Supreme Court Demands Open Prison Data from States and UTs

The Supreme Court has ordered several states and Union Territories to provide comprehensive information about the operation of open prisons within four weeks. These prisons, designed to help convicts reintegrate into society, allow inmates to work outside during the day. Non-compliance may result in the summoning of chief secretaries.

The Supreme Court has issued a directive to various states and Union Territories, mandating them to submit complete information regarding the operation of open prisons within a four-week timeframe.

Open and semi-open prisons enable convicted individuals to work outside the prison premises during the day, facilitating their reintegration into society and alleviating psychological stress. This concept aims to assist convicts in leading normal lives post-incarceration.

A bench comprising Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan was briefed by senior advocate K Parameshwar, serving as an amicus curiae on matters related to prison congestion, that several states and UTs have yet to submit their responses.

The bench highlighted that regions including Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Punjab have not provided the required qualitative and quantitative data despite receiving a detailed questionnaire.

In an order dated August 20, the bench stipulated that all non-compliant States and Union Territories must submit their complete responses within four weeks.

Furthermore, the court warned that failure to comply would necessitate the presence of the respective chief secretaries before the court. The case will be reviewed again after four weeks.

Among the regions failing to respond are Gujarat, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra, Manipur, Nagaland, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Lakshadweep, Puducherry, and Ladakh.

Earlier on May 9, the court identified open jails as a potential remedy for prison overcrowding and prisoner rehabilitation. A model draft manual, referencing 'open correctional institutions,' has already been prepared.

(With inputs from agencies.)