Manipur Violence: Supreme Court Seeks Report on 25 Relief Camp Deaths, Questions Compensation and Safety Measures

The Supreme Court on September 17, directed the Chief Secretary of Manipur to submit a comprehensive report concerning 25 unnatural deaths reportedly occurring in relief camps housing internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by the 2023 violence.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana sought details about the circumstances of the deaths, post-mortem examinations and preventive measures taken to protect people living in the camps.

The Court directed the State to provide information concerning all 25 reported cases, including post-mortem reports and material indicating the causes of death.

The Bench also sought an explanation regarding reports that post-mortem examinations had been conducted in only 20 cases despite the number of deaths reported from relief camps.

The Court further asked the State to explain the measures taken to ensure the safety and dignity of internally displaced persons and to provide adequate medical facilities and daily necessities in the camps.

The Bench also questioned reports concerning the amount of compensation paid to families of persons who suffered unnatural deaths.

The State was asked to explain why payments reportedly ranging between ₹20,000 and ₹30,000 had been made in some cases.

The Manipur Legal Services Authority was also directed to take up the issue and ensure that cases of unnatural deaths were properly registered, their causes were ascertained and investigations were completed expeditiously.

During the hearing, Chief Justice Surya Kant directed the State authorities to provide details of the steps already taken instead of waiting for further judicial directions.

“Tell your Chief Secretary not to invite orders. Tell us what measures you have taken,” the Chief Justice remarked while directing the State to furnish the required information.

The Court was also informed about the progress of investigations arising from the 2023 Manipur violence.

Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati placed before the Bench the status of investigations being conducted by Special Investigation Teams and the Central Bureau of Investigation.

The Bench also considered concerns regarding the pace of trials in cases investigated by the CBI. The Court discussed whether additional courts could be made available to handle the cases and facilitate their progress.

The Supreme Court directed the Chief Secretary of Manipur to submit the required report concerning the 25 unnatural deaths, including the post-mortem records, causes of death and preventive measures adopted in the relief camps.

The Court also directed authorities to address the safety, dignity, medical needs and legal assistance of internally displaced persons and to ensure expeditious investigation of registered cases.