Mon Nov 25 07:13:50 UTC 2024: ## Supreme Court Seeks Data on Under Trial Prisoners’ Release, Slams States’ Laxity
**New Delhi:** The Supreme Court on [Date of Hearing] expressed its displeasure over the lack of timely and accurate data from various states regarding the release of undertrial prisoners. The court is hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) highlighting the deplorable conditions of prisoners across Indian jails.
During the hearing, the court reviewed affidavits submitted by different states on their policies concerning undertrial prisoners and their release. The amicus curiae informed the court that in Jharkhand, 23 prisoners were eligible for release, with 17 cases pending in court and 6 prisoners already released prematurely.
Goa’s lawyer informed the court that the affidavit was yet to be filed, providing information via WhatsApp. The court rejected this method, emphasizing the importance of official communication and the urgency of the matter as it concerns personal liberty.
The court also reprimanded Manipur for submitting a statement claiming no prisoners were eligible for release, demanding concrete data and factual accuracy. Uttar Pradesh’s lawyer requested two days to translate and file its affidavit, citing data received in Hindi. The court questioned the delay, considering previous instructions sent to Chief Secretaries.
The court raised concerns about the large number of prisons in Uttar Pradesh (75) compared to other states. It questioned the state government’s lawyer about whether the order had been personally reviewed, noting that the delay suggests a lack of seriousness. The UP government’s lawyer explained the omission of UP from the list was due to a procedural oversight. The court responded that the state’s lawyer shouldn’t assume the amicus curiae bears the sole responsibility for action in such cases.
The court emphasized that even a small number of eligible prisoners necessitates action, highlighting the importance of respecting individual liberty. It also sought data on the number of women prisoners and children in their care, prompting a suggestion from the amicus curiae to create a separate list of undertrial women not facing life imprisonment or the death penalty.
The Supreme Court stressed the need for a continuous system, not just a temporary fix, for addressing the issue. It also directed state authorities to work with legal services authorities to gather accurate data, rather than resorting to copy-pasting information. The court reminded Uttar Pradesh of its deadline of June 30th and expressed concern about prisoners who may have become eligible for release since then. The court adjourned the matter.
First Piper 