Jail Superintendent Under SHRC Scanner

Jail Superintendent Under SHRC Scanner 23 Jan 2009, 2254 hrs IST, TNN Text: MYSORE: Mysore jail superintendent Veerabhadraswamy, who is under the scanner after an intruder was spotted inside the jail premises beyond the visiting hours, on Friday came in for sharp criticism by State Human Right Commission chairman justice S R Nayak. The SHRC chief was upset over availability of tobacco products at the prison canteen. This came to light when he visited the jail here. During his scheduled visit, when he came inside the high-security zone, Nayak found hundreds of empty cigarette packs found in the garbage. He questioned the superintendent about its supply when Veerabhadraswamy contended that they are not selling the cigarettes nor beedis at the canteen. When questioned about the empty packs strewn across in the garbage, the official could not provide any answers. Assistant jailer G Jogaiah, who was beside Veerabhadraswamy, told Nayak that there is supply of cigarettes and beedis in the canteen. Immediately Nayak ordered the superintendent to ban the cigarettes in the jail since it is against the law. He also said that without authorities assistance and help such incidents could take occur. His suspicion came true when he interacted with the prisoners, who agreed that they are consuming the tobacco products. Nayak got angry when he visited the canteen and enquired about the supply of tobacco products. Warden Majappa Gowda said there is no supply in the jail when he got angry owing to contradiction by the jail staff. He then assailed the superintendent and warden and wondered whether about the jail administration. Later Nayak visited the barracks and interacted with the prisoners where many of them submitted their memorandums. However, he was not satisfied about the prevailing condition at the barracks as it was over crowded. He also advised the authorities to make alternate arrangements so that they can be decongested. During the inspection, an inmate was found mentally ill. Though the inmate said he is 15, the jail superintendent told Nayak that they have verified records which states that he is 18 years. But he admitted that the inmate need medical care. Nayak then directed deputy commissioner P Manivannan to get the inmate the medical care. He also advised the jail authorities to not to burn plastics or even to use plastics as it is hazardous to health. There was a word of praise from Nayak as he appreciated the authorities for keeping the jail premises clean.

"Loved reading this piece by AEJAZ AHMED?
Join LAWyersClubIndia's network for daily News Updates, Judgment Summaries, Articles, Forum Threads, Online Law Courses, and MUCH MORE!!"

Join our Telegram group

Join our Whatsapp group