The Delhi government has formalized a new compensation framework for the families and legal heirs of prisoners who die under unnatural circumstances within the city's jails. This significant policy move aligns with National Human Rights Commission guidelines and aims to provide financial relief while strengthening administrative accountability within the prison system.
Compensation Tiers and Eligibility
Under the "Scheme for Payment of Compensation on Account of Death of Prisoners in Delhi Prison, 2025," families are eligible for varying amounts based on the cause of death:
- ₹7.5 lakh: Awarded in cases where a prisoner dies due to clashes between inmates or as a result of alleged torture or assault by prison authorities.
- ₹5 lakh: Provided for deaths linked to negligence by prison authorities or staff, medical or paramedical personnel, or suicide by a prisoner.
The scheme specifically applies to unnatural deaths occurring in any Delhi prison on or after the notification date. It explicitly excludes natural deaths, deaths due to illness, cases involving escape from lawful custody, or fatalities caused by disasters or calamities.
Review and Inquiry Process
For every eligible case, the jail superintendent is mandated to submit a comprehensive report to the Director General of Prisons, Delhi. This report must include the magisterial inquiry findings, post-mortem report, final cause of death, the prisoner’s complete medical history, and details of any treatment provided prior to death.
Subsequently, a dedicated committee, chaired by the Director General of Prisons and comprising the Assistant Inspector General of Prisons, Resident Medical Officer, Deputy Controller of Accounts, and Law Officer, will meticulously examine these records before approving any compensation.
Government's Stance on the Scheme
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasized that the scheme is designed to offer timely relief to affected families in specified circumstances. Furthermore, it serves as a crucial step towards enhancing administrative accountability across Delhi’s prison facilities, ensuring greater transparency and responsibility in cases of custodial deaths.