Supreme Court Approves CBI Plea To Replace SIT Head In Manipur Probe

Vanshika Bhalla

The Supreme Court on February 4, 2025 approved  (CBI) the Central Bureau of Investigation’s request to relieve Datla Sreenivasa Varma as the head of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating alleged extra-judicial killings in Manipur in the case of Extra Judicial Execution Victim and Anr. v. Union Of India and Ors. The Bench, led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justices Sanjay Kumar and KV Viswanathan, granted the plea to facilitate fresh leadership in the investigation.

Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati represented the CBI, while Senior Advocate Maneka Guruswamy appeared as amicus curiae. The SIT was formed in 2017 following the Court’s directive to probe claims of 1,528 unlawful executions by security forces and police in Manipur, many allegedly involving custodial torture.

The Court’s move aims to expedite the delayed investigation and ensure accountability for alleged rights violations in the conflict-ridden state.

The investigation has faced judicial scrutiny over delays. In 2018, the Supreme Court demanded the CBI Director’s appearance after expressing dissatisfaction with the slow progress. The Court’s intervention underscores its commitment to upholding justice and human rights in sensitive regions.

Case Name: Extra Judicial Execution Victim and Anr. v. Union Of India and Ors. 

Case Number: W.P.(Crl.) No. 000129 / 2012

Bench: Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justices Sanjay Kumar and KV Viswanathan