Supreme Court Seeks Report on 25 Camp Deaths
Supreme Court Seeks Report on 25 Camp Deaths
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Key Points
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The court ordered the Manipur chief secretary to file an affidavit and separately directed the Manipur State Legal Services Authority to submit its own status report on the deaths in the relief camps.
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The court’s order referred to reports of more than 30 deaths in the camps and questioned why post-mortems had been conducted in only 20 of 34 reported death cases, a figure that differs from the 25 unnatural deaths specifically highlighted in the court’s request for information.
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The court noted that details of the cases had been supplied by the state government and by former IPS officer Dattatray Padsalgikar, who is monitoring the CBI investigation into the Manipur violence; petitioner-victims may obtain those details through their legal-services counsel.
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The proceedings arise from the broader 2023 conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, which followed a Manipur High Court directive concerning the possible inclusion of the Meitei community on the Scheduled Tribe list; the High Court later recalled that directive in 2024.
India's Supreme Court demanded urgent answers on 25 unnatural deaths in Manipur's relief camps, ordering the state's chief secretary to submit a full report Rediff. The court expressed shock over the deaths—including one allegedly linked to sexual assault—and questioned why post-mortems were conducted in only 20 of 34 reported cases Deccan Chronicle.
The court also cited reports of 640 deaths across relief camps in eight districts Newsbytes and demanded details on why some families received just ₹20,000 to ₹30,000 in compensation. Justices have directed the Manipur State Legal Services Authority to ensure investigations proceed quickly and causes of death are properly established Law Trend.
Supreme Court Demands Accountability on Camp Deaths
The court issued a stern order to Manipur's chief secretary to provide a comprehensive affidavit on the 25 unnatural deaths Rediff. Justices questioned the discrepancy: post-mortems were completed in only 20 of 34 reported death cases Law Trend. The court wants to know why examinations were skipped and why compensation payments were so low.
One death reportedly involved sexual assault. The court also directed the Manipur State Legal Services Authority to file its own status report and ensure that first information reports (FIRs) are filed promptly Law Trend. Investigators must determine causes of death in all cases.
Far Worse: 640 Deaths Across Eight Districts
The Supreme Court's shock deepened when it learned of a much larger crisis. A committee led by former Jammu and Kashmir High Court Chief Justice Gita Mittal reported 640 deaths in relief camps across eight districts Newsbytes. This figure far exceeds the 25 unnatural deaths initially under review.
The court demanded details on measures to protect internally displaced people's safety and dignity Deccan Chronicle. It also asked for information on medical care and basic necessities provided in the camps. The justices expressed concern that vulnerable families lack adequate support.
Relief Camps Filled With Displaced Families From 2023 Violence
Manipur's relief camps house internally displaced persons from ethnic violence that began in 2023 between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities Rediff. The conflict erupted after a Manipur High Court directive about including Meitei people on the Scheduled Tribe list. That directive was recalled in 2024.
Former IPS officer Dattatray Padsalgikar is monitoring the ongoing CBI investigation into the violence. The Supreme Court expressed hope that special trial courts handling CBI and NIA cases will conclude proceedings quickly Law Trend. Case details are available through legal-services counsel.
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