Policy for Compensation in Case of Death in Custody Finalized
If a prisoner in the state's jails dies due to unnatural causes, compensation will be provided to their heirs as per the recommendation of the National Human Rights Commission. The Cabinet approved this policy during today's meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Under this policy, if a death occurs in prison due to an accident during work, negligence by medical officers, assault by jail staff, or disputes among prisoners, and if administrative negligence is proven during the investigation, the heirs of the deceased will receive a compensation of five lakh rupees. In the case of suicide, the heirs will receive a compensation of one lakh rupees.
This policy will be applicable across all prisons in the state. No compensation will be given in cases where the death occurs due to old age, prolonged illness, during an escape attempt, while on bail, or due to denial of treatment. However, compensation will be provided as per the existing government policy in case of death due to a natural disaster.
To claim compensation, the concerned prison authorities will need to submit a report along with documents such as preliminary inquiry, post-mortem report, medical records, police investigation, and district collector’s examination to the regional department heads. After a detailed investigation, the final proposal will be submitted to the Additional Director General and Inspector General of Prisons and Correctional Services, Maharashtra, Pune. After their recommendations, the decision will be made at the government level, and compensation will be provided. Action will be taken against officials found guilty in death-related case
