PVCHR initiative for prison reform

Case Details of File Number: 33097/24/0/2011
Diary Number	24664
Name of the Complainant	DR. LENIN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Address	PEOPLE'S VIGILANCE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS, SA 4/2A, DAULATPUR,
	VARANASI , UTTAR PRADESH
Name of the Victim	PROSONERS, DETANIED IN JAILS OF POORVANCHAL
Address	JAILS OF POORVANCHAL,
	UTTAR PRADESH , UTTAR PRADESH
Place of Incident	PRISONS
	UTTAR PRADESH , UTTAR PRADESH
Date of Incident	1/1/1991
Direction issued by the Commission	This proceeding shall be read in continuation of the earlier proceeding of the Commission dated 16.5.2012. Dr. Lenin, a human rights activist, has sought Commission's intervention and appropriate action on a newspaper report published in Amar Ujala, Varanasi edition, dated 6.8.2011 regarding detention of two and half times of the number of prisoners in the jails as compared to the sanctioned capacity. The Commission called for a report on the petition from DG Prisons, UP. Pursuant thereto, a report dated 14.5.2012 has been received from the Additional IG (Admn), Jail Administration and Correctional Services, UP, enclosing therewith a report of DIG Jails, Allahabad Region dated 27.1.2012. It was stated in the report that two and half times of the prisoners were detained in only two prisons considering the shortage of space to accommodate the large number of prisoners, the berths erected earlier in the barracks were dismantled creating more space. Now two to three times of the sanctioned capacity of the prisoners are being accommodated properly in the barracks. The other basic amenities of bathrooms, toilets and also the supply of soaps, oil, etc., are being provided to the prisoners. They are also getting required legal aid. At present, the construction of District Jail, Sonebhadra is almost complete. The prisoners of that District who were being lodged at District Jail Mirzapur are to be shifted to the newly constructed jail at Sonebhadra. It will considerably reduce the strength of prisoners detained at District Jail, Mirzapur. Similarly, 15 new barracks are being constructed at Central Jail, Varanasi to solve the problem of overcrowding of detenues. After the construction of 15 new barracks is completed, the convict prisoners will be shifted there, reducing the load of prisoners on the present accommodation at Central Jail, Varanasi. Sufficient toilets are available at the jails for use of the prisoners. Regular inspection of the jails are being done by the CJM of the concerned district and DIG Prisons each month. If any problem was found at the time of inspection, necessary instructions are being given to the concerned officials. So far the allegation of keeping the prisoners in solitary confinement in District Jail, Varanasi is concerned, it is reported that separate rooms were erected in the hospital of the District Jail, Varanasi, where the prisoners suffering from mental disease or infectious disease are being kept. The mental patients are treated by the specialist doctor. The Commission has considered the above reports. After perusing the above reports, the Commission is satisfied that proper arrangements are being made by the concerned authorities of the Prison and Correctional Services, Government of UP to accommodate the prisoners in various jails in the eastern region of the State. The prisoners are being given necessary amenities as per rules. They are also getting free legal aid through legal service authorities. Moreover, if there is any problem, the prisoners can put up the same before the inspecting authorities i.e., CJM, DIG (Jails) and also at the time of quarterly inspection by the District and Sessions Judge accompanied by the DM & SP of the district. No further action by the Commission is needed. The case is closed.
Action Taken	Concluded and No Further Action Required (Dated 7/31/2012 )
Status on 8/18/2012	The Case is Closed.