Punjab awaiting Prez nod for video conferencing

Patiala, Dec 24: The Principal Secretary Home, Jails and Judicial of the Punjab Government, Dr B C Gupta said the approval of amendment from the President is awaited to start video conferencing in all the jails of the state.

Talking to mediapersons here yesterday, he said the state government had already amended Section 167(2) (b) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). The amendment adds the words: ''[produced before him] either in person or through medium of video linkage'' in the matter of extension of remand or similar matters.

Dr Gupta said policemen would henceforth not be required to escort undertrials ''since only their (undertrials) image will be projected on the television screen in the court and they will answer questions posed by the court.'' After passing the amendment by Punjab Assembly it was sent to Union Home ministry for the Presidential nod, he added.

Dr Gupta further said that ''corresponding studios will be set up in the jails for the video conferencing. This exercise will not only help save a considerable sum of money but also help improve the safety and security of the undertrials who will not have to be transported to and from the courts, he added.

The video linkage will be an important step towards managing prisons better, he said. ''Bringing the courts and prisons on a computer network will introduce modern practices of prison management,'' Dr Gupta said.

UNI