Ensure internet connectivity in jails, SC tells states/UTs

Satya Prakash

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 23

Taking note of inordinate delay in release of prisoners granted bail by courts due to communication problems, the Supreme Court on Thursday ordered states and UTs to provide internet connectivity with adequate speed to all jails.

“We direct the Chief Secretaries of all the states/UTs to ensure the availability of Internet facility with adequate speed in each and every jail in their respective states/UTs and take necessary steps to arrange for the facility expeditiously wherever the same is not available,” a Bench led by Chief Justice of India NV Ramana said, posting the matter for further hearing after two weeks.

“Till then, communication shall be made through the nodal officers of the state governments under the ‘FASTER’ system. The Director General, National Informatics Centre, Secretary (Home) of all the States/UTs and the Director General/Inspector General of Prisons of all the states/UTs shall ensure smooth and successful implementation of FASTER system and shall coordinate with the Registry of this court in this regard,” it ordered.

In order to ensure faster communication and compliance of its orders, the top court has undertaken a project — Fast and Secure Transmission of Electronic Records (FASTER). States have already appointed nodal officers for its smooth functioning, it noted.

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