Madras High Court Directs State to Pay ₹3.5 Lakhs to Man Detained for 8 Months Despite Acquittal
The Madras High Court has ordered the state to pay ₹3.5 lakhs as interim compensation to a man who was wrongfully detained for eight months after his acquittal. The court emphasized the need for prison reforms, including KIOSK machines with Tamil language options, to help inmates access their case information.
Court Orders Compensation for Wrongful Detention:
The case involved Chokkar, who was convicted alongside another individual in a murder case. While his co-accused was acquitted on appeal, Chokkar remained in jail because neither he nor his family were aware of their legal rights. Despite his acquittal, Chokkar continued to serve time, resulting in nine additional months of wrongful detention.
The authorities admitted that Chokkar’s continued detention was due to an oversight in the court order, which did not explicitly mention his name. They acknowledged that this was not a valid reason to keep him in jail and assured the court that action had been taken against the responsible officials.
Court’s Recommendations:
The court highlighted the importance of ensuring prisoners are aware of their rights and case statuses. It directed the state to install KIOSK machines in prisons, which will allow inmates to check their case details. The court also called for the appointment of legal aid counsels to assist prisoners in understanding and exercising their rights.
Next Steps:
Chokkar has been granted interim compensation of ₹3.5 lakhs, with the option to file for additional damages if entitled. The court has also asked for a status report on the installation of KIOSK machines and the appointment of legal aid counsels to improve prisoners’ access to justice.
This case underlines the importance of safeguarding the rights of prisoners and ensuring they are fully informed about their legal standing.
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