HC reviews ex-gratia disbursal in Jiribam case
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 20 2025: High Court of Manipur reviewed the progress of ex-gratia payments to families of the eight victims of the recent ethnic violence in Jiribam district during a hearing (PIL No 18 of 2024) filed by one Soram Tekend-rajit and another petitioner against the Union of India and five others.

During the proceedings, the bench of chief justice D Krishnakumar and justice Golmei Gaiphulshillu Kabul, took note of a written instruction dated February 15, 2025, submitted by the deputy advocate general of Manipur, H Debendra.

The instruction, issued by the joint secretary (home) provided details of the compensation process.

It was informed that as per a letter from the deputy commissioner of Jiribam dated December 24, 2024, a total amount of Rs 80 lakh had been transferred to the account of the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), Borobekra, for the disbursement of ex-gratia to the next of kin of the deceased persons after due verification.

Additionally, an amount of Rs 30,000 per deceased person, totalling Rs 2.40 lakh was allocated for performing last rites.

The court was further informed that the ex-gratia payments were sanctioned under both state and cen tral schemes and will be disbursed through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode.

Each deceased individual was allocated Rs 10 lakh with Rs 5 lakh contributed from the central share and Rs 5 lakh from the state share.

The victims identified in the report include Laishram Baren Meetei (60), Maibam Kesho Meetei (71), Yurembam Rani Devi (60), Telem Thoibi Devi (31), Telem Thajamanbi Devi (8), Laishram Langamba Singh (8 months), Laishram Chingkheinganba Singh (2.5 years), and Laishram Heitonbi Devi (25) .

Acknowledging compliance with its earlier order dated December 17, 2024, the court appreciated the government's efforts in ensuring timely ex-gratia payments to the affected families.

The court had previously directed the deputy advocate general of Manipur to obtain necessary instructions from the government regarding interim compensation.

However, senior counsel for the petitioners, Kh Tarunkumar, raised concerns regarding pending forensic investigations.

He referred to paragraph 11 of an affidavit-in-opposition filed by one of the respondents, which indicated that authorities were still awaiting a report from the State Forensic Scientific Laboratory, Imphal.

In response, standing counsel for the National Investigation Agency (NIA), W Darakishwor, and deputy advocate general of Manipur, H Debendra, sought additional time to obtain instructions regarding the forensic report from the relevant department.

The court has scheduled the next hearing for March 11, 2025 .

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