MHRC visits Nongpoh jails, directs UTRC to ensure UTPs not unduly detained

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 6, 2019

SHILLONG: The Meghalaya Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has directed the Under Trial Review Committee (UTRC) to ensure that under-trial prisoners (UTPs) are not unduly detained in the jails.

The Commission said that the UTRC should also seek a way out for those inmates who were unable to furnish bail bonds due to poverty within the stipulated Rules.

It has also reviewed the frequency of the meetings of the UTRC, District Level Services Authority and the Board of Visitors and Non-Official Visitors.

The Commission observed that these institutions should periodically visit the jails as per their mandated frequency to have the desired effect.

The MHRC headed by the chairperson (Acting) PJP Hanaman also visited the Nongpoh District Jail and made a detailed inspection of the living conditions of the UTPs and convicts of the jail with special emphasis on the health and hygiene conditions, fooding and recreational facilities, which were found to be satisfactory.

However, the Commission observed that the vacancy of a medical officer at the jail needs to be filled up urgently.

The chairperson also held an interactive session with the inmates to ascertain their views on their living conditions and grievances.

As against the sanctioned capacity of 100 inmates, the jail population was currently housing 125 inmates, but this has not adversely impacted on their living conditions, the Commission said.