Maharashtra has introduced compensation for deaths and permanent disabilities caused in police custody. The policy enables timely relief and recovery from officials found responsible.
The Maharashtra government will pay Rs 5 lakh to the families of people who die in police custody because of police assault or administrative negligence, news agency Press Trust of India reported. The state Home Department announced the compensation policy on Tuesday, days after it was approved by the Maharashtra Cabinet.Under the policy, people who suffer permanent physical or mental disability because of custodial torture will receive up to Rs 4 lakh.
Compensation of Rs 2 lakh will be paid for permanent disability of less than 50 per cent, while Rs 4 lakh will be provided for disability of 50 per cent or more, subject to medical certification and verification.If an internal inquiry finds police personnel guilty of assault or administrative negligence, criminal cases will be registered against them. The government will recover the compensation paid to victims or their families from the salary, pension or property of the officials held responsible for negligence, according to the government resolution.The policy was framed in accordance with directions issued by the Bombay High Court in a petition filed in 2014.
It aims to provide timely financial assistance to the legal heirs of people who die in police custody and to those who suffer permanent disability because of custodial torture or the use of prohibited methods. In cases involving deaths caused by assault, torture or coercive methods used by police personnel, the cause must be established through evidence such as a magisterial inquiry, medical and forensic reports, an independent investigation, witness statements or CCTV footage.
A criminal conviction will not be required to grant compensation, the resolution said.For deaths caused by administrative negligence, the policy lists failures such as denying timely medical examination or treatment, ignoring complaints of illness or injury, failing to follow medical advice and delaying emergency medical assistance. District Superintendents of Police or Police Commissioners must examine and submit compensation proposals within 30 days of the incident or the medical certification of permanent disability.
The state government will examine proposals received from the Director General of Police within another 30 days, PTI reported, citing the resolution.The policy excludes deaths caused by natural causes, specified natural disasters where there was no institutional negligence, refusal of medical treatment and accidents while escaping from custody, among other specified circumstances.In summary, the policy provides compensation of Rs 5 lakh for eligible deaths in police custody and between Rs 2 lakh and Rs 4 lakh for permanent disability, while setting deadlines for processing claims and providing for action against officials found responsible.- Ends