SHILLONG: High Court of Meghalaya on Tuesday wanted the relatives of the persons who died in custody to affirm whether their dear ones suffered natural or unnatural deaths.
The division bench comprising Chief Justice Mohammad Yaqoob Mir and Justice S R Sen heard the pending PIL on custodial violence in connection with the issues relating to the condition of prisons.
During the hearing, the court observed that additional affidavit filed by Amicus Curiae on July 30 revealed names of the deceased persons, who allegedly have died in custody from 2012 to 2016.
In some cases nature of deaths is shown as natural and in other cases, it is shown as unnatural.
Affidavit-in-opposition as filed by the respondents on October 3 reveals that from 2012-2016, out of total custodial deaths, eight have died natural deaths whereas,one suffered unnatural death.
In case of the persons who suffered unnatural deaths, on the recommendation of the National Human Rights Commission, Rs1 lakh is stated to have been paid to the next-of-kin of the deceased, the court said.
“All concerned should take note that if any disturbance occurs and if it is brought to my notice, even in the midnight, the matter will be taken up,” the judge said.
He directed the deputy commissioner of West Jaintia Hills and the superintendent of police to look into the law and order strictly and to ensure that puja is performed without any disturbance. “If any person intervenes or disturbs the puja or try to create any law and order problem in and around the temple he/she should be put behind bars without any further question in accordance with law,” he added.
The court wanted the district administration to see that the devotees are not barred to attend the puja as well as the rituals.
The matter will be taken up in the first week of November for further order.
