1 hr ago

Maharashtra Cabinet Approves Compensation for Custodial Deaths From Police Misconduct

Maharashtra has approved rules for paying money to families when someone dies in police custody because of police wrongdoing or negligence.

The family may receive ₹5 lakh if the required checks establish the cause.

A person who survives but is permanently disabled by torture in custody may also receive money.

The amount is ₹2 lakh for disability below 50 per cent and ₹4 lakh for disability of 50 per cent or more.

Some deaths are excluded, such as those caused by certain illnesses or natural events.

The rules describe how injuries and disabilities must be checked and how claims are reviewed.

A senior police officer must send a proposal within 30 days after a custodial death.

Officials found responsible may face criminal proceedings, and the government may recover compensation from their salary, pension, or property.

Key facts

Custodial-death compensation: ₹5 lakh for next of kin when the death is established to have resulted from police assault, torture, pressure, or negligence.
Disability below 50 per cent: ₹2 lakh for qualifying permanent disability caused by physical or mental torture in custody.
Disability of 50 per cent or more: ₹4 lakh for qualifying permanent disability caused by physical or mental torture in custody.
Proposal deadline: The concerned Superintendent of Police or Police Commissioner must submit a custodial-death proposal within 30 days.
Exclusions: Specified exclusions include deaths from advanced age or pre-existing chronic and incurable illness, sudden natural calamity, refusal of medical treatment, and certain escape or hunger-strike circumstances.
Accountability: Officials found culpable may face criminal proceedings; compensation may be recovered from an officer's salary, pension, or property where negligence is established.

freepressjournal.in · 1 hr ago