NHRC directs Kerala to compensate tortured prisoner

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed Kerala government to pay Rs.50,000 as compensation to a prisoner who was tortured by a jail warden, a statement said Monday.

"The commission has directed the government of Kerala, through its chief secretary, to pay a sum of Rs.50,000 as monetary relief to the victim," said the statement.

"The chief secretary has been asked to submit compliance report along with proof of payment within six weeks," it added.

The NHRC said it had "set aside Kerala government's contention" that the commission should not proceed in the case as the accused warden had been transferred on disciplinary grounds.

"It was unfortunate that the disciplinary authority took such a lenient view in the matter and the delinquent officer was allowed to escape with a transfer."

The commission took cognizance of the event after a complaint by a human rights activist that stated that "degrading and inhuman treatment" was meted out to a prisoner lodged in central jail in Kerala, May 19 last year.

"The state government had confirmed the incident in its enquiry report submitted to NHRC but had pleaded to drop the proceedings," it said.