Delhi Government Announces Compensation for Prisoner Deaths

The Delhi government has introduced a compensation scheme for families of prisoners who die unnaturally while in custody. Under the "Compensation Payment Scheme for Death of Prisoners in Delhi 2025," relatives will receive between ₹5 lakh and ₹7.5 lakh depending on the circumstances.

A payment of ₹7.5 lakh applies when death results from inmate fights or alleged torture by prison staff, while ₹5 lakh is allotted for deaths caused by negligence of officials, medical staff, or prisoner suicide. The scheme excludes natural deaths, deaths due to illness, escape, or disasters.

The Home (General) Department will forward case details—including magistrate reports, post‑mortem findings, and medical histories—to the Director General of Prisons, who chairs a review committee comprising senior prison officials, a resident medical officer, an accounts controller, and a legal officer. After the committee’s recommendation, the administrative secretary will approve the compensation, which will then be reported to the National Human Rights Commission. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the plan aligns with NHRC guidelines and strengthens administrative accountability.