Interacts with prisoners and internees, reviews welfare arrangements
Amritsar, June 3 (K.L. Jit Walia): In compliance with the judgment of the Supreme Court in Sukanya Shantha v. Union of India, 2024 AIR SC 5201 and Rule 29.22 of the Punjab Jail Manual, Mrs. Jatinder Kaur, District & Sessions Judge-cum-Chairperson, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Amritsar, along with Mr. Amardeep Singh Bains, Secretary, DLSA Amritsar, and officials from the civil and jail administration, conducted an inspection of Central Jail Amritsar.
During the inspection, the team carried out a detailed review of the prison barracks, wards, kitchen, hospital, transit camp and other facilities. The quality of food being served to inmates, sanitation arrangements, healthcare services, security measures, discipline and overall living conditions were thoroughly examined.
Mrs. Jatinder Kaur personally interacted with male and female prisoners as well as internees residing in the transit camp. They were given a full opportunity to present their grievances, concerns and suggestions. Efforts were made to ensure that no inmate had been subjected to ill-treatment, harassment, discrimination or violation of legal and human rights.
The prisoners and internees were also asked whether they faced any discrimination on the basis of caste, religion, gender, nationality or social status. They expressed satisfaction with the facilities being provided by the jail administration, and no complaints were reported.
The inspection further ensured that no prisoner or internee was being kept in unlawful or unnecessary detention. Various legal registers and records maintained by the jail administration were examined. Applications and representations submitted by inmates were heard, and necessary directions were issued for appropriate action.
The Chairperson also reviewed the reformative, welfare and rehabilitation activities being carried out within the jail. She offered valuable suggestions for improving inmates’ welfare, living conditions and strengthening effective correctional administration.
She stated that the District Legal Services Authority, Amritsar, remains committed to protecting the rights, dignity and welfare of prisoners and internees and ensuring that correctional institutions function in accordance with constitutional principles, legal provisions and human rights standards.
KL JIT WALIA
