Supreme Court Awards Compensation for Illegal Detention Due to Bureaucratic Delays

The Supreme Court has pronounced a significant verdict, stressing that the individual's liberty should not be compromised due to slow bureaucratic decisions. The court awarded Rs 11 lakh as compensation to a man who remained in unlawful custody for 24 days after a release order.

Initially convicted for rioting and house trespass, the man was granted parole by the Rajasthan High Court in November 2024 after serving most of his sentence. Despite meeting all the order's requirements, he continued to be detained, prompting a successful appeal to the Division Bench and his eventual release in December 2024.

Pursuing further justice, he approached the Supreme Court for compensation. The court reinforced that liberty is paramount and cannot be delayed by administrative indecision. The judgment highlighted the state's responsibility to ensure prompt compliance with judicial orders.

Quoting George Washington on the dangers of arbitrary power, the court's decision underscores that even convicted individuals' rights must be safeguarded and prioritized by the state.

(With inputs from agencies.)