Stories
Delhi HC Warns Prison Warden Against Unnecessary Beating of Inmates
- •The Delhi High Court deemed the unnecessary use of violence against inmates by jail authorities as "totally impermissible."
- •A prison warden was warned after CCTV footage showed him beating inmates after a quarrel had been dispersed, which the court called "unnecessary and uncalled for."
- •The court emphasized that even if inmates used abusive language, hitting them with a stick after they had returned to their cells was unwarranted.
- •The warden tendered an unconditional apology, and the court cautioned him against repeating such conduct, threatening stern action.
- •The court also directed medical attention for an inmate who suffered a forearm fracture during the incident, noting his lack of financial means for surgery.
Key Questions Answered
The Delhi High Court warned the prison warden after reviewing CCTV footage from June 26 showing him unnecessarily beating inmates with a danda after a quarrel had already been controlled and prisoners had dispersed to their cells.
The court noted that an inmate serving a life sentence suffered a forearm fracture during the June incident and lacked financial means for surgery. The bench directed that he be examined by a jail medical officer and provided further treatment at a government hospital if necessary.
Although there was no audio in the CCTV footage, the warden claimed that the inmates were using abusive language toward him. However, the court stated that even if true, hitting unarmed inmates after they had returned to their cells was unnecessary.
