NHRC notices to the Centre, States and UTs over the reported deaths of inmates due to torture in private drug de-addiction centres

New Delhi, 18th April, 2023

The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report of yet another death of an inmate at a private drug de-addiction centre, which is the third such incident in the recent past. Reportedly, a 24-year-old man was beaten to death by the people running a De-addiction Centre in Chandramani area of Dehradoon, Uttarakhand on 10th April, 2023. Prior to this, the Commission had taken suo motu cognizance of two similar incidents at De-addiction Centres in NOIDA and Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, and the reports have been sought.

The Commission has observed that all three rehabilitation centres, two in UP and one in Uttarakhand were being run by private entities. It needs serious consideration as to whether the De-addiction Centres can be allowed to be operated by private entities, and if it is so, whether State(s) have ensured sufficient safety measures in place to protect the interest of the inmates with a view to achieving the desired goal.

Accordingly, it has issued notices, returnable in four weeks, to the Chief Secretaries of all the States/Union Territories (UTs), and the Secretary, Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to report regarding (a) How many De-addiction Centres are presently available with the Government Sector; (b) Can private entities be allowed to set up De-addiction Centres; (c) Are there any rules or regulations framed under the NDPS Act to regulate the De-addiction Centres as mandated in Section 71 of NDPS Act; (d) What is the mechanism for providing training to the persons employed in such De-addiction Centres; and (e) specify the mechanisms to regulate Private De-addiction Centres including charges/fees, employment of staff, counsellor, medical staff, food supplied and overall upkeep of such rehabilitation centres.

Notices have also been issued to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, Uttarakhand calling for a detailed report in the instant case of the death of an inmate at Dehradoon Rehab Centre. The reports should include the present status of the investigation of the case and compensation and relief, if any, provided to the Next of kin of the deceased.

According to the media report, carried on 13th April, 2023, the patients of the Dehradoon De-addiction Centre, have said that their beatings were frequent and routine, as were hunger and lack of hygiene. No doctor or counsellor ever visited the centre.

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