New Delhi, February 13, 2026 : The Supreme Court of India on Friday directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to file a comprehensive status report within two weeks on its probe into cases arising from the ethnic violence that engulfed Manipur in May 2023.
A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, asking the agency to clarify whether it has gathered sufficient evidence to establish the guilt of those accused in heinous offences, including sexual assault and gangrape cases.
The court expressed concern over reports that victims and their families were not being informed about the filing of chargesheets. Advocates appearing for survivors highlighted delays and lack of communication, with one lawyer alleging that the CBI had failed to notify her client about developments in a rape case. The bench underscored that victims have a legal right to receive copies of chargesheets and must be provided quality legal aid, even if counsel has to be engaged from neighboring states.
To ensure closer oversight, the court proposed entrusting the Chief Justices of the Manipur and Gauhati High Courts with day-to-day monitoring of the trials. It noted that while 27 sensitive cases have been shifted to Assam to safeguard impartiality, jurisdictional high courts are better positioned than the apex court to supervise proceedings in detail.
The bench also directed the Centre and the Manipur government to implement the recommendations of the Justice Gita Mittal Committee, which had outlined measures for rehabilitation and welfare of victims.
The Solicitor General, appearing for the government, acknowledged the grievances of survivors and assured the court that the matter would be handled with sensitivity.
The case will be taken up again on February 26, 2026, by which time the CBI must present its findings.
