If Govt Does Not Act, We Will: Supreme Court Warns After 2 Manipur Women Paraded Naked By Mob

The Supreme Court on Wednesday warned the Centre and Manipur governments to "act" after a video of two women being paraded naked surfaced online.

Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said it's "simply unacceptable". He stated, "We are deeply disturbed by the videos which have emerged. If the government does not act we will."

The court asked the Centre and Manipur governments to apprise it of what action they have taken to bring perpetrators to book.

"What is portrayed in the media about visuals which appeared shows gross constitutional violation and infraction of human life using women as instruments of perpetrated violence is against constitutional democracy. Let the Centre and state apprise the court on steps taken," it ordered.

A video surfaced on Wednesday showing two women from one of the warring communities being paraded naked by a few men from the other side. The incident reportedly occurred on May 4 but came to light only yesterday.

One person has been arrested in connection with the incident, Manipur CM N Biren Singh said on Thursday.

160 people have lost their lives since ethnic violence broke out in the state on May 3, when a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condemned the incident and said "no accused will spared, we will never forgive those who are behind this,"

Speaking to reporters ahead of the Monsoon session of the Parliament, he said, "This a shameful incident for any society..who did this and who is responsible is another issue but this has put our nation to shame. I appeal to all Chief Ministers to tighten law and order. Whether it is Rajasthan, Chattisgarh or Manipur...the issue of a woman's honour is above all politics."