Baikunthpur: A quarterly inspection of District Jail Baikunthpur was conducted in compliance with the directions of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), New Delhi, and the judgment passed by the Supreme Court in Writ Petition (Civil) No. 1404 of 2023, Sukanya Sanstha v. Union of India & Others. The inspection focused on protecting the rights of prisoners, reviewing basic facilities and ensuring access to legal services without discrimination.
The inspection team was led by Principal District and Sessions Judge, Baikunthpur, Yogesh Pareek, Superintendent of Police Harish Rathore and Additional Collector Surendra Prasad Vaidya. Chief Judicial Magistrate Pratiksha Agrawal, Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority Amrita Dinesh Mishra, members of the District Visitors Board and other concerned officials were also present.
Officials Interact Directly with Prisoners
During the inspection, officials interacted directly with prisoners and enquired about their problems, requirements and the facilities being provided to them. The availability of legal assistance was also reviewed to ensure that eligible prisoners receive timely legal services.
Officials emphasised that no prisoner should face discrimination on the basis of caste, social identity or any other ground. The prison barracks, cleanliness and sanitation arrangements were also inspected.
The quality of food being provided to prisoners was examined, and officials sought details regarding the arrangements in place.
Legal Aid Clinic Facilities Reviewed
The inspection team also visited the Legal Aid Clinic established inside the district jail and reviewed the facilities available there and the legal assistance being provided to prisoners.
Special emphasis was placed on ensuring that no eligible prisoner is deprived of legal assistance and that access to justice reaches every person in need.
Jail Superintendent Sheikh Avid Raza, Deputy Chief of the Legal Aid Defense Counsel K.B. Namdev and Para-Legal Volunteers were present during the inspection.
Focus on Protection of Rights of Every Prisoner
The quarterly inspection is being conducted by the District Legal Services Authority and District Visitors Board, Korea, in accordance with the directions issued by the Supreme Court in its judgment dated October 3, 2024, in Writ Petition (Civil) No. 1404 of 2023.
The mechanism aims to ensure humane and dignified treatment of every person lodged in the jail and prevent discrimination on the basis of caste or any other factor. No instance of caste-based or other discrimination was found during the inspection.
Officials said that protecting the rights of every individual before the law and ensuring access to justice and legal assistance for those in need are central to the legal services system. They emphasised that prisoners are also entitled to dignity, awareness of their rights and necessary legal assistance. Furthermore, the administration highlighted ongoing efforts to improve rehabilitation programs and overall living conditions within the facility.
