Court directs Manipur govt to constitute medical board for detainees

Imphal, Apr 27 (UNI) Gauhati High court, Imphal bench, has upheld a Supreme Court order and directed the Manipur government to form a medical panel for examination of all the arrested persons.

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by general secretary Jinine of Universal Education and Well-Being (UNIEDWEL) seeking proper implementation of directions of the apex court in BK Basu's case.

"In order to minimize the torture and death in police custody on December, 16, 1996, the Supreme Court in Basu-versus- state of West Bengal case had issued 11 requirements/guidelines to be followed in all cases of arrest or detention till legal provisions are made in that behalf as preventive measures it was pleaded".

Every arrested person should be subjected to medical examination by a trained doctor every 48 hours during his/her detention, the order said.

The director, health services should prepare such a panel for all districts as well, the court said.

It was pleaded that the director, health services, Manipur, has failed to prepare such a panel of approved doctor for the last 10 years in violation of the Supreme court direction.

The PIL was filed on Febraury 22 last for appropriate direction to prepare such a panel of doctors immediately.

After hearing the submission of the counsel for the petitioner, Gauhati high court, Imphal bench, comprising justice D Biswas and justice T Nandakumar Singh passed the order on April 24, which was received here today.

The court directed the director of the Health Services to prepare a panel of doctors and to ensure that each and every arrested person should have medical examination within 48 hours during his/her detention.

UNI NS PC AKP1159