New Delhi: The Andhra Pradesh high court has directed that all convicts and undertrial prisoners – who were readmitted in prisons last year after being released on bail – be released on interim bail of 90 days, LiveLaw reported.
This decision was taken in view of the recommendations made by the Supreme Court-mandated high powered committee in May. Several rights organisations across the country have been repeatedly asking the authorities to decongest prisons during the deadly second wave of COVID-19.
The Andhra Pradesh high court also directed the release of other convicts and under trial prisoners who are in custody in connection with offences punishable for seven years or less, as per the high powered committee’s recommendations. However, those who are either second offenders or convicted or facing trial under Section 376 IPC (commits rape) and POCSO Act shall be exempted.
The division bench comprising of Justice C. Praveen Kumar and Justice Lalitha Kanneganti also directed the authorities to maintain COVID-19 protocols inside juvenile remand homes and upload prison occupancy in all jails in the state.
Also read: COVID-19 in Prisons: SC Intervention Must Ensure the Centre Exercises Its Responsibility
The court also asked principal district judges to ensure that the magistrates of the concerned areas shall be available for accepting bail bonds for release of prisoners.
An undertaking also needs to be signed by the one who’s being released stating that the person will remain in home quarantine for 14 days under the surveillance of doctor of the police, failing which the person’s interim bail may be cancelled.
As per the high-powered committee’s resolutions, the court directed the principal secretary, home and the director general of prisons to provide adequate transport facilities to the released convicts, keeping in mind the COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions. In case if the convicts are not willing to be released for the fear of the virus or societal issues, then the authorities must provide them with adequate medical facilities.
The matter will be heard after six weeks.