The Supreme Court's proposal to establish special courts for criminal cases arising out of the 2023 Manipur ethnic violence is more than a procedural suggestion. The criminal justice system is designed to investigate offences, prosecute the accused and deliver timely justice through regular trial courts. The Supreme Court's proposal for special courts implicitly acknowledges that ordinary criminal courts may not be equipped to handle such complex litigation within a reasonable timeframe. Fast-tracking criminal proceedings through special courts may therefore provide immediate institutional relief, but it cannot by itself address deeper structural problems. Whether special courts ultimately lead to convictions or acquittals will depend on the quality of investigations and the fairness of trials.