4.53 Hence, the Commission directed to issue a notice to the Government of Gujarat
requiring it to show cause as to why monetary relief u/s 18 of the Protection of Human
Rights Act, 1993 be not recommended to be paid to the next of kin of deceased Rupabhai.
The Chief Secretary, Government of Gujarat was asked to respond to the show cause notice
within six weeks.
4.54 In response to the show cause notice, Deputy Secretary, Home Department,
Government of Gujarat pointed out that the Additional Civil Judge, who inquired into the
circumstances of death did not make any adverse remark against the police in his report.
It was contended by the State that the deceased had taken wrong advantage of the right of
privacy and went inside the latrine and committed suicide.
4.55 Upon consideration of the reply of the State, the Commission observed that the
incident took place in the latrine and the accused person undoubtedly had the right of
privacy but the response of the State has to be considered as a whole. The Commission
emphasized on the following part of the response of the State:
“In this case, if the police staff had been vigilant, the unfortunate incident could have
been averted and for this investigation was started and as per recommendation of the
inquiry report, ASI Ramjibhai Bhurjibhai was given punishment to stop one increment
for one year (with future effect) and PSI T.B. Rathod was given punishment to stop
one increment for six months (without future effect).”
4.56 Considering that two police officers were punished for negligence in connection
with the death of Rupabhai, the Commission in its proceedings dated 19.07.2014 further
observed that the State cannot escape its vicarious liability and therefore, recommended to
the Government of Gujarat to pay an amount of Rs. One lakh as monetary relief to the next
of kin of deceased Rupabhai. Chief Secretary, Government of Gujarat was asked to submit
compliance report with proof of payment within six weeks.
4.57 On receipt of proof regarding payment of Rs. 1.00 lakh as recommended by the
Commission to Shri Bhoj Bhai, brother of deceased Rupabhai Jalmabhai by the Government
of Gujarat, the Commission closed the case.
7. Death of Undertrial due toHanging from Iron Rod Affixed on Roof of
Lock-up in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra
(Case No. 4099/13/1/08-09-JCD)
4.58 The Commission received an intimation from District Magistrate, Ahmednagar
regarding the death of one Biranya Chingya Bhosle in the lockup on 8.3.2009 by hanging
from the iron rod affixed on the roof of the lockup. Deceased was an accused of Case Crime
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National Human Right Commission Annual Report - 2014-2015