Delhi notifies ₹7.5 lakh compensation scheme for unnatural prison inmate deaths

The Delhi government has notified a scheme to provide compensation to families of inmates who die in unnatural circumstances inside prisons in the national capital. The scheme, announced by the Chief Minister's Office on Sunday, offers up to ₹7.5 lakh in specified cases.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the scheme, framed in accordance with National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) guidelines, aims to ensure timely relief for affected families and strengthen administrative accountability in prison management.

Under the Scheme for Payment of Compensation on Account of Death of Prisoners in Delhi Prison, 2025, compensation will be applicable only to unnatural deaths occurring on or after the date of notification. The quantum of compensation varies according to the circumstances of death.

A compensation of ₹7.5 lakh will be provided in cases where death results from clashes between inmates, or alleged torture or assault by prison personnel. In cases involving negligence by prison authorities or staff, negligence by medical or paramedical personnel, or suicide by a prisoner, the compensation will be ₹5 lakh.

For every case, the concerned Jail Superintendent is required to submit the magisterial inquiry report, post-mortem report, final cause of death, the prisoner's medical history, and treatment details to the Director General (Prisons), Delhi. A committee headed by the Director General will review these documents and recommend compensation. The proposal then goes to the Administrative Secretary of the Home Department for approval. After disbursal, the Jail Superintendent will inform the NHRC.

Ms. Gupta emphasised the government's commitment to rule of law, human dignity, and constitutional values. She described any unnatural death in custody as a serious matter and said the government must ensure transparency, accountability, and due process. “The government's objective is to strengthen transparency, sensitivity, and accountability in prison administration while ensuring justice in every case in accordance with the law,” she said.

The scheme follows a September 2017 Supreme Court directive that required High Courts to suo motu register petitions to identify kin of prisoners who died unnatural deaths from 2012 and to direct States to award compensation. The Delhi government's notification is seen as a step towards implementing that directive in the national capital.

Officials said the scheme covers all categories of unnatural deaths, including those resulting from inmate clashes, alleged use of force by staff, medical negligence, and self-harm. The notification also establishes a clear mechanism for verification and accountability, with the jail superintendent responsible for submitting all relevant documents in a timely manner.