The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice on the Central Bureau of Investigation’s plea seeking cancellation of bail granted by the Gauhati High Court to two accused in the horrific 2023 Manipur ethnic violence case involving gangrape and parading of women naked. A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi also directed provision of free legal aid to the victims and called for responses from the accused.
The matter was heard along with a separate bail application filed by a third accused whose prayer was earlier rejected by the High Court. During the hearing, CBI Special Public Prosecutor D.P. Singh highlighted the grave and shocking nature of the allegations, which included gangrape, murder, and public sexual violence, yet bail was granted primarily on the ground of two years of pre-trial detention. Advocate Nizam Pasha, appearing for the victims in the connected matter, raised the issue of non-appointment of legal aid counsel for the victims.
The case relates to the infamous video that surfaced in May 2023 showing two women being paraded naked and subjected to sexual assault amid the ethnic clashes in Manipur. The Supreme Court had taken suo motu cognizance on 20 July 2023, expressing deep concern and directing the Centre and State to ensure justice. It later constituted a three-member committee headed by Justice Gita Mittal to inquire into violence against women, recommend medical and psychological care, compensation, and safeguards. Former Maharashtra DGP Dattatray Padsalgikar was appointed to supervise investigations by the CBI and State police, with 11 FIRs involving sexual violence transferred to the CBI for probe in Assam.
In September 2025, the Gauhati High Court granted bail to the two respondents considering their pre-trial detention period. Challenging the order, the CBI approached the Supreme Court contending that the High Court failed to adequately consider the gravity of the offences despite noting the same in its judgment.
Cause Title: CENTRAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION Versus ARUN KHUNDONGBAM @NANAO (Diary No. 7602-2026) & THE CENTRAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION Versus NAMEIRAKPAM KIRAN MEITEI (Diary No. 7619-2026)
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