Tihar Jail Custodial Assault: Delhi High Court Orders CCTV Preserved and Releases Prisoner on Interim Bail

The Delhi High Court has granted 30 days of interim bail to an inmate at Tihar Jail after medical reports confirmed he suffered a fractured forearm in an alleged custodial assault by prison staff.

A Division Bench comprising Justice Prathiba M. Singh and Justice Vikas Mahajan issued the order after reviewing sealed medical evaluations and status reports detailing physical injuries sustained by the prisoner, Ashish.

Calling the allegations of unaddressed custodial violence "extremely disconcerting," the bench determined that the inmate required interim release while the judiciary completes its investigation into prison management.

Key Facts of the High Court Ruling:

• Confirmed Physical Injuries: Independent medical examinations at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital confirmed a left forearm fracture requiring an elbow cast.

• Extortion Allegations: The inmate alleged that a Head Warden physically assaulted him and two other prisoners after demanding illegal protection money.

• Duration of Interim Relief: Granted for 30 days from the date of physical release under a personal bond of 10,000 rupees.

• CCTV Footages Seized: The court ordered the Jail Superintendent to preserve and produce video footage covering multiple alleged assault dates.

Court Intervienes Following Allegations of Denied Care

The prisoner approached the High Court seeking emergency medical examination and temporary suspension of sentence.

According to court filings, family members discovered during a routine jail visit that a Head Warden assaulted three inmates on June 26, 2026. The petition alleged that prison authorities failed to provide timely medical treatment despite clear signs of severe bone fractures.

The bench previously ordered independent medical evaluations and directed the jail administration to submit all internal medical registers in sealed covers.

Core Directives Issued to Prison Authorities:

• Medical Supervision: Mandated that the two other injured inmates receive ongoing care overseen by doctors at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital.

• Evidence Preservation: Directed the Jail Superintendent to produce additional CCTV footage regarding a second alleged incident on June 27, 2026.

• Strict Bail Conditions: Prohibited the petitioner from leaving the country, contacting victim families, or engaging in criminal activity while on bail.

Judicial Oversight of Custodial Standards

The High Court emphasized that while it has not reached a final verdict regarding official criminal culpability, the confirmed medical evidence proves the inmate sustained injuries while in state custody.

The bench recorded that the Delhi State Legal Services Authority has already disbursed statutory compensation to the victim.

The High Court listed the case for further compliance hearings on September 23, 2026, when it will review the remaining CCTV footage and status reports.