Supreme Court orders CBI probe into Chhattisgarh custodial death

Supreme Court mandates CBI investigation into custodial death in Chhattisgarh

The Supreme Court of India has directed a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the custodial death of a man in Chhattisgarh, following his arrest for allegedly possessing illegal liquor. A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta expressed dissatisfaction with the state officials' handling of the case, which had failed to initiate a criminal case despite a judicial inquiry finding potential misconduct.

The court's ruling underscored the gravity of custodial deaths and the responsibility of state authorities to ensure accountability. The bench criticized the Director General of Police (DGP) and other state officials for attempting to cover up the circumstances surrounding the death, emphasizing the need for a transparent investigation.

This judgment highlights the Supreme Court's role as a guardian of constitutional rights, particularly against abuse by state authorities. The decision mandates that the CBI undertake a thorough investigation, and stresses the need for justice in cases of custodial deaths, which have profound implications for human rights and the rule of law.

For practitioners, this ruling serves as a crucial precedent regarding the judicial approach to custodial death cases, signaling that due process must be afforded to victims and that state accountability will be rigorously enforced.