Manipur violence cases: SC raises questions over suspicious deaths and delayed action (Image: Pintrest)
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday expressed serious concern over alleged unnatural deaths and sexual harassment cases involving people living in relief camps in Manipur. The court directed the Chief Secretary of Manipur to submit a detailed report on 25 suspicious deaths, including post-mortem reports and records related to the investigations.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana was hearing petitions related to investigations into sexual violence cases connected with the 2023 ethnic violence in Manipur.
During the hearing, the Supreme Court referred to findings of a committee headed by former Jammu and Kashmir High Court Chief Justice Gita Mittal. The committee had highlighted concerns regarding the safety, dignity and welfare of internally displaced people staying in relief camps. The court questioned the Manipur government over the steps taken after the committee sought information regarding 25 unnatural deaths reported among displaced persons.
Taking a strict view of the matter, Chief Justice Surya Kant questioned the state government and asked officials to provide details of the action taken so far. “Tell your Chief Secretary not to force the court to pass an order. Inform us what steps you have taken,” the Chief Justice said during the hearing. The court directed the state government to submit complete details regarding all 25 suspicious deaths reported in relief camps.
According to details mentioned during the proceedings, 640 deaths were recorded in relief camps spread across eight districts of Manipur. However, post-mortem examinations were conducted in only 20 cases despite criminal cases being registered.
The Supreme Court questioned why post-mortem procedures were not carried out in more cases and also raised concerns over compensation amounts ranging between Rs 20,000 and Rs 30,000 in several instances.
The Supreme Court directed the Manipur Legal Services Authority to take immediate steps to ensure that FIRs are registered in all suspicious death cases and that proper investigations are carried out. The court stressed the need for accountability and a detailed examination of the circumstances behind these deaths.
Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati informed the court that 42 Special Investigation Teams (SITs) have been formed across eight districts. According to the information presented before the court, 3,020 cases are currently under investigation. Charge sheets have been filed in 302 cases, while closure reports have been submitted in 1,583 cases. Investigations are continuing in 1,135 cases, and trials have started in 33 matters.
During the hearing, lawyers representing victims informed the court that the special court in Guwahati was hearing cases only two days a week. Chief Justice Surya Kant observed that even limited hearings could help move trials forward, but suggested exploring the possibility of setting up two special courts for CBI-related cases.
The Supreme Court also directed the Centre to consider addressing the requirements raised by the Guwahati High Court.
