CHANDIGARH: Six months after the committee to go into the problems at the 27 Punjab prisons was formed, it is working without a computer, stenographer and even stationery supplies, it has stated in its interim report filed before the High Court.
Hearing a PIL by Simranjit Singh Mann on issues pertaining to jails in Punjab, on May 30, 2005, a Punjab and Haryana High Court Bench had issued directions for forming a committee to look into the matters. The Punjab government issued a notification on July 29, 2009.
Justice Amar Dut (retd) was appointed chairman of the panel. Its two other members are Md. Izhar Alam, a retired IPS officer, and G.P.S. Sahi, a retired IAS.
As per the HC orders, the committee was to observe and compile a report on the state of prison buildings, over crowding, delay in trials, health and hygiene, food and clothing, medical facilities, implementation of National Human Rights Commission recommendations regarding care of mentally challenged prisoners and need to look into provisions of Punjab Jail Manual.
The interim report of the committee, filed before the Bench, stated that not even stationery, a computer and stenographer was made available to them.
However, it had started work and put together a questionnaire which was sent to all 27 prisons, Director’ General Prisons and the Home Secretary, it said.
The state had appointed an officer, Chetan Parkash, to assist the panel, and he was pursuing the matter with authorities until he met with an accident.
Despite his non-availability, the replies have been received.
Chetan had also taken up the matter pertaining to transport for inspection of prisons statewide. The issue was discussed with the Chief Secretary, who had directed authorities to make provision of necessary budget and infrastructure support. The interim report said the committee had no information as to whether the requisite budgetary provision had been made.
It further stated that despite the handicap, the committee visited six jails using person al vehicles, but no reimbursements were made contrary to what was agreed with the Chief Secretary.
After going through the report, the Bench expressed hope that by the next date of hearing fixed for February 26, the grievances raised by the committee in its report would be redressed. The Bench also directed the State of Punjab to file an affidavit before court about the steps taken in this regard.
SOURCE-HT
