SC Directs Investigation into Custodial Death of Shravan Suryavanshi, Ensures Accountability and Justice
In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court of India has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate the custodial death of Shravan Suryavanshi, emphasizing the need for accountability among state officials. The apex court has also awarded an interim compensation of Rs. 25 lakh to the legal heirs of the deceased, ensuring that justice is served and deterrence is established against custodial violence.
The case arose from an appeal by Lahra Bai Tamre, the widow of Shravan Suryavanshi, and their children, challenging a decision by the Chhattisgarh High Court. The High Court had previously awarded a meager compensation of Rs. 1 lakh without ordering an investigation into the circumstances of Suryavanshi's death while in custody.
The Supreme Court, presided over by Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, noted that Suryavanshi had suffered violence during his detention, leading to his untimely demise. The post-mortem report revealed multiple injuries, including a significant head injury, which were allegedly inflicted during his custody. Despite a judicial inquiry confirming these findings, no FIR was registered, nor was any investigation initiated by the state authorities.
Criticizing the inaction and indifference of state officials, the Supreme Court underscored the necessity of a thorough investigation to uphold justice and prevent recurrence of such incidents. The court directed the CBI to file an FIR and conduct an expeditious inquiry into the custodial death, ensuring that those responsible are prosecuted.
The court also expressed dissatisfaction with the inadequate compensation awarded by the High Court, highlighting the need for compensation to have a deterrent effect. It ordered the state of Chhattisgarh to pay Rs. 25 lakh as interim relief to the petitioners, acknowledging the gravity of their loss and the deceased's role as the family's sole breadwinner.
This judgment reaffirms the judiciary's commitment to safeguarding fundamental rights and holding state machinery accountable for violations. The Supreme Court's directive for a CBI probe underscores the seriousness of custodial deaths and the imperative for transparent investigations to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law.
Statutory provision(s): Article 21 of the Constitution of India, 1950; Article 226 of the Constitution of India, 1950; Section 176 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973
Lahra Bai Tamre v. State of Chhattisgarh, (SC) : Law Finder Doc id # 2960155
