The Gauhati High Court has held that compensation for custodial death can be awarded even before a criminal trial concludes. In the Santosh Hojai case, the Court ordered Rs.25 lakh compensation, describing the accused officers’ actions as “barbaric” and capable of “shaking the judicial conscience.”
The Allahabad High Court ordered immediate repair and renovation of Lucknow’s Pipra Ghat crematorium, citing reports of stray animals disturbing human remains. Emphasising that dignity extends beyond death, the Court directed authorities to improve facilities, ensure drinking water, and expedite construction of a modern crematorium.
The Supreme Court awarded Rs 11 lakh compensation to a prisoner unlawfully kept in custody for 24 days beyond the legally permissible period, holding that wrongful deprivation of personal liberty constitutes a serious violation of Article 21 and undermines the constitutional guarantee of fundamental rights.
CJI Surya Kant Speaking at the 8th Dinkar Memorial Lecture organised by Respect India expressed concern over growing reports of artificial intelligence systems showing bias against poor and vulnerable communities, stressing that equality, dignity, and fairness remain essential pillars of a humane and balanced society.
