Bilaspur: The Chhattisgarh High Court has taken a strict view of delays in filling vacant posts in state prisons and the lack of adequate security arrangements at the open jail in Patharra village of Bemetara district. The Division Bench headed by Chief Justice K.R. Mahapatra has directed the Director General of Prisons to file an affidavit specifying the timeline for completing recruitment against vacant posts. The Director General of Police (DGP) has also been asked to clarify when the required security personnel will be deployed at the open jail.
During the hearing, the High Court expressed concern over the slow pace of the recruitment process. The State Government informed the court that the necessary security force had not yet been made available for the Bemetara open jail. In response, the Bench directed the DGP to submit an affidavit explaining the position and specifying the timeline for providing security.
According to the State Government’s submissions in an earlier hearing, a notification establishing the Patharra open jail was issued on July 14, 2026. Subsequently, the Chhattisgarh Open Jail Operation and Management Rules, 2026, were notified on August 13, 2026.
The government also informed the court that a proposal had been forwarded for the creation of 48 posts and permission to fill them through direct recruitment. A proposal for posting a jail superintendent and other essential staff was also submitted. However, the pace of recruitment has raised concerns before the High Court.
The issue of external security remains unresolved despite repeated requests to the DGP for deployment of one company of the Chhattisgarh Armed Force at the facility. The government has also stated that the process of identifying eligible prisoners for transfer to the open jail has begun.
Authorities are coordinating with relevant institutions to facilitate skill development, vocational training and employment opportunities for prisoners, with the aim of supporting their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
The High Court has now sought clear timelines from the concerned authorities on both recruitment and security arrangements. The matter is scheduled to be heard next on November 26, 2026, when the government is expected to clarify the steps being taken to fill vacant posts and ensure adequate security at the Patharra open jail.
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