State PCS - Maharashtra (MPSC)

• 16 Apr 2025

Maharashtra Approves Compensation Policy

Why in News? 

On 15th April 2025, the Maharashtra Cabinet approved a comprehensive compensation policy for custodial deaths, aligning with National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) recommendations to support families of inmates who die from unnatural causes in custody. 

 Key Points 

• Compensation Details: 
  • Rs 5 lakh will be paid to legal heirs if the prisoner’s death results from: 
    • Accidents during prison work, 
    • Medical negligence, 
    • Assault by prison staff, 
    • Violence involving fellow inmates — if proven as administrative failure after inquiry. 
  • Rs 1 lakh compensation will be provided in cases of suicide in custody. 
  • The policy excludes natural deaths due to aging or chronic illness, injuries during escape attempts, lack of treatment while on bail. 
  • In case of natural disasters, compensation will follow existing government norms. 
• Amnesty Scheme for Property Tax Defaulters: 
  • To improve revenue and reduce arrears, the Cabinet approved an amnesty scheme for municipal property tax defaulters. 
    • The scheme waives penalties (currently 2% monthly), which often surpass the original dues and discourage payments. 
  • Legal amendments have also been approved to validate the waiver under existing municipal laws. 

 National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) 

• About: 
  • It ensures the protection of rights related to life, liberty, equality, and dignity of individuals. 
  • Rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution and international covenants enforceable by Indian courts. 
• Establishment: 
  • Established on 12th October 1993, under the Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA), 1993. 
  • Amended by the Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Act, 2006, and Human Rights (Amendment) Act, 2019. 
  • Established in conformity with the Paris Principles, adopted for promoting and protecting human rights. 

 Custodial Death 

• About: 
  • Custodial death refers to a death that occurs while a person is in the custody of law enforcement officials or a correctional facility. It can occur due to various causes such as the use of excessive force, neglect, or abuse by the authorities. 
  • According to the Law Commission of India, the crime by a public servant against the arrested or the detained person who is in custody amounts to custodial violence. 
• Types of Custodial Death: 
  • Death in Police Custody: Death in police custody can result from excessive force, torture, denial of medical care, or other forms of abuse or incidental cause. 
  • Death in Judicial Custody: Death in judicial custody may occur due to overcrowding, poor hygiene, lack of medical facilities, inmate violence, or suicide. 
  • Death in the Custody of the Army or Paramilitary Forces: It can happen through torture or extrajudicial killings.