Tripura Human Rights Commission presses for compliance on compensation to convict

The Tripura Human Rights Commission (THRC) has directed prison authorities to ensure payment of Rs 1.5 lakh compensation to convict prisoner Sarathi Sarkar, even as it dropped proceedings over the earlier recommendation to shift him to Kolkata’s SSKM Hospital.

In its order dated July 8, 2026, the Commission had recommended that Sarkar be transferred to a hospital with advanced facilities, citing negligence and delay in his treatment. It also directed that compensation be paid within 30 days. However, during subsequent hearings, the Commission noted that Sarkar had already undergone surgery for bilateral ACL tears at AGMC & GBP Hospital in Agartala on June 20, was discharged on June 25, and had recovered sufficiently by late July.

Appearing before the Commission, IG (Prisons) Upendra Jamatia explained that Sarkar was not shifted to Kolkata because AGMC & GBP Hospital had acquired the necessary equipment to perform the surgery. He confirmed that Sarkar was examined again on July 27, found to be walking properly, and reported only mild knee pain.

The Commission acknowledged that while the treatment was ultimately successful, prison authorities erred by failing to inform it before proceeding with the surgery in Agartala. Still, given Sarkar’s recovery and absence of further complaints, the Commission decided not to pursue the procedural lapse under Section 18(c) of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.

What remains unresolved is the Rs 1.5 lakh compensation, which has not yet been paid. Jamatia assured the Commission that steps were being taken in consultation with the Home Department to release the funds. The Commission refrained from passing an adverse order but directed that the matter be listed again after one month for a compliance report.

The case has drawn attention to the broader issues of prisoner healthcare, accountability, and timely compliance with human rights directives. For Sarkar, the medical treatment may have concluded, but the compensation order remains a test of the administration’s commitment to upholding the Commission’s recommendations.