'If You Don't Act, We Will': CJI Chandrachud Tells Govt, Calls Video Of Women Paraded Naked In Manipur 'Unacceptable'
Taking suo motu cognisance of the viral video from Manipur showing a crowd parading two women naked and sexually assaulting them, the Supreme Court on Thursday said it was "deeply disturbed" and asked the Centre and State to take action against the perpetrators.
"Simply unacceptable. Using women as an instrument in an area of communal strife to inflict gender violence is deeply disturbing. This is the grossest of constitutional abuse and human rights violations. We are deeply disturbed by the videos which have emerged. If the government does not act, we will," Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said.
What steps are being taken: SC
The SC bench also comprising of Justices PS Narasimha and Manoj Misra said that it must be apprised of the steps taken by the governments so that perpetrators are booked for such violence and what steps are taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
The bench noted that the "video may be from May, but that does not make any difference".
Video from May goes viral
"What is portrayed in the media and visuals which appeared shows gross constitutional violation and infraction of human life using women as instruments of perpetrated violence is against constitutional democracy. Let Centre and State apprise court on steps taken," the top court said.
The video, said to be from B Phainom, in Kangpokpi district, surfaced on social media on Wednesday, triggering widespread shock and outrage.
Under fire from various corners, the government has reportedly asked Twitter and other social media platforms not to circulate the video.
Can never be forgiven: Modi
Breaking his silence on the matter, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the gruesome incident was very shameful and can never be forgiven.
"Today, my heart is filled with pain and anger. The incident of Manipur which has surfaced, for any civilised society, this is a very shameful incident," Modi said ahead of the beginning of the Monsoon Session.
"This incident is an insult for the entire nation as it has shamed 140 crore countrymen. The incident which happened with the women in Manipur can never be forgiven. I assure the countrymen that no one will be spared," he said.
First arrest
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh who has been in the eye of the storm for his inability to control the over two-month-long violence on Thursday said that one person has been arrested in connection with the viral video.
"After taking a suo-moto cognisance of the incident immediately after the video surfaced, the Manipur Police swung to action and made the first arrest this morning. A thorough investigation is currently underway and we will ensure strict action is taken against all the perpetrators, including considering the possibility of capital punishment," the CM said.
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