Police Oversight In Prisons: Navigating The Challenges Of Custodial Deaths And Inmate Rights
- IJLLR Journal
- Aug 12
- 2 min read
Sathiya Shree K S, School of Excellence in Law, TNDALU
ABSTRACT
The role of the police in prison administration is a pivotal yet often underappreciated facet of the criminal justice system, especially when scrutinized through the lens of custodial deaths and the safeguarding of inmate rights. This article delves into the intricate interplay between law enforcement duties and human rights mandates within India's prison system, shedding light on the systemic flaws that perpetuate custodial deaths despite the constitutional protections in place.
Custodial deaths are far from mere aberrations; they are symptomatic of deeper institutional malfunctions, including inadequate training, a pervasive lack of accountability, and the frequent abuse of power. The article explores the multifaceted causes behind these fatalities—ranging from physical violence and neglect to psychological torment—and examines the profound erosion of public trust in law enforcement that such tragedies precipitate. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, 1,940 custodial deaths were reported between 2001 and 2018, a grim testament to the enduring crisis within the system.
The legal architecture governing police conduct in prisons is meticulously analysed, with a critical eye on the efficacy of current oversight mechanisms. High-profile cases of custodial deaths are dissected to illuminate the judicial responses and the broader implications for policy reform. As the Supreme Court of India noted in D.K. Basu v. State of West Bengal (1997), "custodial torture is a naked violation of human dignity."1 The article underscores the urgent need for greater transparency and robust accountability to avert such violations.
In its conclusion, the article advocates for a holistic approach that balances the imperative of security within prisons with the inviolable rights of those incarcerated. It calls for a concerted effort among the judiciary, law enforcement, and civil society to forge a prison system that is not only secure but also just and humane, reflecting the true spirit of a democratic society.
Keywords: Police, prison administration, custodial deaths, rights
