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The Supreme Court on Thursday (September 17) expressed shock over reports of unnatural deaths in relief camps in Manipur, including an incident allegedly involving sexual assault, and directed the State Chief Secretary to file a comprehensive report explaining the circumstances of the deaths and measures taken to ensure the safety and dignity of internally displaced persons.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Mohana passed the directions while hearing a batch of petitions concerning the investigation and trial of sexual violence cases arising from the 2023 Manipur ethnic violence .

The Court took note of a report submitted by the Committee headed by former Jammu and Kashmir High Court Chief Justice Gita Mittal, which highlighted the issue of compensation and referred to reports concerning deaths in relief camps.

The bench directed the Manipur Chief Secretary to furnish details of all 25 unnatural deaths reported in news reports, along with post-mortem reports and other relevant documents identifying the causes of death. The State was also directed to explain the remedial and safety measures undertaken to protect internally displaced persons in relief camps.

The Court further directed that adequate medical facilities and day-to-day necessities be made available to those residing in the camps.

The order recorded that a report had highlighted 640 deaths in relief camps across eight districts. Post-mortem examinations had reportedly been conducted in only 20 cases, while criminal cases had been registered.

The Court also expressed concern over the report that only ₹20,000-₹30,000 had been paid as compensation in the cases.

The bench directed the State Government to explain why post-mortem examinations had been conducted in only 20 cases and why such meagre compensation had been paid.

The Manipur Legal Services Authority was directed to immediately take up the issue and ensure that:

  • FIRs are registered in all cases of unnatural deaths.
  • The causes of death are adequately ascertained.
  • Measures are taken to ensure the safety and dignity of internally displaced persons and victims in relief camps.
  • Investigations in FIRs already registered are conducted expeditiously.

The Court also questioned the Manipur Advocate General regarding information sought by the Committee on July 4 concerning the 25 unnatural deaths of internally displaced persons in relief camps.

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

Court informed of progress in cases

During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati informed the bench that 42 Special Investigation Teams (SITs) had been constituted across eight districts to investigate 3,020 cases. Of these, charge sheets had been filed in 302 cases, closure reports in 1,583 cases, and 1,135 cases remained under investigation. Trials had commenced in 33 cases, according to the status report.

The Court also considered the status of cases being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The bench was informed that the CBI was investigating 31 cases, of which charge sheets had been filed in 28 cases and closure reports in six cases. Three cases remained under investigation. Proceedings had commenced in all cases in which charge sheets had been filed.

The status report stated that 978 witnesses had been cited, of whom only six had been examined so far. Thirty-eight persons had been arrested in connection with the cases.

The Court discussed the need to expedite trials, particularly in view of the fact that a Special Court in Gauhati was handling the transferred cases. Advocate Nizam Pasha, appearing for victims, submitted that cross-examination was proceeding but the court could take up the matters only two days a week.

Chief Justice Surya Kant observed that even if a matter was taken up twice a week, it would help ensure a speedy trial. He also suggested exploring the possibility of having two courts to handle the CBI cases, noting that this could expedite proceedings.

The bench directed the Additional Solicitor General to ensure that the Gauhati High Court's requirement for two courts to handle National Investigation Agency (NIA) cases was addressed immediately.

 

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