Why Not Extend 'E-Mulakat' Facility In Delhi Prisons To All Inmates Whose Relatives Stay Outside The Capital? Delhi High Court Asks

The observation was made in connection with a petitioner’s prayer for direction to the State that he be allowed two e-mulakat every week with his family, so he could tend to his ailing mother and maintain social ties.

Relying on Natasha Narwal v. State of NCT Delhi (Pinjra Tod activist’s case), the petitioner had also sought a direction to be allowed 5 minutes of tele-calling every day.

Reportedly, he had made a representation seeking the benefit of e-mulakat in May, 2023, mentioning that his only relatives in the world were his wife and mother, who were ill and did not stay in Delhi.

State’s counsel submitted that the petitioner’s representation would be decided within 3 weeks. Although, Justice Prasad deemed fit to direct that a report be filed stating why facility of e-mulakat shall not be extended to other similarly placed prisoners.

The matter is next listed for consideration on November 29, 2023.

Notably, the e-mulakat facility was introduced in Delhi Prisons during Covid-19 era, when physical mulakat had to be stopped.

As per Circular dated December, 26, 2022 issued by AIG (Prisons) with the approval of DG (Prisons), the facility was found very helpful in case of jail inmates whose relatives lived faraway in the country.

As such, it was decided to be continued in respect of prisoners lodged in Delhi Prisons, subject to the instructions outlined in the Circular. It is pertinent that an exception was carved out in respect of foreign inmates involved in terrorist activities, offences against the State.

As per National Prison Information Portal, 69192 visits in Delhi Prisons have been completed through video conferencing in the period between December26, 2022 (date of issuance of the above-mentioned Circular) and November 22, 2023.

Mr. Ashok Aagrwaal and Mr. Dhruv Sharma, Advocates appeared for petitioner

Mr. Abhijit Shankar, Law Officer (Central Jail No.3, Tihar) appeared for respondents

Case Title: Sohrab v. State (Govt of NCT of Delhi) and Anr., W.P.(C) 14996/2023