GUWAHATI: In a strongly worded order on Wednesday, July 3, the Supreme Court expressed shock and dismay upon learning that an undertrial at Manipur Central Jail was denied hospital care solely because he belongs to the Kuki community. A Vacation Bench consisting of Justices JB Pardiwala and Ujjal Bhuyan criticised the Manipur government's handling of the case, making their distrust explicit.
"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," Justice Pardiwala remarked.
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The accused, suffering from piles, tuberculosis, and severe backache, had been languishing without adequate medical attention. The jail's medical officer had previously recommended an X-ray for lower lumbar spine tenderness, a service unavailable at the jail.
Despite this, he was not taken for a medical examination because of concerns purportedly linked to his Kuki ethnicity and the prevailing law and order situation in Manipur. Taking serious note of these circumstances, the Supreme Court directed immediate action.
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"We direct the jail superintendent as well as the responsible authority of the State of Manipur to arrange for his transportation to Gauhati Medical College for a comprehensive examination. This should include assessments for piles, TB, tonsillitis, abdominal pain, and lower lumbar spine issues."
The Court mandated that a detailed medical report be presented by July 15, stating, "All expenses to be borne by the State." The Bench emphasised the urgency and necessity of ensuring that the undertrial's health concerns are addressed without further delay.
