PIL in Telangana HC: Release prisoners convicted of non-serious crimes to stop overcrowding

HYDERABAD: Two professors filed public interest litigation (PIL) with the Telangana high court on Thursday. The first one filed by Forum Against Repression convenor, Professor G Haragopal, sought the release of under-trials and convicted prisoners in non-serious cases to prevent overcrowding in jails which could lead to an outbreak of coronavirus in prisons.
The other plea called for directions to the state to ensure supply of essential commodities to people during lockdown and improve quarantine facilities.
In his plea, Professor Haragopal referred to the March 23 order of the Supreme Court that directed the constitution of a high-power committee in each state to determine the class of prisoners who can be released on parole or given interim bail for such period as may be appropriate.
The apex court had also suggested that prisoners convicted of, or charged with offences involving jail term of seven years or less could be considered for parole or interim bail.
The petitioner said that no steps had been taken by the state even after a week. He further sought directions to follow guidelines by Interim Guidance of Inter-Agency Standing Committee, World Health Organisation titled “Covid-19: Focus on Persons Deprived of their Liberty”.
Haragopal pointed out that there are three central Jails, seven district Jails, thirty three sub-jails, a women’s jail, a borstal school, one open jail and four special jails among other detention facilities and prisons across the state.
The professor raised concerns about overcrowding in jails beyond permitted levels. “Due to overcrowding, it is but natural that the convicts or under trials will be easy targets and vulnerable sections for the virus,” the petitioner said and sought to implement the guidelines issued by the apex court in 2016 while dealing with a plea pertaining to Inhuman Conditions in 1,382 prisons.
The professor in his plea said that it is already a well known fact, even during normal circumstances there were several complaints against improper facilities and lack of amenities in the prisons.
Through the second plea, Professor PL Visweswara Rao sought directions to the state to improve the supply of essential commodities to the people during the current lockdown period and also steps to improve the conditions of migrants who were stranded.
The professor also sought foolproof protective gear for the doctors and other medical personnel attending to coronavirus patients.