Reporting on September 13, 2025 highlighted data from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on custodial deaths in India. The NHRC recorded approximately 2,739 custodial deaths in 2024, following ~2,400 in 2023. Rajasthan reported 20 custodial deaths over two years. The data raises serious concerns about police accountability, torture in custody, and adherence to Supreme Court guidelines in D.K. Basu v. State of West Bengal. Civil society organisations have called for mandatory video-recording of interrogations and independent oversight of police lockups.
Custodial Deaths in India: NHRC Data Raises Accountability Concerns
AQuick answer
Reporting on September 13, 2025 highlighted data from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on custodial deaths in India. The NHRC recorded approximately 2,739 custodial deaths in 2024, following ~2,400 in 2023. Rajasthan reported 20 custodial deaths over two years. The data raises serious concerns about police accountability, torture in custody, and adherence to Supreme Court guidelines in D.K. Basu v. State of West Bengal. Civil society organisations have called for mandatory video-recording of interrogations and independent oversight of police lockups.
Key facts
- NHRC recorded approximately 2,739 custodial deaths in India in 2024.
- Previous year (2023) saw around 2,400 custodial deaths reported.
- Rajasthan reported 20 custodial deaths over the two-year period.
- Data raises concerns about police accountability and torture in custody.
- Supreme Court guidelines from D.K. Basu v. State of West Bengal cited.
- Civil society demands mandatory video-recording of interrogations.
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Source: NHRC / The Core IAS
Frequently asked questions
How many custodial deaths were recorded by NHRC in India in 2024 and how does it compare to 2023?
The NHRC recorded approximately 2,739 custodial deaths in India in 2024, up from around 2,400 in 2023. This rising trend has intensified concerns about police accountability and the effectiveness of existing safeguards against custodial abuse.
What are the key Supreme Court guidelines from D.K. Basu v. State of West Bengal?
The Supreme Court in D.K. Basu v. State of West Bengal (1997) laid down mandatory procedural requirements for arrests, including written arrest memos, informing relatives, medical examination before and after custody, and prohibiting torture. These guidelines were given statutory force through the Code of Criminal Procedure and later the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.
What has Rajasthan's record been on custodial deaths according to NHRC data?
According to NHRC data, Rajasthan reported 20 custodial deaths over the two-year period covered by the report. This figure is used by civil society to benchmark state-level police accountability and push for reforms in detention practices.
What reforms has civil society demanded to address custodial deaths in India?
Civil society organisations have demanded mandatory video-recording of all interrogations, independent oversight of police lock-ups, prompt magisterial inquiry in every custodial death, police reforms through the Prakash Singh guidelines, and ratification of the UN Convention Against Torture by India.
What is the NHRC and what powers does it have in custodial death cases?
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is a statutory body established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. In custodial death cases, state governments are required to send reports to the NHRC within 24 hours. The NHRC can recommend compensation, initiate proceedings, and approach courts — but its recommendations are not binding, which critics argue limits its effectiveness.
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