The Supreme Court on February 26, 2026 issued important directions to ensure that victims of the Manipur violence are able to participate effectively in ongoing criminal trials. The Court ordered legal aid support, travel assistance, and better communication of case developments to affected families.
Background of the Case
The matter arises from a batch of petitions filed after the outbreak of ethnic violence and a series of serious crimes in Manipur. Over time, the Supreme Court passed several orders to strengthen the investigation process.
Some cases were transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), while others were assigned to Special Investigation Teams (SITs) formed by the Manipur Police. Former Maharashtra Director General of Police Dattatray Padsalgikar was appointed to oversee the CBI investigation and monitor progress.
According to the latest status report submitted to the Court, 36 SITs have been set up across eight districts to probe riot-related cases. The CBI has been entrusted with 31 serious cases, out of which charge sheets have been filed in 20 matters, five cases have been closed through final reports, and investigation in six cases is still underway.
Court’s Observations
The bench noted that many victims and their families were unaware that charge sheets had already been filed in their cases. This situation arose because trials had been transferred outside Manipur to courts in Guwahati, Assam.
The Court observed that victims are legally entitled to receive copies of the charge sheets and participate in proceedings.
“The victims or their families are entitled to have copies of the charge sheets filed in their respective cases,” the bench stated.
Court’s Directions
To address these concerns, the Supreme Court directed the Manipur State Legal Services Authority and Assam State Legal Services Authority to provide a legal aid lawyer to each victim or affected family.
The Court also allowed victims and one accompanying family member to travel to Guwahati to attend trial proceedings, with travel and accommodation expenses treated as legal aid costs. Legal aid counsel may assist the trial court either through the public prosecutor or independently.
Additionally, the Court suggested that statements of victims or family members may be recorded virtually to avoid unnecessary travel.
Decision
The Court directed the Union of India to release interim funds for the functioning of the three-member committee monitoring relief measures and also for the oversight work being carried out by former DGP Dattatray Padsalgikar.
The matter has been listed for further consideration on March 24, 2026.
Case Title: Dinganglung Gangmei v. Mutum Churamni Meetei & Ors.
Case No.: SLP (Civil) Diary No. 19206/2023 with connected matters
Decision Date: 26 February 2026
