NHRC Issues Notice To Delhi Chief Secretary Over Media Reports About Sexual Assault Of 22-Year-Old Prisoner In Tihar Jail

The National Human Rights Commission has issued notices to Chief Secretary, Delhi Government and the Director General of Prisons after media reports alleged that a 22-year-old prisoner was sexually assaulted by fellow inmates in Tihar Jail.

The Commission has stated that it has decided to send its own team for an on-the-spot enquiry into the matter.

“The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, India has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports, carried on 30th December, 2022, that a 22 year old prisoner was allegedly sexually assaulted by the fellow inmates in the Tihar Jail of Delhi. Reportedly, the prisoner is under medical treatment.”

“The Commission has observed that the contents of the media reports, if true, amount to violation of rights related to life and dignity of the victim prisoner. Accordingly, besides deciding to send its own team for an on the spot enquiry in the matter, it has issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Government of NCT of Delhi and the Director General of Prisons, Government of NCT of Delhi calling for a detailed report within 4 weeks.”, the Commission stated.

The Commission has further stated that the report sought from the Chief Secretary and Director General of Prisons should include the present health status of the victim prisoner, action taken against the erring officers and the accused fellow inmates.

The Commission noted that there is no perceptible change in the living conditions of the inmates in the Tihar jail despite several guidelines, advisories and recommendations issued by it.

“The Commission has further observed that it has issued several guidelines, advisories and recommendations in the past to improve many aspects of prison administration but it appears that there is no perceptible change in the living conditions of the inmates in the Tihar jail since intermittently, incidents of various types of their human rights violations including harassment, torture and sexual abuse are being reported and complained about. The State, being the custodian of the inmates in the jails, is responsible for their safety and security as they are also entitled to human rights including right to dignity guaranteed under the Constitution”, the Commission said.