Mangalore, January 17: Karnataka State Human Rights Commission Chairperson Justice S R Nayak took officials at district jail to task for alleged human rights violation of men and women prisoners.
Speaking to media persons after inspection of prison and interaction with a few prisoners, Justice Nayak said expressed his resentment for packing 245 prisoners in a prison that has maximum capacity to house 150 prisoners. “This amounts to the violation of human rights of the prisoners”, he said.
He said that prisoners have brought a few important problems to his notice during the surprise visit.
Construct New Prison
When the officials informed him about the allotment of 100 acres of land at Cheloor near Mudipu on the outskirts of the city for the construction of a new prison, Justice Nayak said that the authorities should ensure that the proposed building would be ready within a year. “Overpopulation of inmates is a matter of grave concern”, he said.
Trial Delay
He also expressed concern over the delay of court trial for prisoners, many of whom are languishing behind bars for several months. Lack of escort staff is one of the reasons for the delay in producing prisoners before the court, he pointed out.
Lack of Cleanliness
Justice Nayak also said that the filthy condition of the prison might result in spread of diseases among inmates. A couple of HIV affected prisoners also there in the overcrowded prison. “If you fail to take immediate measures to clean the jail premises you will face serious problems”, he warned the jailor P S Ambekar.
Uneatable Food
“A number of prisoners have complained about uneatable food being served to them. Even though you cannot serve VIP class food for the prisoners, who are accused in various cases, they have right to have healthy food”, Justice Nayak said.
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