Maharashtra: Families to Get Rs 5 Lakh for Unnatural Custodial Deaths Under New Policy
Mumbai, 15th April 2025: The Maharashtra state government has implemented a new compensation policy for families of inmates who die from unnatural causes while in custody. The decision was taken in a cabinet meeting today.
The decision follows recommendations made by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) aimed at safeguarding prisoner rights and ensuring accountability in the prison system.
Under the new policy, families of prisoners who die due to accidents, medical negligence, violence, or conflicts with other inmates will be eligible to receive ₹5 lakh as compensation. In cases of suicide, the compensation amount has been fixed at ₹1 lakh.
However, the policy excludes compensation for deaths resulting from natural aging, long-term illnesses, accidents during escape attempts, or situations where an inmate refused medical treatment.
Before the compensation is disbursed, authorities must submit key documentation, including investigation reports, postmortem findings, and official inspection records. The policy also mandates action against any officers found negligent in their duties.
Officials say the initiative is aimed at improving prison accountability and reinforcing human rights protections for inmates across Maharashtra’s correctional facilities.
