Chandigarh, Jan 14: The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Wednesday tasked its existing jail reform committee with the direct supervision of prisoner remission and premature release policies across Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh. The decision aligns with ongoing Supreme Court mandates requiring high courts to oversee the reformative process of the prison system.
Chief Justice Sheel Nagu, who presided over the bench, noted that the Supreme Court had taken suo motu cognisance of systemic delays in prisoner releases. He stated that the apex court had issued specific instructions for all high courts to monitor these administrative processes to ensure they are handled fairly and without unnecessary delays.
“A committee has already been constituted for looking into the jail reforms,” Chief Justice Nagu observed during the proceedings.
“It would be bestowed with the task of monitoring and supervising the implementation of remission and premature release policy of the State of Punjab, Haryana and UT.”
The court noted that the states of Punjab and Haryana have prepared their replies regarding the current status of these policies. The bench has granted both states a fortnight to formally file their affidavits.
The current proceedings were registered following the Supreme Court’s directions in a case titled “Re: Policy Strategy for Grant of Bail” and the “Sonadhar versus State of Chhattisgarh” matter. These judicial actions are part of a national effort to address prison overcrowding and ensure that eligible convicts are considered for release in a timely manner.
“The Hon’ble Chief Justices of the respective High Courts are requested to register a suo motu writ petition,” the apex court had earlier stated while outlining the supervision framework.
The case is scheduled for a follow-up hearing on February 2.
