After examining CCTV footage, the Delhi High Court held that a jail warden’s second round of beating—after inmates had dispersed and returned to their cells—was unnecessary and absolutely impermissible, warning of stern action if such conduct is repeated.
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New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has cautioned a jail warden against using unnecessary violence after CCTV footage showed him returning with additional staff, bringing inmates out of their cells and beating them with a thick stick after an earlier quarrel had already been controlled.
A Division Bench comprising Justice Prathiba M. Singh and Justice Dinesh Bhatt viewed the footage in open court and said the second use of force was “completely unnecessary and uncalled for.”
The warden, identified in the order as Sagar, tendered an unconditional apology and expressed regret. The Bench accepted his statement but warned that it would not hesitate to take stern action if such conduct is repeated.
CCTV showed initial quarrel among 10 to 12 inmates
The footage was produced by the concerned Jail Superintendent and related to an incident recorded on June 26, 2026, from approximately 9:15 a.m.
According to the Court’s description, around 10 to 12 inmates were involved in a quarrel in an open area of the jail complex. The warden initially used a danda, described in the order as a thick stick, to force the inmates to disperse.
The inmates thereafter separated and entered different cells or rooms.
Warden returned and beat inmates again
The footage then showed the warden returning with additional staff members. The inmates were brought out of their cells and again hit with the stick.
The warden, who was personally present before the Court, said the inmates had used abusive language while addressing him. The Additional Public Prosecutor also conveyed instructions that the inmates had allegedly been found with a knife and a suwa, or needle-like implement.
The Court, however, said the CCTV footage did not show the inmates posing any threat to the warden during the second episode. Even if abusive language had been used, the Bench found no justification for beating inmates after they had dispersed and returned to their cells.
The order records that none of the inmates appeared armed when they were brought out from their respective cells during the second incident.
Unnecessary violence against inmates is impermissible
The Bench held that “use of violence and beating after the situation had been controlled was totally unnecessary.”
It cautioned the warden that unnecessary beating or violence against inmates “cannot be resorted to and is absolutely impermissible.” The Court further warned that a repetition could result in stern judicial action.
The warden then tendered an unconditional apology and expressed regret for his conduct.
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Medical examination and treatment ordered for appellant
During the hearing, counsel informed the Court that appellant Ashish alias Vicky would surrender that day.
A status report placed before the Bench stated that the appellant did not possess sufficient financial resources to undergo surgery for a fracture.
The Court consequently directed that he be examined by the concerned jail medical officer. If further treatment is required, it must be provided at a government hospital.
The application was disposed of and the status report was taken on record. The connected criminal appeal has been listed for consideration on December 15, 2026.
Case Title: Ashish alias Vicky v. State of NCT of Delhi
Case Number: Criminal Appeal No. 1562 of 2025 with Criminal Misc. Application No. 20774 of 2026
Coram: Justice Prathiba M. Singh and Justice Dinesh Bhatt
Order Date: September 23, 2026