Supreme Court Expresses Shock Over Manipur Relief Camp Conditions, Calls for Report

The Supreme Court has expressed serious concern over deaths reported among internally displaced people living in relief camps in violence-hit Manipur. During a hearing on September 17, 2026, a bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant questioned the state government over its response to reports of unnatural deaths and directed the Manipur Chief Secretary to provide a detailed account of the steps taken.

The court’s intervention comes against the backdrop of the ethnic violence that erupted in Manipur in May 2023, which displaced thousands of people and forced many families to remain in relief camps for extended periods. The latest hearing has put renewed attention on the safety, dignity and living conditions of those who continue to depend on such facilities.

Why Did the Supreme Court Express Shock?

In the case, the court was looking into data on death rates within the internally displaced persons population, where there were also cases reported to be unnatural deaths. There were reports presented to the bench, saying that some individuals have passed away while residing in the relief camps, raising doubts as to whether there was enough inquiry into the causes behind the deaths.

The bench, consisting of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, wondered why there has been no follow-up after the previous information from the Justice Gita Mittal-led committee.

What Has the Supreme Court Asked the Manipur Government to Explain?

The Court has instructed the Chief Secretary to present an affidavit containing information regarding the incidents and their causes especially when these have been found to be unnatural. Information regarding the cause of deaths and post-mortem examination results should be included in addition to other measures adopted to safeguard the lives of individuals residing in the relief camps.

Post-mortem examinations were another topic that was addressed. According to the Tribune report, the Court raised its concern over the fact that post-mortem examinations had been carried out in only 20 of 34 death cases cited in the Court proceedings.

What Is the Justice Gita Mittal Committee?

The Justice Gita Mittal-led Committee is a three-member committee that was constituted in connection with the ongoing supervision by the Supreme Court regarding the relief and rehabilitation process post-Manipur riots.

The committee has looked into various matters concerning relief camps and their facilities before. In January 2026, the Supreme Court had directed the committee to look into problems with 14 relief camps, including problems regarding food and medical facilities, and submit a report.

The current proceedings reveal that the functions of the committee have been very relevant in informing the Supreme Court about the situation of displaced persons.

How Many Deaths Are Being Examined?

There are somewhat varying numbers due to the fact that the court relied on varying numbers of reports at varying stages of the process. This particular hearing made reference to reports relating to 25 unnatural deaths, while other material submitted to the court made reference to more than 30 deaths within the camp.

What the court seeks to do now is get a full explanation about what happened, whether there have been criminal investigations and what steps are being taken to prevent future occurrences.

Why Were FIRs and Investigations Discussed?

The Supreme Court also directed the Manipur State Legal Services Authority to ensure that FIRs are registered in cases involving unnatural deaths and that investigations proceed expeditiously. The authority was also asked to file a separate status report concerning these matters.

This means the court’s concern is not limited to the physical conditions inside camps. It is also examining whether deaths and potentially criminal circumstances are being investigated through the appropriate legal process.

What About Compensation to Families?

Compensation paid to families of people who died unnatural deaths in the camps also became an issue during the hearing.

The Tribune reported that the court questioned why compensation of only ₹20,000 to ₹30,000 had been paid in cases involving unnatural deaths.

The issue adds another dimension to the proceedings because the court is looking not only at the circumstances of the deaths but also at the support provided to families affected by them.

Why Are Relief Camps Still Important in Manipur?

There is the need for the existence of relief camps because the violence against the people of particular ethnic backgrounds in May 2023 has forced many people to leave their homes. The internally displaced people have been staying away from their previous homes for quite some time.

Therefore, there is the need to look into the nature of the facilities being used by such people in the relief camps. If people remain displaced for a long period of time, the need to provide basic necessities becomes a humanitarian concern and not an emergency one.

This is what the Supreme Court has done through its latest ruling.

What Will Follow?

The affidavit on the number of deaths, the process of investigation, post-mortem reports, and steps taken for prevention is likely to be filed by the Manipur Chief Secretary, which was demanded by the Supreme Court. There is also the likelihood that the status report of the Manipur State Legal Services Authority will be filed.

The information provided by both parties before the court can decide the future directions with regard to investigation, safety of camps and protection of internally displaced persons.

Why This Hearing Is Important

The significance of this intervention by the Supreme Court is that the safety and condition of the internally displaced persons have come under judicial scrutiny once again almost three years after the incidents took place in Manipur.

In this case, it has brought to light the need for accountability when deaths take place in camps designed for protection of people displaced by conflict.

Conclusion

The latest hearing before the Supreme Court has made headlines for bringing into focus deaths in Manipur relief camps of internally displaced persons. With an affidavit being sought by the court from the Chief Secretary of the state along with another report from the Manipur State Legal Services Authority, there is a demand for transparency regarding investigations, post-mortems, compensation, and security measures.

The first step towards dealing with the matter would be to have the reports presented before the court, along with any other directions that might be issued.

The Supreme Court has made it clear that it wants answers to death of individuals in Manipur relief camps.

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