The Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of rising incidents of suicides, unnatural deaths, and violence within state prisons, as detailed in the National Crime Records Bureau's (NCRB) 'Prison Statistics India-2024' report. The commission's order, issued on May 13, highlights serious concerns regarding mental health issues, overcrowding, and inadequate psychological support systems in prisons. It noted that 15 unnatural inmate deaths were recorded in Haryana in 2024, all attributed to suicide, making it imperative for custodial institutions to uphold inmates' rights to dignity and mental care as guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.

The HHRC emphasized that timely psychological interventions, regular counselling, and emotional rehabilitation are crucial to preventing custodial suicides. The commission also referred to specific rules in the Haryana Prison Rules, 2022, which focus on suicide prevention and monitoring inmates with suicidal tendencies. It has mandated that state authorities submit detailed reports on mental healthcare measures, the presence of mental health professionals in prisons, and the steps taken to address overcrowding and inmate welfare. The commission's findings suggest a need for stronger interventions in prison mental healthcare and adherence to internationally recognized human rights standards.