'Should Not Become An Epidemic': Tripura HC Directs State To Conduct HIV Tests In Prisons, Ensure Treatment

The Tripura High Court on Monday directed the State government as well as the Union to issue necessary guidelines to its authorities in association with the Aids Control Society in order to curb the spread of HIV virus in prisons across the State. 

A Bench comprising appointed Chief Justice Indrajit Mahanty and Justice Subhashish Talapatra took suo moto cognisance of this issue and accordingly directed the Central and State governments to conduct a thorough research of all persons residing in State prisons either as prisoners or as undertrial prisoners who may be inflicted with the HIV virus. 

"The State and the Union of India are directed to issue necessary guidelines to its authorities in association with the Aids Control Society to conduct a thorough research of all persons residing in State prisons either as prisoners or as undertrial prisoners to ascertain as to whether there are any of such undertrials and or prisoners who may be inflicted with HIV and if any such person is found, necessary action thereof for their treatment and care may also be taken in accordance with law", the Court directed. 

The authorities were further directed to take all appropriate steps on an urgent basis  to ensure that persons inflicted with the HIV virus in prisons across the State are provided adequate treatment in order to prevent the possibility of an epidemic. 

"We leave it to the authorities concerned to take up this matter at an urgent basis essentially to ensure that if any such case exists in the State of Tripura and its jails, the same should not become an epidemic and necessary care and treatment of such persons, as may be required, be initiated at the earliest", the Court further observed. 

A report in this regard was directed to be filed by the concerned authorities on November 9. Furthermore, advocate Paromita Dhar was appointed as the amicus curiae in the matter.

The Bench further directed the State to permit advocate Paromita Dhar to visit the prisons on prior notice and the Inspector General (Prisons) was ordered to provide all necessary assistance in this regard.

"We direct the Amicus to submit the bill for expense whatever she borne for such purposes. They shall be reimbursed by the Registry of this Court", the Court further opined. 

The matter is slated to be heard next on November 12. 

Case Title: Court On Its Own Motion v. State of Tripura and Ors 

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