The Orissa High Court has directed the state government to pay ₹20 lakh compensation to the widow of undertrial prisoner Kritibas Khatei, who died in custody at Nimapada Sub-Jail, Puri district, due to alleged medical negligence.
Khatei was arrested on September 20, 2016, in connection with a case registered at Pipili police station. While awaiting trial, he died on January 26, 2017, after reportedly being denied proper medical care. His wife, Sabita Nishank, approached the High Court in 2017 seeking justice.
After eight years of legal proceedings, a division bench led by Justice Biraja Prasanna Satapathy ruled that the negligence of jail authorities directly caused Khatei’s death. The court ordered the compensation to be paid within six weeks, recognizing the widow’s right to relief based on the deceased’s livelihood and her future sustenance.
This landmark judgment underscores accountability in custodial care and highlights the judiciary’s role in safeguarding human rights.
