Advocates call for reforms in Trichy Central Prison

Trichy: Advocates have voiced serious concerns over prolonged administrative vacancies, alleged corruption, and violations of prisoner rights, and urged the state govt to implement immediate reforms to address the issues plaguing the facility.The advocates are N Sellappan, B Sathish, V Vijayalakshmi, M Saravanan, T Ravichandran, R Gopinath, R Sridhar, and S Parameswaran. Talking to reporters in Trichy on Thursday, they pointed out that the post of superintendent at Trichy Central Prison has been vacant for over a year. The deputy inspector general of the Trichy Range acts as in-charge of prison, however delayed decision-making led to restricted access for staff and the public and increasing arbitrary administrative operations, they said.They sought immediate appointment of a permanent superintendent to restore efficient and accountable administration. They also called for prison guards to be granted casual leave without unreasonable restrictions or excuses related to staffing shortages.The advocates sought an end to forcing prisoners to purchase substandard and overpriced prison-made toiletries. They further sought strict enforcement of FSSAI certification and hygiene standards for all sweets, savouries, and food items sold in the prison canteen to prevent health risks and potential disease outbreaks. They pressed for timely disbursement of prisoners' wages to prevent family hardships, debt accumulation, and relapse into poverty.Additional demands include mandatory veterinary guidance for prison farms, proper accounting and records for agricultural activities and tree sales, and clearing overgrown bushes near staff residential quarters to eliminate safety hazards from poisonous insects and snakes.The advocates also called for regular monthly inspections by the district collector and other district officials. They urged the govt to allow at least five registered visitors per inmate, and unhindered access for lawyers to meet prisoners in line with Constitutional provisions and judicial norms.