Amritsar, : The Board of Visitors under the leadership of District and Sessions Judge-cum-Chairperson, District Legal Services Authority, Amritsar inspected the Central Jail, Amritsar along with Shri Amardeep Singh Bains, Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, Amritsar.
This inspection was done in accordance with the directions issued by the Honorable Supreme Court of India on 3 October 2024 in the case of Sukanya Shanta vs. Union of India, according to which it has been directed to conduct regular inspections to prevent caste-based discrimination and other discriminatory practices in prisons.
During the inspection, the Board thoroughly inspected the various barracks of the jail, Langar/Kitchen, OOATS, Internment Camp, Ladies Ward, High Security Cell and Jail Hospital. On this occasion, the arrangements related to cleanliness in the jail, accommodation for prisoners, food, security, discipline, medical facilities, basic facilities and welfare of prisoners were also reviewed.
The board interacted with the prisoners and inquired about their well-being and problems. No case of caste-based discrimination or any other kind of discrimination came to light during the inspection. Additionally, no irregularities or deficiencies were found in the inspected areas that required immediate intervention. The entire arrangements of the jail were found to be fine.
The Board directed the jail administration to ensure that there is no discrimination of any kind in the jail on the basis of caste, gender, disability or any other basis. Additionally, standards of cleanliness, security, discipline, quality of food, medical care and welfare of prisoners should be consistently maintained and legitimate grievances of prisoners should be resolved in a timely manner.
On this occasion, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Amritsar Pallavi Mishra; Dr. Rajinderpal Kaur, Additional Chief Secretary, Health Department; Surinder Singh, Business Process Manager, Punjab Skill Development Mission; Mr. Tirathpal Singh, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, District Bureau of Employment and Enterprises; Mr. Raman Kumar, Agriculture Officer; Mr. Harpreet Singh, District Coordinator, Education Department; Mr. Balraj Singh, Senior Assistant, District Social Security Office; Mr. Lakhbir Singh, Sub-Divisional Officer, Public Works Department and Mr. Guraiqbal Singh, Functional Manager, Industries and Commerce Department along with officers from different departments were present.
The inspection was completed properly. The board directed the jail administration to maintain a clean, safe, healthy and non-discriminatory environment for the prisoners.