Haryana: Protecting prisoners’ rights priority, says Justice Lalit Batra

Justice Lalit Batra, Chairperson of the Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) and former Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, visited Yamunanagar District Jail on Friday.

He emphasised that ensuring basic facilities for inmates, as per rules, was the responsibility of the jail administration and the Commission was committed to safeguarding prisoners’ rights.

Commission members Kuldip Jain and Deep Bhatia accompanied Justice Batra during the inspection.

Deputy Commissioner Parth Gupta and Superintendent of Police Surinder Singh Bhoria welcomed the delegation at the Rest House in Jagadhri. According to Puneet Arora, Protocol, Information and Public Relations Officer of HHRC, the Chairperson conducted a comprehensive review of various sections of the jail, including male and female barracks, kitchen, hospital, canteen, factory, library, computer lab, meeting room and VC room.

He expressed satisfaction with the overall arrangements and cleanliness. Justice Batra interacted with female inmates and encouraged them to speak without fear. He directed the jail authorities to ensure weekly visits by a psychiatrist and a gynaecologist.

Justice Batra also inspected the crèche facility in the women’s ward and enquired about the nutrition and care of a two-year-old child.

In the kitchen, the Chairperson personally tasted the food being served to the inmates to check its quality and interacted with the inmates working there.

He appreciated the bakery products, wooden furniture, and other items made by the inmates in the prison’s factory unit, calling it a commendable step toward rehabilitation.

Later, the Chairperson and Commission members planted an Amrapali mango sapling on the jail premises.

They also addressed the inmates and informed them about their rights and the importance of staying stress free and optimistic.

Jail Superintendent Vishal Chhibbar, Deputy Superintendent Bhupender Singh, DSP Rajesh Kumar, DIPRO Manoj Kumar, Joint Registrar Arun Thakur and other jail officials were also present on the occasion.