Himachal HC seeks report on inhuman conditions in jails

Shimla, March 3 The Himachal Pradesh High Court on Tuesday directed the state to file a fresh status report on the inhuman conditions in jails.

A division bench of Chief Justice L. Narayana Swamy and Justice Jyotsna Rewal Dua passed these orders on a petition taken up suo moto by the court as public interest litigation on the Supreme Court directive relating to inhuman conditions in 1,382 prisons across the country.

In compliance to the apex court's order, the state had filed a status report in which it was pointed out that there is overcrowding and shortage of staff in the district jail in Hamirpur, sub-jail in Nurpur and district jail in Kullu.

The report saod there is shortage of staff in district and open air jails in Dharamsala and Bilaspur and there is no posting of a medical officer in the district jail in Mandi.

The high court observed that most of the state jails are taking medical facilities from primary health centres (PHCs) and the sanctioned strength of four medical officers is not sufficient to cater to the needs of the jail inmates.

The court, while listing the matter for next hearing on April 24, said under these circumstances, it is expected that the state would take immediate steps to sanction more posts for medical officers and provide more ambulances and vehicles as per the requirements.

( With inputs from IANS )