The Supreme Court of India has directed the Chief Secretary of Manipur to submit a comprehensive report regarding 25 unnatural deaths reported in relief camps following the 2023 ethnic violence in the state. The court’s directive includes a request for information concerning an alleged sexual assault incident.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana issued the order during a hearing on petitions related to the investigation and trial of sexual violence cases stemming from the 2023 conflict. The court questioned the state government regarding the limited number of post-mortem examinations conducted and the adequacy of compensation provided to the families of the deceased.
The court noted that, according to the provided data, post-mortem examinations had been performed in only 20 of the 25 cases. Furthermore, the bench questioned why compensation payments were reportedly limited to between Rs 20,000 and Rs 30,000. The proceedings referenced a report submitted by a committee led by former Jammu and Kashmir High Court Chief Justice Gita Mittal, which highlighted concerns regarding the deaths and compensation distribution. The report also noted a total of 640 deaths in relief camps across eight districts.
During the hearing, Chief Justice Surya Kant instructed the Manipur Advocate General to ensure the state provides detailed information, including post-mortem reports and documentation establishing the causes of death. The court further ordered the state to explain the remedial measures implemented to ensure the safety, dignity, medical care, and daily necessities of internally displaced persons residing in the camps.
The Manipur Legal Services Authority has been directed to intervene immediately to ensure that First Information Reports are registered in all cases of unnatural death. The authority is also tasked with overseeing the proper determination of causes of death, facilitating expeditious investigations, and implementing protection measures for displaced persons and victims.
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