Maharashtra Announces Rs 5 Lakh Compensation for Custodial Deaths
The Maharashtra government has introduced a compensation policy for deaths and disabilities resulting from police custody, aiming to provide timely relief.
Families of deceased individuals in police custody will receive Rs 5 lakh.
Compensation for permanent disabilities ranges from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 4 lakh.
The policy mandates accountability for police personnel found negligent.
In a significant move, the Maharashtra government has established a compensation framework for families affected by deaths in police custody, announcing a payment of Rs 5 lakh for such cases. This policy was unveiled by the state Home Department following approval from the Maharashtra Cabinet, aiming to address the urgent need for justice and support for victims' families.
The initiative comes in response to a 2014 directive from the Bombay High Court, which emphasized the necessity of providing financial assistance to the legal heirs of individuals who die due to police actions or negligence. Under this new policy, individuals who suffer permanent disabilities due to custodial torture can claim compensation ranging from Rs 2 lakh for disabilities under 50% to Rs 4 lakh for those at or above that threshold, contingent on medical verification.
In instances where police personnel are found culpable of misconduct leading to custodial deaths or injuries, the government will initiate criminal proceedings against them. Furthermore, the state plans to recover the compensation amounts from the salaries, pensions, or properties of the responsible officials, ensuring accountability within the police force. This approach is intended to deter negligence and misconduct among law enforcement agencies.
The policy outlines specific criteria for establishing the cause of death or disability, requiring evidence such as medical reports, witness statements, and CCTV footage. Notably, it clarifies that a criminal conviction is not a prerequisite for victims to receive compensation. However, it excludes cases of natural deaths, accidents during escape attempts, and other specified circumstances where institutional negligence is not evident.
Moving forward, the policy stipulates that District Superintendents of Police or Police Commissioners must review and submit compensation proposals within 30 days of an incident. The state government will then assess these proposals within an additional 30 days, streamlining the process for victims' families. This initiative marks a crucial step towards ensuring justice and support for those affected by police actions in Maharashtra.
