JAMMU, JANUARY 27: Under the guidance of R. N. Watal, Principal District and Sessions Judge (Chairman DLSA Jammu), Jammu & Kashmir High Court Legal Services Committee (J&K HCLSC) and District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Jammu on Tuesday conducted a joint inspection of Central Jail Kot Bhalwal.
Sunil Kumar, Secretary-J&K HCLSC and Maleeka Sharma- Secretary, DLSA Jammu visited the Central Jail to get first-hand appraisal of the living conditions of under-trial prisoners and other inmates, besides reviewing the overall functioning of the jail, including the Prison Legal Aid Clinic. The visiting judicial officers, in the presence of the Senior Superintendent, interacted with the under-trial and convicted prisoners in the ground area of the jail and took stock of facilities available.
The primary aim of the jail visit was to screen out poor prisoners who fall within the ambit of “Support to Poor Prisoners Scheme”. Further, the visiting officers directed the Prison Authorities to identify those convicts who can avail the benefit of “Policy Guidelines for Remission /Premature release of Life Convicts” and refer the list to the Empowered Committee.
The inspection also covered a wide range of areas, including the Jail Legal Aid Clinic, Virtual VC rooms, interview area, prisoner calling system, Jail Hospital, Kitchen Area, etc.
The team observed that some areas of the jail premises require renovation and the Superintendent was asked to identify the issues and coordinate with the concerned authorities under the applicable rules.
