Grant Rs 15L ex-gratia to family of dead prisoner: HC to Govt

In a significant decision, the Chhattisgarh High Court on Wednesday directed the State government to grant ex-gratia of Rs 15 lakh to the family of a prisoner who was killed in Janjgir Jail by co-prisoners.

A division bench of Justice Pritikar Diwakar and Justice Sanjay Shyam Agrawal also directed the Director General of Police, Chhattisgarh and Director General (Jails) to ensure implementation of provisions of security and health of prisoners in jails.

“There was violation of Schedule-24 in jail which ascertains that no person should be deprived of his life and personal liberty, " the court ruled.

Notably, one Santosh Shrivas lodged in Janjgir Jail on May 3, 2011 had died after being beaten up by other inmates in the jail.

Counsel of the appellant, Sumit Singh in a statement has welcomed the decision of the High Court.