Chief Justice of India’s recent call for reforms to promote compassionate and humane justice resonates deeply in light of the tragic suicide of a Bengaluru techie, Subhash Atul. Atul’s death, driven by alleged harassment and extortion by his wife and in-laws, underscores the critical need for a justice system that not only upholds the law but also protects the human rights and dignity of every individual.
Speaking at the Human Rights Day 2024 celebrations, the CJI highlighted the “black coat syndrome,” a term describing the deep-seated fear and alienation felt by marginalized individuals when facing the legal system. This phenomenon is particularly relevant in cases like Atul’s, where the legal system’s failure to provide timely and compassionate justice can lead to devastating consequences. The overcrowding of prisons, with a capacity of 4,36,266 but housing 5,19,193 inmates, further exacerbates the issue, particularly affecting undertrials who are severed from society and pushed into a spiral of criminalization.
Atul’s case is a stark reminder of the human cost of a justice system that fails to protect the vulnerable. His 24-page suicide note detailed the mental and emotional trauma he endured due to multiple false police complaints filed against him by his wife and her family. The note, which included a plea for justice and support for his parents, highlights the urgent need for reforms that ensure the legal system does not become a tool for personal vendettas.
The CJI’s emphasis on compassionate and humane justice is crucial in addressing such cases. The justice system must be reformed to prevent the misuse of laws and to ensure that individuals like Atul are not driven to such desperate measures. This includes decriminalizing certain laws, reducing the burden on undertrial prisoners, and ensuring that the legal process is not unduly prolonged.
The tragic outcome of Atul’s case also underscores the importance of protecting human rights within the legal system. The presumption of innocence must be upheld, and individuals should not be subjected to prolonged detention without trial. Section 479 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, which allows first-time offenders to be released if they have spent one-third of their potential maximum punishment period in custody, is a step in the right direction. However, more needs to be done to ensure that the legal system is fair, just, and humane.