Keralam govt. to pay ₹12.5 lakh compensation to Muthanga custodial torture victim
The Kerala government has ordered compensation for a teacher tortured in police custody during the 2003 Muthanga land agitation. The state will recover the funds from the personal assets of the officers responsible for the incident.
Why it matters
This case represents a significant legal precedent for police accountability and the protection of human rights in India.
The Keralam government has sanctioned ₹12.5 lakh in compensation to K.K. Surendran, a teacher who was subjected to custodial torture after his arrest in connection with the Muthanga land agitation of 2003.
It has also ordered the recovery of the compensation from the personal assets of two former police officers who were held responsible for his illegal arrest and torture.
Complying with the judgement delivered by the Additional District Court-II, Kalpetta, the government has decided against pursuing further legal proceedings, despite the government pleader’s recommendation to appeal against the judgement.
The decision brings a measure of relief to Mr. Surendran after a 23-year legal battle over his arrest, custodial torture and the injuries and reputational damage he suffered.
According to the order issued by the Home Department, the compensation will carry interest at 6% per annum from the date of filing the original suit until the amount is fully realised.
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