Panel to assess facilities to prisoners

Patna, Feb 23 (UNI) Patna High Court today constituted a five member committee of lawyers to assess the extent of facilities provided to inmates of prisons in jails of Bihar.

The committee had been asked to submit its report by March 30 next and inform the court whether facilities to prisoners are provided conforming the relevant provisions in the jail manual.

The order was passed by a division bench of Patna High Court comprising Chief Justice J N Bhatt and Justice S N Hussain during hearing of a public interest litigation petition filed by a social worker in this regard.

Hearing the petition, the court directed the state government to file an action taken report by March 30 against the erring officials responsible for the lapses leading to smuggling of several items not admissible for consumption or use by prisoners,into jail premises.

On many earlier occasions, several unauthorised items, including mobile phones, were recovered during surprise raids at different jails of the state.

UNI XC-BNG SJC VD RAI2136