SC to constitute panel to look into issues in jails
The Supreme Court today said it would constitute a committee under the chairmanship of its retired judge to look into problems in jails, including overcrowding, and suggest measures to deal with it. It said the committee for prison reforms would also have 2-3 officials from the Government of India to look into the issues, including that of women prisoners languishing in jails across India.
Bench hearing matter on inhuman conditions prevailing in 1,382 prisons
A bench comprising Justices MB Lokur, S Abdul Nazeer, and Deepak Gupta expressed its displeasure that the government has collected funds under the SC's orders but have not utilized it properly. It was hearing a matter on inhuman conditions prevailing in 1,382 prisons in India.
Attorney General says India is facing other problems as well
Agreeing with the court, Attorney General K Venugopal told the bench that India was facing enormous problems in several other areas as well. He said India has a population of around 1.3 billion which is increasing exponentially and there are several other problems. Justice Lokur also made it clear that the top court was not criticizing the government for every problem in the country.
Next hearing is on August 17
The bench had on August 5 expressed its displeasure that several states had not yet appointed the board of visitors who regularly inspect prisons. The court had earlier taken strong exception to overcrowded jails across the country and said prisoners also have human rights and cannot be kept in jail like "animals". The bench has fixed the matter for hearing on August 17.
