The High Court on Thursday directed for taking preventive measures in jails against spread of coronavirus.
A bench of Justice Ali Muhammad Magrey issued directions ona batch of pleas seeking bails in separate cases.
While hearing the cases through video conference, JusticeMagrey held that till the pleas were decided, the Jail Authorities concernedshall ensure that all preventive measures are taken against spread ofcoronavirus in jails.
“They shall also ensure strict adherence to the guidelinesissued by the Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs and provide thedetenues all the required material for ensuring their safety” the courtsaid. The directions came after counselrepresenting the government accepted notices to file reply to the pleas.
The applicants Basher Ahmad Mir , Hilal Ahmad Wani, MstZoona, Syed Saiqa, Bilal Ahmad Dar haveapproached the court through Qaisar Ali, F A Wani , Altaf Ahmad Khan, ZahoorAhmad Bhat, Altaf Naik and Altaf Ahmad Khan.
Notably, the Supreme Court has already directed all state governments and Union Territories toconstitute high-level committees to consider release on parole or interim bailof prisoners and undertrials for offences entailing up to 7-year jail term todecongest prisons in the wake of coronavirus pandemic.