Supreme Court Expresses Shock Over Denial of Medical Examination to Kuki Undertrial in Manipur Jail

The Supreme Court on Wednesday expressed strong disapproval after learning that an undertrial from the Kuki community in Manipur Central Jail was denied medical examination solely because of his ethnicity. The Vacation Bench, comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and Ujjal Bhuyan, criticized the Manipur government for this apparent discrimination and lack of care.

"Sorry counsel, we do not trust the State (of Manipur). We do not. The accused was not taken to 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," the Court admonished.

The order from the Court noted that the trial for the accused had yet to begin and that he was reportedly suffering from piles and tuberculosis. Additionally, the undertrial had complained about extreme backache. On November 22 of the previous year, the jail medical officer found tenderness in the lower lumbar spine and recommended an X-ray, which was unavailable at the jail facility.

From the High Court's bail order, it emerged that the accused was not taken for medical examination outside the jail because he belonged to the Kuki community. The authorities cited concerns over law and order as the reason for not transferring him to a hospital.

Taking a serious view of the situation, the Supreme Court issued a directive:

"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 lower lumbar spine."

The Court further ordered that the officials obtain a detailed medical report and submit it before July 15, noting that all expenses for this examination would be borne by the State.

This directive underscores the Court's insistence on equal treatment and medical care for all individuals, regardless of community or ethnicity, especially those in custody.

Author: Anushka Taraniya

News writer