After SC directive, Kerala HC initiates suo motu proceeding to address issue of overcrowding in prisons

Kochi: High court has initiated a suo motu proceeding to address the issue of overcrowding in prisons across the state, pursuant to a directive issued by the Supreme Court.A bench of Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice V M Syam Kumar further directed the state govt to constitute a monitoring committee under the Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KeLSA) chairperson to ensure compliance with SC's directives.In Sukas Chakma vs Union of India, the apex court, on Feb 26, issued a detailed order, including the establishment of a multi-tiered monitoring mechanism to address the issue. Additionally, SC sought details of jails in various states and Union Territories, including the sanctioned capacity of each jail, their current occupancy status and the steps taken to address overcrowding. The court adjourned the matter to Sept 1 for the submission of a status report, which is to include its recommendations and draft common minimum standards. SC also directed that annual reports be submitted by the high courts through their respective registrars general by March 31, 2027.Accordingly, the Kerala HC initiated a suo motu proceeding in the matter. The division bench, headed by the Chief Justice, directed the registrar general of the high court to place the compliance report before the apex court. HC also suo motu impleaded the KeLSA chairperson as an additional respondent in the petition and posted the matter for further hearing on June 29.