PRAYAGRAJ: In an alarming development, the Allahabad High Court has expressed grave concern over the lack of attention shown by state government officials towards the welfare of prisoners and undertrials in Uttar Pradesh jails. The court has also taken note of the failure to revise the wages of convicts serving their prison sentences.

Consequently, the court has summoned the secretary of finance and the additional IG (prisons) to appear before it.

The bench, presided over by Chief Justice Pritinker Diwaker and Justice Saumitra Dayal Singh, took up a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Bachchey Lal.

Addressing the recent incidents of criminals being killed while in judicial custody, the court made a poignant observation, stating, "The occurrence of heinous crimes within the confines of correctional facilities is deeply distressing to both the court and the justice delivery system. The murder of any undertrial or convict under the custody of the court is particularly egregious."

"The continuation of the present situation would only pave the way for future similar incidents. This would be an indelible stain on the entire judicial framework," emphasized the bench.

During the proceedings, an affidavit was submitted by S.N. Sabat, the Director-General of Prisons, assuring that the state authorities would make appropriate policy decisions regarding wage revision. Furthermore, they pledged to address issues such as prison overcrowding, augmenting jail capacity, and providing improved amenities including modular jail facilities.

However, dissatisfied with the mere promises outlined in the affidavit, the bench criticized the state authorities for their superficial commitment. Consequently, select officials have been directed to appear before the court on the next hearing scheduled for August 9.

In light of the overcrowding crisis in jails, the court underscored, "We must not forget that convicts and undertrials are not merely inmates but also members of our society. They are confined within prison walls not as an act of condemnation but as a necessity to implement corrective measures. In fact, unless we ensure conditions conducive to dignified human existence within jails, our justice delivery system may struggle to dispense justice with the dignity it deserves."

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