The Meghalaya High Court has asked the State government to examine the individual instances of the 49 cases of custodial deaths since 2012 for determination of the quantum of compensation in each case.
The matter was adjourned by the High Court on the last occasion since it was informed by the State government that the issue of enhanced compensation for those who died in custody in the State since the year 2012 was under active consideration of the government.
However, it does not appear that the State government is ready to enhance the quantum of compensation offered.
The government said that it has to be assessed whether the compensation offered by the notification issued by the State is adequate; and, thereupon, for appropriate compensation to be directed to be paid to the next of kin of such of the persons who are found to have suffered unnatural death while in custody.
“Let the matter appear three weeks hence for the individual instances of the 49 cases of custodial deaths since 2012 to be examined for determination as to the State’s liability in each case,” the High Court said.
The court also said that the quantum of compensation will also be decided upon by taking into consideration the precedent of an award of Rs 15 lakh in a case of unnatural death covered by a judgment of the High Court in 2017. The next hearing on the matter will be held on August 21.
