Kerala HC Seeks Early Finalisation Of SOP To Collect Prisoners’ Legal Heirs’ Data In Custodial Death Cases

The Kerala High Court has directed stakeholders to promptly submit their inputs for finalising the Standard Operating Procedure for the collection and verification of nominee and legal heir details of prisoners at the time of admission.

The Court was hearing a suo motu petition concerning custodial deaths and payment of compensation to the legal heirs of deceased inmates.

It noted that although fields for nominee and legal heir details have been incorporated in the e-Prisons software, the draft SOP has been pending for some time.

The Court asked authorities to expedite the process and directed that the draft SOP be shared with counsel and the amicus for suggestions. The matter is listed for further consideration on January 19.

[Suo Motu v. State of Kerala & Ors.]