Archive · 2 Aug 2026
Delhi Announces Compensation for Families of Prisoners Who Die Unnaturally
The Delhi government has made a new rule that helps families of prisoners who die in jail in a bad way.
If a prisoner dies because of fights with other inmates or because jail staff beat them, the family can get up to 7.5 lakh rupees.
If the death is because of bad care or the prisoner kills themselves, they can get 5 lakh rupees.
The rule does not help families if the prisoner dies of a sickness or while trying to escape.
The government wants to make sure that jail workers are careful and that families get help quickly.
A special committee will look at each case and decide if the family should get money.
Delhi government introduces a compensation scheme for families of prisoners who die an unnatural death in custody, offering ₹5 lakh to ₹7.5 lakh.
Compensation amounts vary: ₹7.5 lakh for deaths due to inmate clashes or alleged torture/assault by staff; ₹5 lakh for negligence, medical staff errors, or suicide.
The scheme excludes natural deaths, illnesses, escape-related deaths, and deaths from disasters or calamities.
The scheme, approved by the Lieutenant Governor, will apply to custodial deaths occurring from the date of notification.
A review committee will assess claims, and the Jail Superintendent must submit required documents to the Director General (Prisons) for approval.
- Who
- Delhi government, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta
- What
- Compensation scheme for families of prisoners who die an unnatural death in custody
- When
- Sunday (notification date)
- Where
- Delhi prisons
- Why
- To provide timely relief, improve accountability, and align with NHRC guidelines
- Scheme name
- Scheme for Payment of Compensation on Account of Death of Prisoners in Delhi Prison, 2025
- Compensation range
- ₹5 lakh to ₹7.5 lakh
- Eligibility
- Families or legal heirs of prisoners who die an unnatural death in custody
- Exclusions
- Natural deaths, illnesses, escape-related deaths, disasters or calamities
- Approval authority
- Lieutenant Governor of Delhi
