In a heart-wrenching and harrowing case, the women who endured the traumatic viral video from Manipur, which captured them being paraded naked and subjected to sexual assault, have bravely come forward once again to seek justice and protection of their identity. These survivors filed a fresh petition before the Supreme Court, demanding accountability for the heinous crime they endured and safeguarding their right to privacy.
The survivors, undeterred by the horrors they faced, lodged a separate application in connection with the FIR of the appalling May 4 sexual assault incident. They emphasized the urgent need for preserving their anonymity, recognizing the immense vulnerability they face as they pursue justice against their tormentors.
Today, the Chief Justice of India-led bench will hear the Ministry of Home Affairs' reply, which took over the investigation and transferred it to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The home ministry, in a testimony submitted through its Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla, sought to expedite the trial and requested it to be conducted outside Manipur to ensure a swift and impartial resolution. As the survivors' quest for justice gains momentum, 7 individuals have been arrested in connection with this horrific crime.
The Supreme Court demonstrated its commitment to addressing the gravity of the situation when it took suo moto cognizance of the matter on July 20. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, expressing his deep distress, denounced the video's content as "simply unacceptable" and "grossest of constitutional abuse." He issued directives to both the Central and Manipur governments to take immediate remedial, rehabilitative, and preventive measures to ensure the survivor's safety and well-being.
The central government, through a testimony filed by Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, pledged zero tolerance towards crimes against women and assured the court of transferring the trial in the Manipur violence case to the CBI. With relentless determination, the government requested the court to conclude the entire case, including the gang rape incident, within 6 months, providing the survivors with a timely and fair resolution.
In the face of immense trauma and adversity, these women survivors have exhibited immense courage by seeking justice through the legal system. Their pursuit of accountability sends a powerful message about women's resilience and perseverance to reclaim their rights. As the Supreme Court takes up this critical case, the nation watches with bated breath, hoping for a just and swift resolution that will deliver a message of deterrence to perpetrators of such heinous crimes. The survivors' quest for justice has ignited a collective demand for a safer society that upholds the dignity and well-being of all its citizens, especially its women.
