HC directs government on under-trials

Kochi, Oct 10 (UNI) The Kerala High Court today directed the government to show cause why heavy cost or exemplary compensation should not be ordered against it for not producing under-trials before court on time.

Justice K Hema passed the order after hearing a petition filed by M Babu and other 121 under-trials of the Kannur Central Prison.

The court also gave directive to produce under-trials before court without delay and to submit a report on measures taken for the same.

It was also ruled that the Registrar General of the High Court can issue necessary direction to all the criminal courts in the state alerting them to invoke provision laid down in the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2005 relating to 'plea bargaining' in appropriate cases.

The principle sessions judge and chief judicial magistrates of all districts in the state should take immediate and effective steps to ensure that no under-trial prisoner was in any jail in the state for an unjustified period of time, the court observed.

The court also directed the judges concerned to file a report on the measures taken.

UNI XR MA LAS DB2102