the executive and legislative branches to ensure they align with the Constitution. Public Interest Litigation (PIL) can be a tool to bring such matters to the court's attention, prompting judicial intervention to protect fundamental rights and uphold the rule of law.

6. What are the potential implications of the Supreme Court monitoring criminal trials related to the Manipur violence?

The Supreme Court's monitoring aims to ensure fair and speedy trials, protect the rights of victims, and maintain public confidence in the justice system. It can also highlight systemic issues within the criminal justice system and prompt reforms to improve its effectiveness and impartiality.

7. What reforms are needed to ensure the CBI's impartiality and autonomy, especially in sensitive cases like the Manipur violence?

Reforms may include strengthening the legal framework to protect the CBI from external pressures, ensuring transparent appointment and tenure processes for CBI officers, and enhancing the CBI's financial and administrative autonomy. Amendments to the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act have been proposed to enhance the CBI's independence.

8. Why is the Supreme Court hearing about the Manipur violence in the news recently?

The Supreme Court is in the news because it is actively intervening to ensure a fair investigation and trial in the Manipur violence cases, particularly those involving sexual assault. Concerns about the handling of the cases and the need to protect victims' rights have prompted the court's involvement.

9. What are the recent developments regarding the CBI investigation into the Manipur violence cases?

The Supreme Court has directed the CBI to file a status report detailing the evidence compiled in the cases. The court has also proposed monitoring the criminal trials through the Chief Justices of Manipur and Gauhati High Courts.

10. What are the important dates to remember related to the Manipur violence and the subsequent legal proceedings for the UPSC exam?

Key dates to remember include 2023, when the Manipur violence occurred, and January 2026, when a victim of gang rape during the violence died. Also, note the date when the Supreme Court directed the CBI to file a status report, though the exact date is not specified.

Exam Tip

Create a timeline of events to remember the sequence of events for the exam.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI): 1. The CBI derives its powers from the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946. 2. The CBI is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs. 3. The CBI can investigate cases only with the consent of the state government concerned. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: C

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The CBI derives its powers from the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The CBI is under the administrative control of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), which falls under the Prime Minister's Office. Statement 3 is CORRECT: As per Section 6 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, the CBI needs the consent of the state government to investigate cases in that state. This consent can be general or specific.

2. In the context of judicial review in India, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The power of judicial review is explicitly mentioned in the Preamble of the Constitution. 2. Article 32 of the Constitution empowers the Supreme Court to issue writs for the enforcement of fundamental rights. 3. Judicial review extends to both legislative and executive actions of the government. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A.1 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is INCORRECT: The power of judicial review is NOT explicitly mentioned in the Preamble of the Constitution. However, it is derived from various articles, including Articles 13, 32, and 226. Statement 2 is CORRECT: Article 32 of the Constitution empowers the Supreme Court to issue writs (habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, certiorari, and quo warranto) for the enforcement of fundamental rights. Statement 3 is CORRECT: Judicial review extends to both legislative (laws passed by Parliament and state legislatures) and executive actions (decisions and policies of the government).

3. Which of the following articles of the Constitution of India is related to the protection of life and personal liberty?

A.Article 14
B.Article 19
C.Article 21
D.Article 25

Show Answer

Answer: C

Article 21 of the Constitution of India guarantees the protection of life and personal liberty. It states that no person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law. This is a fundamental right available to all persons, citizens and non-citizens alike.