1 CGHC010157332021 2026:CGHC:27716 NAFR HIGH COURT OF CHHATTISGARH AT BILASPUR WPC No. 2691 of 2021 1 - Dhanendra Dewangan S/o Late Rajendra Kumar Dewangan Aged About 20 Years R/o Dewangan Para, Ward No. 04, Nawagarh, District Bemetara Chhattisgarh., District : Bemetara, Chhattisgarh ... Petitioner(s) versus 1 - State Of Chhattisgarh Through Secretary, Home Department Government Of Chhattisgarh Mahanadi Bhawan, Atal Nagar Raipur, District Raipur Chhattisgarh., District : Raipur, Chhattisgarh 2 - Secretary Jail Department Government Of Chhattisgarh Mahanadi Bhawan, Atal Nagar, Nava Raipur, District Raipur Chhattisgarh., District : Raipur, Chhattisgarh 3 - Director General (Prisons) Central Jail Raipur, District Raipur Chhattisgarh., District : Raipur, Chhattisgarh 4 - Superintendent Central Jail Durg, District Durg Chhattisgarh., District : Durg, Chhattisgarh ... Respondent(s) 2 For Petitioner(s) : Mrs. Aditi Singhvi, Advocate For Respondents/ State : Mr. Rahul Tamaskar, G.A. SB - Hon'ble Shri Justice Sanjay K. Agrawal Order on Board 06.07.2026 1. Petitioner’s father, who was undergoing life imprisonment at Central Jail, Durg, died on 29/06/2019 by falling from the stairs. 2. The policy dated 14/08/2023 directs for payment of compensation on account of death of prisoners confined in the Jails of Chhattisgarh in cases of unnatural death. However, it has been mentioned in the notification that this policy shall be applicable, as admissible, in respect of prisoners who suffer unnatural deaths in the jails of Chhattisgarh on or after the date of notification of this policy. As such, this policy would be applicable from 14/08/2023 and since petitioner’s father has suffered unnatural death in jail on 29/06/2019, therefore, this policy would not be applicable to the petitioner. 3. It is true that the policy dated 14/08/2023 is prospective in operation and, therefore, the petitioner cannot claim its 3 benefit as a matter of right since his father suffered an unnatural death while undergoing imprisonment on 29/06/2019, i.e. prior to the issuance of the said policy. Nevertheless, having regard to the peculiar facts and circumstances of this case, particularly the fact that petitioner’s father died an unnatural death while in the custody of the State and further considering that this writ petition is pending since 28/06/2021, State Government is directed to consider the case of the petitioner as a one time measure so as to extend him the benefit of the said policy in the interest of justice and pass a reasoned and speaking order expeditiously. It is made clear that this Court has not expressed any opinion on the merits of the matter. 4. With the aforesaid direction, this writ petition stands finally disposed of. No cost(s). Sd/- (Sanjay K. Agrawal) Judge Harneet