heard by the Commission on the juridictian, swpe and ambit of the powers of the Commission under the dispensation of the Suprema Court's mandate as well as the specifk issues arising for determination. & Compnsation in the matter of dmth of Shri HarJit in jail, due lo nmgHgence of authorities of CentrPl Jall, Indom, Madhya Pradesh The Commission took suo-motu cognizance of the news item appearing in a Newspapr dated 10 March 1995 titled 'M.P. Government in the dock over the death in Jail". The report related to the death of one Harjit Singh in Jail Custody. On notice, Madhya Pradesh Government submitted its report, indicating that the Government had ordered a magisterial inquiry. As per the Magisterial inquiry report, it was stated that Haj i t Singlh was admitted at the h n t r a l Jail, Indore, on 9 March 1995 and that he died in custody on 10 March 1995. According to the past mortem report, 57 marks of injuries were found on the body and the chest bones and ribs were found fractured. The Commission, on perusal of the report was satisfied with the material on record that the prisoner Harjit Singh alias 'Harji', died in the jeil on account of gross negligencs on the part of the jail authorities and the doctors in not providing prompt, timely and proper medical treatment. Therefore, it felt that this was a fit case in which the dependants of the deceased should be awarded compensation and appropriate action taken against the guilty persons. Having regard to the dramstances of the case, the Commission recommended to the Qwmrnent of Madhya Pradesh to grant an interim compensation of Rs. 75,0001- to the dependents of the deceased Harjit Singh within four weeks- It was further recommended that prompt steps should also be taken to hold disciplinary p r o d i n g s against the conmmed jail authorities and the doctor, and meaurres initiated to avoid repetition of such incidents in future. Compliance report from the M.P. State Government is awaited. This matter will be pursued by the Commission. (xvi) Legality of aspects of release of life prisoners after sewing 14 years of Imprisonment In Uttar Pradesh The Commission considered 11 cases arising out of complaints by several prisoners undergoing sentence of life imprisonment in different jails in Uttar Pradesh. The common allegations were that each of the prisoners had undergone sentences of more than 14 years and were, therefore, entitled to be released in exercise of the powers

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