High Court Warns Punjab Govt Of Exemplary Costs For Inaction On Renovating Washrooms In Pathankot Sub-Jail

The Punjab & Haryana High Court has warned the Punjab Government of exemplary costs on officials if no positive action is taken for the renovation of washrooms in the sub-jail of Punjab's Pathankot in two months (next date of hearing).

Previously, taking note of an inspection report wherein washrooms in Pathankot's sub-jail were found to be in "pathetic condition", the High Court has directed the Punjab Government and the Additional Director General of Police (Prisons), to ensure that the maintenance work is carried out before the ensuing monsoon season.

The development came after the Court was informed about the "dilapidated condition of the washrooms and barracks".

While noting that a period of two months have gone by since the last order but the renovation work has not been started a division bench of GS Sandhawalia and Justice Vikas Bahl said, "State of Punjab is..put to notice regarding the imposition of exemplary costs to be paid by the officials concerned in case no positive action is taken by the next date of hearing."

The state of Punjab filed the affidavit of Surinder Singh, Deputy Inspector General of Prisons, Punjab, on the issue of renovation of washroom in the barracks of Sub-jail Pathankot which shows "again the factum that no active consideration is being done since only estimated costs of Rs.71,10,000/- has been sanctioned and the Punjab Police Housing Corporation is to float the tender for the repair and renovation of washroom in barracks," the Court noted.

It is pertinent to note that the High Court in the order passed in May said that "the State has to take proactive steps as such to get the condition of the jails in a livable condition."

The matter is listed for September 10, for further consideration.

Title: COURT ON ITS OWN MOTION v. STATE OF PUNJAB AND OTHERS

Click here to read/download the order