In the last five years, the highest number of custodial deaths have been reported in Gujarat at 80, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) informed the Rajya Sabha. This is followed by Maharashtra (76), Uttar Pradesh (41), Tamil Nadu (40) and Bihar (38).
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai informed the Rajya Sabha that a total of 146 cases of death in police custody were reported during 2017-2018, 136 in 2018-2019, 112 in 2019-2021, 100 in 2020-2021 and 175 in 2021-2022 including all states and Union Territories across the country.
“Fourteen deaths in police custody were reported in Gujarat in 2017-18, 13 deaths reported in 2018-19, 12 deaths reported in 2019-20, 17 deaths in 2020-21 and 24 deaths in 2021-22,” he said.
According to a Union minister, Delhi had the highest number of custodial deaths among the nine Union Territories, with 29 reported in the last five years. Jammu and Kashmir come in fourth place.
The minister said that according to information provided by the national human rights commission (NHRC), in the incidents of deaths in police custody, the commission has recommended monetary relief in 201 cases, amounting to Rs 5,80,74,998, and disciplinary action in one case.
“Police and public order are State subjects according to the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India. It is primarily the responsibility of the state government concerned to ensure the protection of human rights. Yet, the central government issues advisories and also has enacted the Protection of Human Rights Act (PHR), 1993, which stipulates the establishment of the NHRC and State Human Rights Commissions to look into alleged human rights violations by public servants,” said Union minister of state home affairs.
“When complaints of alleged human rights violations are received by the NHRC, action is taken by the Commission as per the provisions laid down under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. Workshops/ seminars are also organised by the NHRC from time to time to sensitise public servants for a better understanding of human rights and, in particular, the protection of rights of persons in custody,” he added.
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