Context:
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SC has ordered CBI investigation in more than 80 cases of suspected extra-judicial killings in Manipur.
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These cases involved either suspected fake encounters or the use of excessive or retaliatory force.
What SC has said?
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SC has taken the view that the killing of a person who was possibly innocent cannot be overlooked just because investigation was not conducted in time and cases are too old.
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The state can not take advantage of its own inaction and scuttle a probe by citing the delay as a reason.
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Last year, the court had ruled that the armed forces cannot escape investigation for excesses even in places where they enjoy special powers, and that the legal protection provided by the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, or AFSPA, will have to yield to the principles of human rights