Supreme Court expresses shock over deaths in relief camps in Manipur, asks Chief Secretary to respond
The Supreme Court of India has expressed concern over unnatural deaths in Manipur relief camps and demanded a response from the state's Chief Secretary. The court is seeking accountability regarding compensation, investigation procedures, and the safety of internally displaced persons.
Why it matters
This highlights ongoing humanitarian and legal crises in Manipur, emphasizing the judiciary's role in overseeing state accountability for human rights.
Expressing shock over scores of deaths in relief camps meant for the internally displaced persons (IDPs), the Supreme Court on Thursday (September 17, 2026) directed the Manipur Chief Secretary to apprise it of the steps taken to probe, initiate criminal proceedings and ensure the safety of those living there.
Cautioning the top bureaucrat of the State, a Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana asked why no significant steps were taken on the information provided by the Justice Gita Mittal committee relating to deaths, including unnatural ones, of IDPs in relief camps.
“We direct the Chief Secretary of Manipur to file an affidavit on deaths, especially unnatural deaths, at relief camps in Manipur,” the Bench said in the order and asked why postmortems were conducted in 20 out of 34 death cases.
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