SC pulls up Indian Army for staying mum in Manorama case

The Bench observed, " you know this case had gained so much attention. The state had set up a commission and yet you chose to remain silent, the court further noted.

The Supreme Court while citing a judicial probe in the 2004 Manorama murder case in Manipur questioned the Indian Army about its silence. The court asked the Army why it chose to remain silent despite the commission of inquiry being set up by the Manipur government. The commission noted that the girl who was killed in 2004 had suffered brutal and merciless torture by a team of the 17 Assam rifles.

The counsel for the Army submitted that the operation conducted in the Manorama case was based on reliable intelligence. The Army does not come under the purview of the commission set up by the Manipur government, but it is not averse to an inquiry by a high-ranking officer, the counsel also submitted.

The Bench observed, " you know this case had gained so much attention. The state had set up a commission and yet you chose to remain silent, the court further noted.

The court then questioned the Manipur government why it did not try and break the stone-wall created by the Army and access evidence from the personnel. You should have taken up this case with the Army at every juncture. Was it helplessness or an understanding between the two of you, the court questioned.

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