Haryana Human Rights Commission Addresses Rising Prison Deaths and Mental Health Issues
Haryana rights panel registers suo motu case over unnatural deaths, suicides, violence in state prisons
Hindustan Times
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The Haryana Human Rights Commission has initiated a suo motu case in response to alarming rates of suicides and unnatural deaths in state prisons, as highlighted in the NCRB's 2024 report. The commission emphasizes the need for improved mental health support and adherence to human rights standards for inmates.
- 01Haryana recorded 15 unnatural inmate deaths in 2024, all attributed to suicide.
- 02The state is the only one to report firearm-related violence within prison premises.
- 03The commission's order includes directives for weekly visits by mental health professionals to prisons.
- 04Haryana Prison Rules mandate strict precautions to prevent tools that could be used for suicide from being accessible.
- 05The commission has requested detailed reports on prison mental healthcare and inmate welfare measures.
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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.
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The commission's actions aim to improve mental health support and reduce incidents of suicide and violence in Haryana's prisons, directly impacting inmates' rights and wellbeing.
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