The Supreme Court expressed concern over deaths in Manipur relief camps. These camps housed people displaced during violence. The court directed Manipur’s chief secretary to explain steps taken after these deaths. Additionally, it sought details about investigations, criminal action, and safety measures.
Supreme Court Seeks Affidavit From Manipur Chief Secretary
A bench led by Chief Justice Suryakant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohana heard the matter. The bench questioned why authorities did not take concrete steps after the Justice Geeta Mittal Committee’s information. Furthermore, the court ordered the chief secretary to file an affidavit. The affidavit must cover deaths in Manipur relief camps, especially unusual deaths.
The bench also questioned why only 20 postmortems happened among 34 reported death cases. Moreover, the court asked why displaced people received only ₹20,000 to ₹30,000 compensation for unusual deaths. The Supreme Court also directed Manipur State Legal Services Authority (MSLSA) to submit a separate status report.
CJI Suryakant asked MSLSA to ensure FIRs in all unusual death cases. The authority must also check investigation progress.
Additionally, MSLSA must ensure safety and dignity for displaced people living inside relief camps.
Reports Mention More Than 30 Relief Camp Deaths
The bench passed the order after examining reports from the Justice Mittal Committee and an IAS officer. These reports mentioned more than 30 deaths in Manipur relief camps. One death was linked to alleged sexual assault. Furthermore, the court expected two special trial courts to complete CBI and NIA cases quickly. These cases relate to the 2023 violence in Manipur.
The bench noted that legal service lawyers received case details. Victim petitioners can use these details to continue their matters.
The court also noted information from the state government and former IPS officer Dattatray Padsalgikar. Padsalgikar supervised the CBI investigation into Manipur violence. Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati represented CBI and the state government. She informed the court about the investigation status. According to her, CBI investigated 31 cases. The agency filed final reports in 28 cases. She added that CBI continues investigations in three cases.
Earlier, the Supreme Court asked Manipur, Assam governments, and others to consider creating two special trial courts.
These courts would specifically handle CBI and NIA cases linked to the 2023 ethnic violence.
The violence in Manipur started on May 3, 2023.
