New Delhi, 7 April 2006
The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo-motu cognizance based on a distressing news story reported in the Kashmir Times dated 14 March 2006 of 'Minors languishing in Jammu Jails'. It has directed that a copy of the news item be sent to the Chief Secretary, Jammu and Kashmir and I.G. Prison, Jammu and Kashmir to look into the allegations contained in it and submit their comments within two weeks.
The news report indicated that inmates belonging to various age groups are serving sentence in various jails in Jammu Division. Some of them are above the age of 60 years. Besides, there are inmates who are minors and languishing in the jails of Jammu region. It was reported that the High Court Bar Association after visiting the jails of Jammu Division, had submitted a report in this regard. The report revealed that 275 people are lodged in court Bhalawal Jail under the Public Safety Act including Pakistani and Afghan inmates. The report further stated that one Gulab Mohamad Vani, aged 65 years, is serving his detention in the jail, despite his advanced age along with three others who are of the age of 60 years each.
Gowhar Ahmed Bhat, Wasim Raja Dar and Jalaluddin Shah, all aged 16 years, are also lodged in the jails. The report further adds that persons who are serving their detention under PSA (Public Safety Act) have been detained twice and thrice on the same ground which have already been relied upon by the concerned authority or have been quashed by the court. The courts also fix dates for hearing beyond two months, which is alleged to be contrary to CrPC. Harassment by the public prosecutors is also alleged resulting in prolonged trials of the cases. The under trial prisoners are not being produced in various jails of Jammu division due to absence of escorts.
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