“We have no faith in the State of Manipur. The accused was denied hospital treatment because of his Kuki community background? This is regrettable. We order immediate examination. If the medical report uncovers serious issues, there will be consequences. Keep that in mind,” cautioned the Court.
NEW DELHI: Today (3rd July): The Supreme Court expressed dismay that an undertrial at Manipur Central Jail was denied hospital access for medical examination solely because of his Kuki community affiliation.
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Justices JB Pardiwala and Jjal Bhuyan of the Vacation Bench strongly criticized the Manipur government for this.
“We have no faith in the State of Manipur. The accused was denied hospital treatment because of his Kuki community background? This is regrettable. We order immediate examination. If the medical report uncovers serious issues, there will be consequences. Keep that in mind,” cautioned the Court.
In the court’s order, it was noted that the trial had not yet begun and that the accused appeared to be suffering from piles and tuberculosis. He had also reported severe back pain to jail officials.
Additionally, on November 22 last year, the jail’s medical officer observed tenderness in the lower lumbar spine of the accused and recommended an X-ray, which was unavailable at the jail.
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The Bench discovered from the bail order issued by the High Court that the accused was not taken to a hospital for medical examination because of his Kuki community affiliation, citing concerns about the law and order situation.
The Court warned,
“If the medical report reveals something serious, we will take you to task! Remember that.”
Regarding the accused’s medical condition, the Court noted,
“He was apparently suffering from piles, tuberculosis, and complained of extreme backache.”
In response to these concerns, the Court issued the following directives:
“The jail superintendent and the responsible authority of the State of Manipur are instructed to arrange for the transportation of the accused to Gauhati Medical College for a comprehensive medical examination. This examination should cover conditions such as piles, TB, tonsillitis, abdominal pain, and issues with the lower lumbar spine.”
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“All expenses related to this examination will be covered by the State,”
the Court emphasized.
The Court instructed that a detailed medical report should be submitted by July 15.
