Manipur violence: Supreme Court seeks report on 25 unnatural deaths in relief camps

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Manipur government to submit a comprehensive report on 25 unnatural deaths of internally displaced persons reported in relief camps during the 2023 ethnic violence, including an alleged sexual assault case.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana questioned the state over the limited number of post-mortem examinations conducted in the cases and the compensation paid to the families of the deceased. The court directed the state to provide details of all 25 cases, including post-mortem reports and other documents establishing the causes of death. “Tell your Chief Secretary not to invite orders. Tell us what measures you have taken,” CJI Surya Kant remarked while questioning the Manipur Advocate General about information sought by the committee on July 4.

Supreme Court seeks details of deaths

The proceedings took place while the court was hearing petitions related to the investigation and trial of sexual violence cases arising from the 2023 Manipur ethnic violence. The bench took note of a report submitted by a committee headed by former Jammu and Kashmir High Court Chief Justice Gita Mittal. The report referred to the deaths in relief camps and raised concerns regarding compensation. The court sought an explanation from the state on why post-mortem examinations had reportedly been conducted in only 20 of the 25 cases and why the families had received compensation of only Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000. The report placed before the Supreme Court also referred to 640 deaths in relief camps across eight districts.

Directions on FIRs and relief camp conditions

The court directed the Manipur government to explain the remedial measures taken to protect the safety and dignity of internally displaced persons living in relief camps and to ensure adequate medical facilities and day-to-day necessities.

The Manipur Legal Services Authority was directed to immediately take up the issue and ensure registration of FIRs in all cases of unnatural deaths, proper ascertainment of the causes of death and expeditious investigation. It was also directed to take measures for the protection of displaced persons and victims. The Supreme Court's directions come against the backdrop of the ethnic violence that erupted in Manipur in May 2023, which led to deaths, displacement and allegations of sexual violence.