HARJIT KAUR Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THIS is a petition under Section 482 Cr.P.C. filed by the petitioners, for the registration of a case against the Superintendent of Central Jail, Amritsar for causing the death of Jagir Singh, during custody, while ledged in Central Jail, Amritsar.

(2.) IN the petition it was alleged that the petitioners were legal heirs of Jagir Singh, deceased. It was alleged that Jagir Singh, deceased was convicted by the Court and was in custody as a convict in Central Jail, Amritsar. It was alleged that the petitioners received letter dated 6.6.2000 from Superintendent of Central Jail, Amritsar, to the effect that Jagir Singh had committed suicide by hanging himself. It was alleged that petitioners took the dead body of the deceased from the jail authorities after post mortem examination and the last rites were performed. It was alleged that since the death of Jagir Singh had take place in the custody of jail authorities, the jail authorities were fully responsible for his death. It was alleged that there was absolutely no reason for Jagir Singh, deceased to have committed suicide and only jail authorities should explain the circumstances under which he committed suicide. It was alleged that petitioners moved application before the SSP Amritsar for conducting detailed inquiry and for registration of a case against the jail authorities, but no action had been taken by the SSP. It was accordingly prayed that a criminal case be got registered against the jail authorities for the death of Jagir Singh, deceased and State be directed to pay Rs. 10 lacs as compensation to the petitioners, for the custodial death of Jagir Singh.

(3.) I have heard the counsel for the parties and have gone through the record carefully.