Supreme Court Orders ₹25 Lakh Compensation for Over-Incarceration in Madhya Pradesh

Compensation for Prolonged Detention

The Supreme Court of India has ordered the state of Madhya Pradesh to pay ₹25 lakh compensation to a man who remained in prison for over four years and seven months beyond his lawful sentence. The ruling was delivered by a bench comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice KV Viswanathan.

Directions for Prison Audit

Alongside the compensation order, the court also directed the Madhya Pradesh State Legal Services Authority (MPSLSA) to conduct a comprehensive survey across all prisons in the state. The survey’s objective is to ensure that no prisoner continues to remain in jail despite either:

  • Completing their lawful sentence, or

  • Being granted bail.

The Case of Sohan Singh

The case involves Sohan Singh, convicted in 2005 by a sessions court in Khurai, district Sagar, for:

  • Rape (Section 376(1) IPC),

  • House trespass (Section 450 IPC), and

  • Criminal intimidation (Section 506-B IPC).

He was initially sentenced to life imprisonment.

High Court Modification in 2017

In October 2017, the Madhya Pradesh High Court reduced Singh’s sentence to seven years’ rigorous imprisonment. The decision was based on several infirmities in the prosecution’s case, including:

  • Delay in lodging the FIR, and

  • Absence of corroborative medical evidence.

Despite this modification, Singh remained behind bars until June 6, 2025, well beyond the maximum term he should have served.

Supreme Court’s Strong Observations

The bench earlier described Singh’s prolonged incarceration as “quite shocking”, observing that such over-incarceration amounts to a grave violation of fundamental rights.

The court expressed displeasure at the “misleading affidavits” filed by the state, which had initially overstated the duration of excess imprisonment.

Clarification on Duration

  • The state’s counsel, senior advocate Nachiketa Joshi, clarified that Singh had been on bail for some period, and the excess incarceration was around 4.7 years.

  • Singh’s counsel, advocate Mahfooz Ahsan Nazki, confirmed the figures while pressing for accountability from the state.

Timeline of Ordeal

  • July 2005: Convicted by sessions court, sentenced to life imprisonment.

  • October 2017: High Court reduces sentence to seven years.

  • June 6, 2025: Singh finally released, nearly eight years beyond his lawful sentence.

  • August 22, 2025: Supreme Court questions state, calls lapse “serious” and demands accountability.

  • September 2025: Court orders ₹25 lakh compensation.

Accountability and Systemic Failure

The Supreme Court has emphasized that the systemic failure of the state machinery cannot be condoned. It also directed Madhya Pradesh to fix accountability on officials responsible for allowing such a miscarriage of justice.

✅ Key Takeaway: This case highlights a critical issue in India’s criminal justice system — the risk of over-incarceration due to negligence and systemic lapses. The Supreme Court’s intervention not only provides justice to Singh but also sets a precedent for prison audits and accountability mechanisms to safeguard fundamental rights.


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