A prisoner dies in custody. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) guidelines require the District Magistrate to video-record the postmortem examination and send a copy of the PM report within how many days of the death?
- A 48 hours ✓
- B 7 days
- C 14 days
- D 30 days
Correct answer: A. 48 hours
Explanation
NHRC guidelines on custodial deaths mandate that: the Superintendent of Jail/Officer-in-Charge must report the death to the NHRC within 24 hours; the postmortem examination must be video-recorded by a magistrate; and a copy of the inquest/PM report must be sent to the NHRC within 48 hours of death. This protocol ensures independent oversight, minimises tampering with evidence, and provides a medicolegal record. The video documentation of PM in custodial deaths is a mandatory safeguard unique to Indian NHRC guidelines.
Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (Narayan Reddy), 34th ed.
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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.