Workshop on sensitization of Jail Superintendents
The Commission held a one-day workshop on sensitization of jail Superintendents of Bihar at Patna on 10 January 2004 with assistance from the IG (Prisons), Bihar.
Inaugurating the workshop, Chairperson Dr. Justice A.S. Anand highlighted the pitiable living conditions of undertrials in Bihar. Citing figures, he said that while the national average of the strength of the undertrials is 74% of the total prisoners, in Bihar it stands at 86%.
Dr. Anand said that speedy trial of the cases is the single most important measure to prevent overcrowding in jails. He expressed his disappointment at the failure of the State Government in protecting the human rights of prisoners particularly women.
The Chairperson also drew attention to the poor condition in jails like unsatisfactory sanitary conditions and inadequate medical facilities. He suggested that while more jails need to be constructed, the problem would ultimately be solved if the State Government ensures satisfaction of basic human rights of the prisoners such as accommodation, food and health care.
Inaugurating the workshop, Chairperson Dr. Justice A.S. Anand highlighted the pitiable living conditions of undertrials in Bihar. Citing figures, he said that while the national average of the strength of the undertrials is 74% of the total prisoners, in Bihar it stands at 86%.
Dr. Anand said that speedy trial of the cases is the single most important measure to prevent overcrowding in jails. He expressed his disappointment at the failure of the State Government in protecting the human rights of prisoners particularly women.
The Chairperson also drew attention to the poor condition in jails like unsatisfactory sanitary conditions and inadequate medical facilities. He suggested that while more jails need to be constructed, the problem would ultimately be solved if the State Government ensures satisfaction of basic human rights of the prisoners such as accommodation, food and health care.