Archive · 18 Sep 2026
Supreme Court Seeks Report on Manipur Camp Deaths
The Supreme Court is worried about deaths in relief camps in Manipur.
It asked the state’s Chief Secretary to explain 25 deaths thought to be suspicious or unnatural.
The court also asked why only 20 of the cases reportedly had post-mortems.
It questioned why some families received only Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000.
A committee report said 640 people had died in camps across eight districts.
One account mentioned 34 cases, so the reports did not use exactly the same number.
The court ordered officials to make sure police complaints are filed and investigations happen quickly.
It also told officials to protect displaced people’s safety and dignity.
The government said many investigations and trials are already underway.
The Supreme Court ordered Manipur’s Chief Secretary to submit a comprehensive report on 25 suspicious or unnatural deaths in relief camps.
The court questioned why post-mortems were conducted in only 20 cases and why some families received compensation of Rs 20,000-Rs 30,000.
A committee report cited 640 deaths in relief camps across eight districts, while one court account referred to 34 cases rather than 25.
The Manipur Legal Services Authority was directed to ensure FIRs, prompt investigations, and protection of displaced people’s safety and dignity.
The government reported 42 state SITs examining 3,020 cases, while the CBI had investigated 31 cases and trials had begun in 33 state-SIT cases.
- Who
- The Supreme Court of India, Manipur’s government, the Manipur Legal Services Authority, investigating agencies, and representatives of displaced people.
- What
- The court sought a report on suspicious or unnatural deaths in relief camps and ordered FIRs, investigations, safety measures, and details of remedial action.
- When
- The matter was heard on Thursday; the articles do not provide a calendar date.
- Where
- Relief camps across eight districts of Manipur; related special-court proceedings involve Guwahati.
- Why
- The court cited concerns about deaths, limited post-mortems, low compensation, an alleged sexual-assault-related death, and the safety and dignity of displaced people.
Court and Victims’ Concerns
Government’s Reported Actions
Deaths and accountability
Court and Victims’ Concerns
The court questioned the handling of suspicious or unnatural deaths, the limited number of post-mortems, and the low compensation paid to some families.
Government’s Reported Actions
The state was directed to provide case records, post-mortem reports, causes of death, and details of remedial measures.
Investigation progress
Court and Victims’ Concerns
The court and legal-services authorities emphasized FIR registration, prompt investigations, and protection of displaced people’s safety and dignity.
Government’s Reported Actions
The government reported 42 state SITs, 3,020 cases, 302 charge sheets, 1,583 closure reports, and 1,135 ongoing investigations.
Trial speed
Court and Victims’ Concerns
Victims’ counsel raised concern that the Guwahati special court was hearing cases only two days a week.
Government’s Reported Actions
The court said hearings on two days could still advance trials and asked that the possibility of two special courts for CBI and NIA cases be explored.
- Deaths under review
- The court sought details on 25 suspicious or unnatural deaths in relief camps.
- Reported discrepancy
- One account referred to 34 death cases, while the court’s directions and other reports referred to 25 cases.
- Deaths recorded
- A committee report cited 640 deaths in relief camps across eight districts.
- Post-mortems
- Post-mortem examinations were reportedly conducted in 20 cases.
- Compensation questioned
- The court questioned payments of Rs 20,000-Rs 30,000 in some unnatural-death cases.
- State investigations
- The state constituted 42 Special Investigation Teams, with 3,020 cases reported; 302 charge sheets and 1,583 closure reports were filed, while 1,135 investigations continued.
- CBI progress
- The Central Bureau of Investigation investigated 31 cases, filed final reports in 28, and continued investigating three.
- Trials
- Trials had commenced in 33 cases investigated by state SITs.
