SC favours setting up separate jails for terrorists

New Delhi, Feb 5 (PTI) The Supreme Court today favoured establishing exclusive jails in all states for terrorists and militants to avoid security threat in overcrowded prisons. "There should be a separate prison in all states for terrorists and militants," a Bench comprising Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan and Justice P Sathasivam said when it was alleged that militants get help from jail staff to escape. The Bench accepted the contention that terrorists and militants should not be lodged in 'overcrowded' jails with other convicts and undertrials as it poses a security risk. It said some directions could be given on this aspect provided the petitioner amends the prayers and comes out with more suggestions on the issue of bringing about reforms in the jails. However, the court was not in agreement with the suggestion that the Centre should have the power to supervise working of jails across the country. "We cannot confer power to the Centre to supervise (functioning of jails). Law and order is a state subject," the Bench said. The court's remarks came when advocate D K Garg said that after the November 26 Mumbai terror attacks, the Centre decided to set up a special centralised force to counter terrorism and, on similar lines, separate jails should be set up for lodging militants. PTI

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