The HC has accordingly directed the Inspector General (Prisons) to file a detailed affidavit spelling out the steps they propose to take for installing cameras in jails as well as courts. This will enable producing accused in courts through video conferencing.Bombay High Court on Tuesday observed that thousands of prisoners are suffering in jails for several years due to lack of police force to produce them in courts.
The Division Bench of Justice Rajendra Savant and Justice Sadhana Jadhav heard a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) pertaining to the installation of cameras in jails as well as courts to facilitate video conferencing. The judges noted that out of total 583 cameras installed only 60 were functioning. The judges also noted that some 187 courts were yet to be equipped with video conferencing facility.
Displeased by the reports placed on record, Justice Jadhav said, “All this will benefit everyone including the courts and lot of time will be saved. You (government) must take the initiative to undertake this exercise and it should not be as if you would act only after a petition is filed.”
“People are suffering in jails for more than six years even without framing of charges. This is certainly not the way to function. You do not have sufficient police to take inmates to courts especially in Mumbai wherein majority of cases are adjourned due to the absence of police force to produce the accused. This is only multiplying the number of pending cases,” Justice Jadhav said.
Accordingly, the judges asked the IG Prisons to file an affidavit stating the roadmap for installation of cameras in courts and jails across the state within two weeks.
