Court Directs Preservation of CCTV Footage and Comprehensive Medical Examination Following Allegations of Abuse
In a significant judicial intervention, the Delhi High Court has issued directives for an investigation into serious allegations of custodial violence and medical negligence within Tihar Jail. The case involves the appellant, Ashish @ Vicky, who was convicted under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, and is currently serving a life sentence.
The High Court bench, consisting of Justices Prathiba M. Singh and Vikas Mahajan, addressed the allegations after a petition was filed by the appellant's counsel and family members. The appellant accused the Head Warden, Mr. Sagar, of physically assaulting him and two other inmates on June 26, 2026. These allegations have raised concerns about the treatment and safety of inmates within the prison system.
During a recent jail visit, the appellant's family reportedly learned of the incident, which allegedly resulted in serious injuries to the appellant, including a suspected fracture. The allegations further included claims that Mr. Sagar demanded illegal protection money from the appellant.
The court has directed the preservation and production of CCTV footage from the incident date to ensure a transparent investigation. Additionally, the Head Warden is required to personally appear before the court and submit a comprehensive report detailing his account of the events and the medical condition of the involved inmates.
In response to the claims of medical negligence, the court has mandated the Jail Medical Officer to provide a detailed report on the medical treatment provided to the appellant. The court also ordered a diagnostic evaluation by an independent hospital authority to ensure impartiality.
The appellant and the other injured inmates are to be presented before the Medical Superintendent of Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital for a thorough medical examination. The findings will be reviewed in the next hearing scheduled for July 29, 2026.
This case highlights the critical need for accountability and transparency in the treatment of inmates, ensuring their rights and well-being are protected even within the confines of prison.
Bottom line:-
Allegations of custodial violence against a jail warden and medical negligence in providing treatment to the accused during imprisonment, leading to judicial directions for investigation, medical examination, and preservation of CCTV footage.
Statutory provision(s):
- Indian Penal Code, 1860 Sections 363, 342, 376(2)(i), 323
- Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 Section 4
Ashish @ Vicky v. State of NCT of Delhi, (Delhi)(DB) : Law Finder Doc id # 2944602
