HC asks Delhi govt to implement SC directions on open prisons

New Delhi: Delhi High Court has directed Delhi govt, police and jail authorities to chalk out a clear strategy to implement the Supreme Court’s directives on open correctional institutions (OCIs) and identify eligible prisoners who can be shifted to such facilities.

A bench of Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia took cognisance of a public interest litigation (PIL) on the issue and asked Delhi govt to file an affidavit detailing steps taken to comply with the Supreme Court’s order dated Feb 26.

The high court noted that as per the apex court’s directions, every state and Union territory must constitute a monitoring committee, headed by the executive chairman of the state legal services authority or his nominee, to oversee the functioning of open correctional institutions.

“Please apprise the home secretary that he should constitute the committee. The committee should meet, chalk out specific strategies to implement the Supreme Court’s order and assess the current position. Eligible prisoners have to be identified for transfer to open prisons. All this should be done,” the bench told the govt counsel, granting two months for compliance and listing the matter for hearing in July.

The court also sought a status report from the Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLSA), impleaded the Centre, prison authorities and the high court administration as parties to the PIL, and appointed an amicus curiae to assist the court.

On Feb 26, the Supreme Court directed all states and Union territories to develop a time-bound protocol for filling vacancies in open correctional institutions and open barracks, with the aim of strengthening reformative and rehabilitative aspects of the prison system.
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