High Court directs principal district judges to submit jail reports

The High Court on Monday directed all Principal District Judges (PDJs) to inspect the jails of their jurisdiction immediately and submit the reports to it.  

Hearing a public interest litigation by Kashmir High CourtBar Association, a division bench of Chief Justice Gita Mittal and JusticeTashi Rabstan directed the PDJs to file the reports within a period of twoweeks.              

   

The direction came after advocate Mian Abdul Qayoom onbehalf of the Bar submitted that despite a slew of directions, no reportattesting the condition of jails has been filed by the PDJs. 

After perusal of the orders which were issued in 2012,2013,2017 and 2018, the court observed that these orders have not been adhered to sofar.

Meanwhile the court directed the Superintendent, CentralJail Srinagar to provide medical assistance to any prisoner in the CentralJail, Srinagar who is injured or ailing. The court sought a report in thisregard within a week. The Bar Association had filed an application in the courtseeking inquiry into the recent scuffle at Central Jail Srinagar.

With regard to finalisation of the jail manual, senioradditional advocate general, B A Dar, informed the court that thepre-occupation of the Department of Home with polling in the State led to thedelay. The formal meeting for finalising the Manual, he said, could not becompleted because of this reason. Dar however assured the court that thefinalization of the Jail Manual is nearly complete and the same shall be placedbefore it by May 14. 

Amicus curie G H Tantray drew attention of the court to anorder of the court wherein it had noted his complaint with regard to a prisonerwho had been compelled to remain naked at Central jail, Srinagar.  The court asked District Legal ServicesAuthority to inform it regarding the complaint.

Meanwhile the court asked the Principal District Judge,Srinagar who is also the chairperson of the District Legal Services Authority,Srinagar to file report in this regard.

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