Prisoners in jails after term: High Court initiates suo motu proceedings

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 3

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has initiated suo motu proceedings to address the issue of prisoners who are languishing in jails despite being acquitted. A Division Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Ritu Bahri and Justice Nidhi Gupta issued notices to the Punjab Government, asking for a comprehensive report on the number of detainees facing this predicament.

Two juveniles had filed plea

The decision to intervene came after two juveniles from Pakistan, detained in juvenile homes, submitted their pleas before Justice NS Shekhawat, administrative judge of the Faridkot Sessions Division, that they remained confined even after their acquittal in April 2023

The decision to intervene came after two juveniles from Pakistan, detained in juvenile homes, submitted their pleas before Justice NS Shekhawat, administrative judge of the Faridkot Sessions Division. The juveniles informed Justice Shekhawat that they remained confined even after their acquittal in April 2023. Furthermore, their case for repatriation was pending before the Punjab Department of Directorate of Social Security and Woman and Child Development, Punjab.

The juveniles, initially booked under Section 3 of the Passport Act 1920 and Section 14 of the Foreigners Act 1946 in Tarn Taran, have been held in a juvenile observation home since 2022. Acquitting them, the Juvenile Justice Board had previously ruled that there was no proper fencing between the international border pillars, raising the possibility of accidental entry into the Indian territory.

Expressing their plight, the two juveniles conveyed their distress to Justice Shekhawat, who subsequently referred the matter to Acting Chief Justice Ritu Bahri for appropriate action. The court has set February 26 as the next date of hearing.

About The Author

Tribune News Service

The Tribune News Service brings you the latest news, analysis and insights from the region, India and around the world. Follow the Tribune News Service for a wide-ranging coverage of events as they unfold, with perspective and clarity.

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.