DHC Stays NHRC Order Asking Police To Compensate Kin Of Man Who Ended Life In Custody

The Delhi High Court has paused an order from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) that directed the Delhi Police to pay Rs 5 lakh as compensation to the family of a man who allegedly committed suicide while in police custody.

Justice Sanjeev Narula has asked the NHRC, through its secretary, to respond to a petition by the Delhi Police, which is challenging the NHRC’s April 19 decision. The case will be heard again on October 24. The court stated, “Contentions advanced by petitioner (police) would require consideration. In light of the above, till the next date of hearing, the impugned order dated April 19, 2024, passed by respondent no. 1 (NHRC) shall remain stayed.”

The NHRC’s order pertains to the death of Rashid Raza, who was found hanging in a room at the Narela Industrial Area police station in December 2019. The NHRC had argued that since Raza was in police custody, it was the police’s duty to ensure his safety, and that his death could have been prevented if they had been more vigilant.

The Delhi Police requested an immediate stay on the NHRC’s order, which recommended that the police commissioner pay Rs 5 lakh as compensation to Raza’s family.

According to Additional Standing Counsel Prashant Manchanda, who represented the police, Raza had come to the police station unannounced to inquire about his wife’s body.

The court reviewed an audio recording sent by Raza to his brother, which suggested he took his own life. The court also examined CCTV footage that showed Raza in a room at the police station. The footage appeared to show him stepping out into the corridor before the door closed, leading the court to suggest that Raza may have been alone in the room at the time of his death. The court concluded that the police may not have had the opportunity to prevent his death under these circumstances.

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