HC Judge to the rescue of Jail inmates

The Punjab and Haryana High Court ordered a judicial probe into the alleged round-the-clock locking of prisoners in Sonepat district jail.

The directions were issued by the High Court on the administrative side and following the visit of Justice Ranjit Singh to the Sonepat jail. Justice Ranjit Singh is the administrative judge of the Sonepat sessions division and was on an inspection of the area when the matter was brought to his notice.

Each sessions division is under the supervision of an administrative judge who ensures not just the streamlining of the judicial process in the district courts, but also satisfies himself that human rights are not violated.

Available information suggests a convict contacted Justice Ranjit Singh during his inspection of Sonepat jail on March 19.

He told the administrative judge that “the prisoners were being detained in the barracks for almost 24 hours”.

He also told the judge they were not allowed to move out following followed the death of an inmate. Elaborating, he told the judge that the death had triggered a hunger strike.

Not the one to leave things half way, Justice Ranjit Singh made clear his intentions of visiting the barracks. When taken there, he found some of the prisoners were indeed there. The fact was confirmed by some of the prisoners. The Jail Superintendent, on the other hand, vehemently refuted the allegations.

Justice Ranjit Singh took note of another complaint. The Judge observed: “Another report on the use of criminal force against one of the prisoners was also made; and also about some treatment to the prisoners, which may not pass the test of decency, like checking them or not allowing them to wear shoes etc, while leaving the jail for attending courts.

“In order to determine the truthfulness of allegations made, I thought it appropriate to direct inquiry by the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Sonepat, to find if any prisoner is being detained in violation of the Prison Rules by putting them in a condition which may be intolerable.

“Let the requisite inquiry be conducted and report submitted for further directions, if required”.

Courtesy: Tribune News Service