Supreme Court slams Manipur govt over ‘denial’ of medical care to Kuki under-trial

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court expressed strong displeasure after noting that an under-trial at Manipur central jail was denied medical examination “because he is from the Kuki community”.

A bench comprising justices JB Pardiwala and Ujjal Bhuyan made scathing remarks against the Manipur government, stating that it does not “trust the state”.

“We do not trust the State (Manipur)... The accused was not taken to the hospital because he is from the Kuki community. So sad. We direct him to be examined now. If the medical report reveals something serious, we will take you to task. Remember that,” said the bench.

The Supreme Court’s strong observations came while hearing a plea filed by Lunkhongam Haokip, who alleged that he was suffering from piles and tuberculosis and was not taken to the hospital by jail officials despite severe back pain.

Haokip's counsel claimed that his persistent requests for medical help were ignored by the Manipur central jail officials.

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Upon reviewing an order from the Manipur high court, the bench found that the under-trial prisoner was not taken to the hospital due to concerns over his Kuki ethnicity, with authorities citing potential hazards given the law and order situation.

In its directive, the bench stated, “We direct the jail superintendent as well as the responsible authority of the State of Manipur to make necessary arrangements for his transportation to Gauhati Medical College and get him examined therein.”

“The medical exam shall be as regards piles, TB, tonsillitis, abdominal pain, as well as problems in the lower lumbar spine,” the court stated.

The Supreme Court further instructed the officials to obtain a detailed medical report and present it before the court by July 15.

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“All expenses to be borne by the state (Manipur),” the court added.

Violence in Manipur, involving clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities, erupted after a rally by the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM) on May 3, 2023.

The violence engulfed entire Manipur, prompting the central government to deploy paramilitary forces to restore order in the state.