Top officials summoned by HC over jail security

The Punjab & Haryana High Court on Friday asked Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) and Additional Chief Secretary (Jails) to remain present in the court and explain the failure to implement jail security measures.

The Division Bench of Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal and Justice Deepak Manchanda also expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of progress: “We are not satisfied with the measures taken by the state government for strengthening jail security. Many affidavits have been filed on behalf of the state, but there has been a lack of progress in the areas enumerated,” the court said.

The assertions came during the hearing of a suo motu case on jail security. The Bench said Punjab failed to execute steps proposed by its senior officers to fortify prison security despite getting sufficient time.