Mumbai: SC Upholds Bombay HC Order To Register FIR In 35-Year-Old Dalit Law Student's Custodial Death Case

Mumbai: The SC has upheld a Bombay HC order to register an FIR in the custodial death case of Somnath Suryavanshi, a 35-year-old Dalit law student who died on December 15, 2024, while in judicial custody in Parbhani, Maharashtra.

His mother, represented by Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi chief Prakash Ambedkar, grandson of Dr BR Ambedkar, and two other advocates, had moved the SC. Suryavanshi had been arrested following violent protests triggered by the desecration of a replica of the Constitution in the region. Dalit organisations alleged he was tortured while in police custody.

His mother approached the Aurangabad bench of the High Court seeking accountability and action against the police officials involved.

Prakash Ambedkar's Statement

"The Supreme Court upheld the High Court’s order directing registration of an FIR. However, no FIR has been filed yet despite the court's July 4 deadline. We brought this non-compliance to the attention of the apex court, which also questioned the delay," Ambedkar told reporters in Delhi on Wednesday.

He further criticised the government-run JJ Hospital in Mumbai for issuing a second medical opinion on the cause of death without fully assessing all relevant facts. “We intend to seek action against the doctors involved. A second opinion in such cases must not be issued without court sanction," Ambedkar said. The matter now awaits further judicial directions, potentially including contempt proceedings against police officials for failing to act on the High Court’s orders.