Archive · 6 Oct 2026
Maharashtra Approves Compensation for Police Custody Deaths
Maharashtra has approved a plan to pay money to families when someone dies in police custody because of police misconduct or negligence.
The family may receive ₹5 lakh if the cause is established.
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, natural disasters, or specified refusals of medical care.
A senior district police officer must send a proposal within 30 days after a custodial death.
Officials found responsible may face criminal proceedings, and the state may recover compensation from their salary, pension, or property.
The Cabinet also approved an annual medal and ₹50,000 award for police personnel who show exceptional courage.
Maharashtra’s Cabinet approved ₹5 lakh for the next of kin when a custodial death is established to result from police assault, torture, coercion, pressure, or negligence.
Survivors with qualifying permanent disability caused by physical or mental torture may receive ₹2 lakh for disability below 50 per cent or ₹4 lakh for disability of 50 per cent or more.
A district Superintendent of Police or Police Commissioner must submit a compensation proposal within 30 days of a custodial death.
The policy excludes specified deaths, including those attributed to advanced age, pre-existing incurable illness, natural calamity, refusal of treatment, escape attempts, or certain hunger strikes.
The state may pursue criminal proceedings and recover compensation from responsible personnel; the Cabinet also approved an annual police gallantry medal carrying ₹50,000.
- Who
- The Maharashtra Cabinet approved the policy; eligible recipients include next of kin of qualifying custodial-death victims and survivors with qualifying permanent disabilities.
- What
- A compensation policy for certain police custody deaths and permanent disabilities was approved; the Cabinet also approved a police gallantry medal.
- When
- The Cabinet approved the policy on a Tuesday; proposals after custodial deaths must be submitted within 30 days. The gallantry awards are to be presented on May 1.
- Where
- Maharashtra, India.
- Why
- The policy is intended to set a process for compensation and accountability; an official said it was approved in view of a National Human Rights Commission directive and a Bombay court order.
- Custodial-death compensation
- ₹5 lakh for next of kin when death is established to have resulted from police assault, torture, coercion, 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; the disability must be certified by a competent medical board, with verification through the UDID system, according to a Home Department official.
- Proposal deadline
- The concerned district Superintendent of Police or Police Commissioner must submit a proposal within 30 days.
- Specified exclusions
- These include natural death attributed to advanced age or pre-existing incurable illness, sudden natural calamity, refusal of medical treatment, an accident while attempting escape, and certain hunger-strike deaths.
- Accountability
- Responsible personnel may face criminal proceedings; the government may recover compensation from salary, pension, or property.
- Gallantry medal
- The annual Chief Minister’s Gallantry Medal will include a medal, citation, and ₹50,000 cash prize, with awards presented on Maharashtra Day, May 1.
