Facts in Brief

In the instant case, one Sawinder Singh Grover had died in the custody of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). It was contended that he had jumped to his death while in the said custody. The question before the Supreme Court was therefore whether he had actually jumped to his death, thereby committing suicide.

The inquiry report of the trial judge was considered by the Court, wherein the following facts were evident: (a) the death had occurred under suspicious circumstances; (b) the deposition of the CBI officer as to the circumstances leading to the death was found to be false; (c) the jump leading to the death was certainly not a suicidal one; and (d) there was a high chance of “torture” and “sour misfeasance” on the part of the CBI officials.

Judgment

Upon consideration of the facts submitted by the trial judge, the Apex Court ordered the prosecution of the CBI officials responsible for the said offence, and awarded a sum of ₹2,00,000 as ex gratia interim relief to the widow of the deceased.

For the Common Man

Through this judgment, the Court has made it clear that it will not tolerate any abuse of power by the executive leading to the violation of rights during detention. The fact that compensation was awarded as an interim relief reveals the stand of the Court — that it will stand tall for the protection of the rights of the affected parties, even if it requires enforcement against high officials of the executive.