Orissa High Court Orders Rs 20 Lakh Compensation in Custodial Death Case
Eight years after the tragic death of undertrial prisoner Kritibas Khatei, the Orissa High Court has delivered a landmark judgment holding jail authorities accountable for negligence.
Khatei, arrested in September 2016 in connection with a Pipili police station case, died in custody at Nimapada Sub-Jail, Puri district, on January 26, 2017.
Reports indicated he was denied proper medical care while awaiting trial.
His widow, Sabita Nishank, approached the High Court in 2017 seeking justice.
After prolonged proceedings, a division bench led by Justice Biraja Prasanna Satapathy ruled that the negligence of jail authorities directly caused Khatei’s death.
The court directed the Odisha government to pay Rs 20 lakh compensation to Nishank within six weeks, recognising her right to relief based on her late husband’s livelihood and her future sustenance.
This judgment underscores the judiciary’s role in safeguarding human rights and sets a precedent for accountability in custodial care across the state.
