In human condition of Indian Prisons: HC seeks reply
On a petition taken up suo moto by the Court as PIL on the directions issued by the Supreme Court in matter related to inhuman conditions in 1382 Prisons across country Himachal Pradesh High court seek 14 points reply from the State Government here today.
In an order passed on the PIL Division Bench comprising the Chief Justice Mohammad Rafiq and Justice Jyotsna Rewal Dua, issued various directions to the State. Court said that State have to place on record the exact status of the construction of the new buildings of District Jails at Nalagarh, Kullu, Mandi, and Solan and give a specific statement as to within what period of time the remaining construction work of the buildings of the District Jails shall be completed. HC asked to place on record the position of vacancies of the staff in different jails and give categorical statement as to in what period of time, all such vacancies shall be filled up; It ask8 to immediately provide services of at-least one female Gynecologist, to the female prisoners in Central Jail, Kanda, on weekly visit, from the nearby Government Hospitals. HC is to provide services of Counsellor/Psychologist to the prisoners at Central Jail Kanda on permanent basis, to consider getting allotment of retail outlets of the Oil Companies, for the welfare of the prisoners on the pattern such retail outlets have been allotted to Central Jails in other States of the country, consider giving tax rebate on the sale of products manufactured by the prisoners, providing outlets in the premises of different District Courts and offices of Deputy Commissioners of the State for sale of the items or products prepared or manufactured by the prisoners. Order said
to give specific report as to whether the facility of creche is provided to the children with their mothers lodged as convict/under-trial prisoners to consider providing sanitary napkins through vending machine at-least at Model Central Jail, Kanda; to consider providing necessary funds for recreational and sports activities of the prisoners in different Jails of the State. HC said that next date of hearing, produce menu of breakfast, lunch and dinner or meals being provided to the prisoners. It also order meanwhile provide any one sweet item to all the jail inmates, preferably on every Sunday and submit report thereabout, on the next date of hearing. Court order the state should submit affidavit informing when New Jail Manual shall be finalized. It also asked to inform the Court whether female prisoners are being provided with any uniform or dress by the Jail Authorities and if not, why. The matter has been fixed for May 5, 2022.
