New Delhi: The Centre has filed its affidavit in the Supreme Court saying approach of Central govt is of “zero tolerance towards any crimes against women” and requested the Top Court to transfer trial out of Manipur, and to conclude trial within 6 months.
"Centre's approach of the Central Government is of zero tolerance towards any crimes against women. It (Centre) has taken a decision, with consent of Manipur govt, to entrust probe of viral video of 2 women to the CBI," the Centre told the Supreme Court.
The matter is expected to be heard by the Supreme Court's CJI led bench on Friday.
The Centre told the Apex Court that it considers the offences like Manipur Viral Video are too heinous & deserve to be taken not only with the seriousness but justice should be seen to be done so that it has a deterrent effect throughout the nation with respect to crimes against women.
"The crime will be investigated by the CBI," the Centre told the Apex Court in the affidavit.
This is one of the reasons why the Central Government [with consent from the State Government] has taken a decision to entrust the investigation to an independent investigating agency i.e. CBI.
The Central Government also believes that not only the investigation should be completed at the earliest but the trial should also be conducted in a time bound manner which must take place outside the State of Manipur, the Union of India said.
The Central Government, therefore, makes a specific request that the entire case including trial of the offence in question, be ordered to be transferred by this Court to any State outside the State of Manipur, thr Cente said in its affidavit filed before the Top court.
The Centre said that the Union Home Ministry has been continuously monitoring the developments of the case after it came to light. The State Government has informed that during investigation, 7 (Seven) main accused have been arrested and are in police custody for further examination.
"The Government of India is keeping a close watch on the proceedings besides providing requisite assistance towards security. Requisite steps towards speedy investigation, rehabilitation and remedial measures as well as entrusting the prosecution and trial by Fast-track Courts, have all been put in place," the Centre said.
The Union Government is advised at the highest level to monitor the progress in the investigation and prosecution. Having regard to the escalations in inter-ethnic clashes and the need for interventions at various levels, the government is engaging itself on initiating several interventionist measures, both through mediatory and political process, the Centre said, in its affidavit. (UNI)