HC asks govt to provide basic facilities in women's prisons

Chennai, Jan 11 (UNI) Madras High Court today directed the Tamil Nadu Government to provide basic facilities in all women prisons in the state.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice A P Shah and Justice K Chandru gave the directions while posting the hearing of the Public Interest Litigation and a subsequent report on the condition of women's prisons in the state, to march first week.

Based on the suggestions given by Advocate Sudha Ramalingam who had originally visited all the 15 women's prisons and was asked to file suggestions, the Bench passed the interim order.

In its interim order, the Bench said thorough medical examination should be conducted on the date of admission of the prisoner or the very next date and injuries, if any should be recorded. Identity cards should be provided upon admission of the prisoner.

A balanced diet consisting of one fruit, quality vegetables, eggs (on alternative days), meat (once a week), coffee/tea should be provided every morning and evening. Children should be given milk with sugar.

The Bench said reverse osmosis plants must be erected for continous drinking water supply. Tube lights could be fixed on ventilators from outside focused into the cells and protected by metal wire mesh cover with switches outside the cell.

Mosquito coils should be provided for every cell. The toilets in the cells should have partitions that provide privacy. They should be repaired and renovated. The wall should be four feet high and have doors.

The State Government should also consider lighting operated on solar energy in central and sub-jails on the same lines as Puzhal.

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