IMPHAL: The Supreme Court has pulled up the Manipur government after discovering that an undertrial at Manipur Central Jail was denied medical examination solely because he belongs to the Kuki community.
In a sternly worded order, a Vacation Bench comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and JJ Bhuyan expressed shock and disbelief over the incident.
“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 warned as reported by Bar and Bench.
The Court’s intervention came after noting that despite complaints of severe health issues including piles, tuberculosis, and extreme backache by the accused, no medical examination was conducted.
The jail medical officer had recommended an X-Ray last year, which could not be performed due to lack of facilities at the jail.
According to details from the bail order by the High Court, the accused was reportedly denied hospital visits due to concerns over the law-and-order situation, solely attributed to his ethnic background.
In response, the Supreme Court directed the jail superintendent and state authorities to immediately arrange for the accused’s transportation to Gauhati Medical College for a thorough medical examination.
The examination will cover conditions such as piles, TB, tonsillitis, abdominal pain, and lower lumbar spine problems.
“All expenses for this medical examination shall be borne by the State,” the Court highlighted, underscoring its commitment to ensuring the accused’s fundamental right to health and fair treatment.
The Court further mandated that a detailed medical report be submitted before July 15, detailing the findings of the examination.
