Delhi HC Reserves Order In Suo Moto Matter Concerning Blanket Order On Extending Interim Bail and Parole Granted In Light of COVID19

The Special Bench comprising Chief Justice DN Patel, Justice Siddharth Mridul, and Justice Talwant Singh, noted that it's time that the blanket order on extending interim release granted to prisoners to control the spread of coronavirus in the jails, should be reviewed.

As per Special Bench's last order, all orders concerning interim bail or parole were extended till October 31.

The court said:

'We believe that the COVID chapter should end, and the blanket order should now cease to exist. The situation should go back to what it was back in January. Released prisoners should be asked to surrender; after surrendering, they can seek to approach the respective trial courts seeking interim bail on merits, if they wish to.'

The court further added that this view should not affect the working of the High Powered Committee, which should continue to function as per its mandate.

Today, the Director General (Prisons) personally appeared before the court. He informed the court that a total of 3 prisoners are currently COVID positive who have been admitted to LNJP Hospital.

In addition to 3 prisoners, DG submitted, 236 jail staff have also tested positive for coronavirus.

Appearing for the Delhi Government, Mr Rahul Mehra submitted that COVID19 virus did not turn into an epidemic inside the prison due to the robust action taken by the jail authorities.

Mr Mehra further submitted that the presence of more than 6000 prisoners in the society has created anarchy in the city, creating a spurt in crime numbers.

Despite showing its inclination to end the blanket order, the court decided to reserve the order.

'We'll ponder upon this issue and then pronounce our order later today', the court said