IN RE SUO MOTU CUSTODIAL VIOLENCE AND OTHER MATTERS RELATING TO PRISON CONDITIONS Vs. STATE OF MEGHALAYA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Pursuant to the previous directions issued on May 2, 2022, learned Assistant Solicitor-General has filed a compilation of the State/UT-wise incidence of deaths of inmates due to various causes for the years 2014 to 2020 as published by the National Crime Records Bureau.

(2.) A further affidavit has also been filed by the State through the Inspector General of Prisons confirming that the State 's affidavit of April 28, 2022 has brought on record the complete list of persons who have died in custody in the State since 2012. The affidavit also indicates that in compliance with the previous order of May 2, 2022, the State has sent notices to the heirs of the 38 persons who have suffered custodial death in Meghalaya, which are being looked into by the Court.

(3.) The figures furnished by the State indicate a total number of 38 custodial deaths in the State since 2012. Though certain anomalies in the figures previously furnished by the State had been indicated by learned ASG, who has been appointed as Amicus Curiae, but there does not appear to be any further input regarding more deaths in custody during the relevant period. However, the State should issue advertisements in select newspapers published from Shillong, Tura and Nongstoin inviting information on custodial deaths in addition to the 38 indicated by the State. The advertisements should provide that any person with verified information on any other custodial death in the State, apart from the 38 indicated by the State, during the period 2012 onwards, may write to the Court with supporting documents or may even appear before this Bench with all particulars in support.