New Delhi: In view of the surging COVID-19 cases across the country, the Supreme Court has directed the High Powered Committees (HPCs) constituted in states and union territories to release some prisoners.
Last year, when the pandemic's first wave hit, the apex court had directed these committees to consider releasing inmates in order to ensure ample space. As much as 90% of them have returned.
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The court has asked these committees to follow the same guidelines which it issued for the purpose last year.
For states that have not yet constituted a committee, the court directed them to form one at the earliest.
The bench led by Chief Justice of India Justice NV Ramana gave the order on a suo moto case on 'Contagion of COVID-19 Virus in Prisons'.
Last year, some prisoners were released on parole. The court has directed the committees that they release these prisoners on parole again for a period of 90 days. It has asked the HPCs to upload their orders on websites in order to maintain transparency.
For prisoners willing to stay back in jails, the court asked the authorities to be considerate to their concerns and ensure that they get adequate medical facilities and care.
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"The spread of COVID-19 virus should be controlled in the prisons by regular testing being done of the prisoners but also the jail staff and immediate treatment should be made available to the inmates and the staff. It is necessary to maintain levels of daily hygiene and sanitation required to be improved. Suitable precautions shall be taken to prevent transmission of the deadly virus amongst the inmates of prisons. Appropriate steps shall be taken for transportation of the released inmates of the prisons, if necessary, in view of the curfews and lockdown in some states," the order read.
