The Supreme Court of India has raised serious questions over the investigative approach of the Manipur Police in a case related to the state's ethnic violence. The apex court specifically questioned why the police chose to send only a select few video clips for forensic examination when over thirty such clips had surfaced and gone viral.
Court's Scrutiny of Investigative Lapses
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra expressed its concern during a hearing on Monday, July 15. The court was examining a report submitted by the Manipur Police regarding the forensic analysis of video clips that allegedly depicted violence and atrocities in the state.
The report revealed a critical gap: out of more than 30 video clips that were leaked and circulated, the police had sent only five to the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) for a detailed forensic examination. The justices pointedly asked the state's counsel to explain the rationale behind this selective process, demanding to know the criteria used to choose those specific five clips while leaving out the rest.
The Genesis of the Case and Demands for Transparency
This hearing is part of a batch of petitions concerning the Manipur violence that began in May 2023. The issue of the viral videos came to the forefront last year when the Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance of a distressing video showing two women being paraded naked and assaulted. That incident had triggered national outrage and intensified scrutiny of the law-and-order situation in the state.
The court's current line of questioning underscores its ongoing effort to ensure a transparent and thorough investigation. The bench emphasized that a piecemeal forensic analysis could compromise the integrity of the probe. The judges sought a clear explanation for why the entire set of available electronic evidence was not subjected to scientific scrutiny to establish authenticity, sequence, and possible tampering.
The state government's counsel, led by Attorney General R Venkataramani and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, assured the court that the investigation was being conducted properly. They argued that the five clips sent for forensic testing were the most relevant to the specific cases being pursued. However, the bench remained unconvinced by this justification, pressing for a more comprehensive approach.
Broader Implications for Justice and Accountability
The Supreme Court's intervention highlights a crucial aspect of modern evidence collection in sensitive cases. In an era where mobile phone videos can become pivotal evidence, the court is pushing for investigative agencies to adopt robust and exhaustive forensic protocols. The selective submission of evidence, as flagged by the court, could lead to allegations of bias or an attempt to suppress material facts.
The court has now directed the Manipur Police to provide a detailed affidavit explaining the selection process for the videos sent to the CFSL. The next hearing on the matter is scheduled for July 23, where the state is expected to furnish this clarification. The outcome of this judicial scrutiny could set a precedent for how digital evidence is handled in riot and violence cases across the country, mandating a more systematic and transparent method.
This development is being closely watched by victims' groups and human rights organizations, who have long demanded accountability for the violence that has gripped Manipur. The court's insistence on a full forensic audit of all available video evidence is seen as a vital step towards uncovering the complete truth and ensuring that justice is served without fear or favor.
