Synopsis
On April 15, the Maharashtra cabinet led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis approved a policy granting Rs 5 lakh compensation to families of prisoners who die under unnatural circumstances in custody. This policy follows NHRC recommendations and includes compensation for specific cases of negligence.Key Takeaways
- Compensation of Rs 5 lakh for unnatural deaths in custody.
- Policy based on National Human Rights Commission recommendations.
- Compensation for negligence, accidents, and prisoner fights.
- Rs 1 lakh for suicides in prison.
- New Civil Court established in Thane district.
Mumbai, April 15 (NationPress) The Maharashtra cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has sanctioned a new policy that allocates Rs 5 lakh in compensation to the families of inmates who suffer unnatural deaths while detained in the state's correctional facilities.
This policy has been established following the recommendations made by the National Human Rights Commission.
Under the terms of this policy, a compensation of Rs 5 lakh will be granted in situations where death occurs due to accidents while working within the prison, medical negligence, assaults by prison staff, or conflicts among inmates. Furthermore, compensation will be disbursed if an investigation confirms administrative negligence in the incident. In cases of suicide within prison, the deceased inmate's heirs will receive a compensation of Rs 1 lakh.
As stated in an official government release, this policy will be enforced across all prisons in the state. No compensation will be issued for deaths resulting from natural causes, long-term illnesses, accidents during escape attempts, while on bail, or due to denial of medical treatment.
However, compensation will be available for deaths caused by natural disasters, in accordance with the existing government policies.
To initiate compensation claims, the respective prison superintendents must compile a report with documentation that includes preliminary inquiries, autopsy results, panchnama, medical reports, and investigative outcomes from judicial and district collectors.
Following a comprehensive investigation, the final proposal will be directed to the Additional Director General of Police and the Inspector General of Prisons and Correctional Services in Pune, Maharashtra. A decision regarding compensation will be made at the government level based on their recommendations. It has also been resolved that actions will be taken against any officials found culpable in these death cases.
Additionally, the cabinet has approved the formation of a Civil Court Junior Level and a Judicial Magistrate First Class Court in Chikhloli-Ambernath, located in the Thane district. The necessary positions for this new court have also been sanctioned.
A total of 15,569 cases, encompassing 14,134 criminal and 1,135 civil matters, will be transitioned to this newly established court from Ulhasnagar. This move aims to expedite the resolution of backlogged cases.
Approval was granted to fill 12 regular positions and 4 posts through external recruitment for this court. These roles include Civil Judge Junior Level, Judicial Magistrate First Class, Assistant Superintendent, Stenographer (one each), Senior Clerk (two), Junior Clerk (four), and Bailiff (three). The total projected expenditure for this court, estimated at Rs 84,40,332, has also received approval.
