Supreme Court Orders CBI Probe into Custodial Death, Awards ₹25 Lakh Interim Compensation

Case Snapshot

Case Name: Lahra Bai Tamre & Ors. v. State of Chhattisgarh & Ors

Citation: 2026 INSC 840

Bench: Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta

Date of Judgment: August 12, 2026

Area of Law: Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Custodial Death, Compensation

The Judgment in One Line

Supreme Court orders CBI investigation into custodial death, awards ₹25 lakh interim compensation, and condemns State's deliberate inaction despite judicial inquiry report.

Why This Judgment Matters

This judgment is a significant reaffirmation of the State's accountability for custodial deaths and the constitutional obligation to ensure justice for victims of custodial violence. The Supreme Court condemned the State of Chhattisgarh for its deliberate inaction despite a judicial inquiry report under Section 176 CrPC confirming custodial violence. The Court ordered a CBI investigation, awarded interim compensation of ₹25 lakhs, and criticized the High Court for granting a paltry ₹1 lakh. The judgment reinforces that nominal compensation for custodial deaths is unacceptable and that State officials cannot escape accountability by withholding reports or failing to act.

Background

The deceased, Shravan Suryavanshi, was arrested on January 18, 2024, in connection with FIR

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