'Safeguard Life & Health Of Prisoners': UP Bar Council Urges Allahabad High Court To Pass Orders For Decongestion Of UP Prisons

"The Print Media and the Electronic Media is full of report indicating doubling of infection during the last two weeks on account of overcrowding in jails across the State of U.P. Scores of inmates have tested positive for the virus majorily due to flouting of social distancing norms occurring on account of congestion in jails," the Council's Chairman RK Agarwal wrote.

He insisted that the only available solution to help the congestion and to avoid the spread of virus appears to be decongesting the prisons so that social distancing is maintained.

"The need of the hour in such unprecedented circumstance of the pandemic calls for consideration of interim bail/ parole for the under trial/ convict, not based upon legal considerations arising out of statutory right for bail, but more in the nature of human right to safeguard the life and health of the prisoners," Agarwal said.

In line with the decision taken by a High Power Committee last year, Agarwal has urged the High Court to take note of the alarming situation in UP prisons and pass appropriate orders for releasing select under trial prisoners/ convicted persons.

Such prisoners may be those facing trial or convicted to the maximum punishment of seven year or less, with or without fine, on interim bail/ parole.

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