New Delhi: In a significant development, the Supreme Court today ordered the transfer of eight criminal cases, currently being investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), from the Imphal Special Court to the Guwahati Special Court.
This decision was taken in light of the volatile security situation in Manipur, which the apex court deemed unsuitable for conducting fair trials.
The transferred cases, registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, were originally handled by the Manipur Police before being handed over to the NIA. The apex court, while acknowledging the challenges faced by the accused, particularly those on bail, emphasized the need for a centralized trial location.
To alleviate concerns about accessibility, the court permitted accused persons on bail to participate in the proceedings via video conferencing. This decision aims to ensure that the trial process remains unhindered, despite the geographical challenges posed by the transfer.
The SC’s order has sparked mixed reactions, with some legal experts praising the move as a necessary step to ensure justice, while others express concerns about the potential logistical hurdles for the accused and witnesses.
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