Over 1700 women prisoners released on interim bail and parole by eight states to de-congest jails

NEW DELHI: To deal with the problem of overcrowding in prisons and as part of the measures related to prevention of Covid-19 in jails housing women prisoners, around 1700 women inmates including convicts and under-trials have been released on interim bail and parole by eight states so far.
The data shared with NCW in a video conference with states on Monday shows that number of prisoners released on interim bail and parole was highest in Uttar Pradesh (1039) followed by Haryana (223) and Chhattisgarh (107).The other five states which provided data to NCW include Gujarat (102, West Bengal 93, Delhi 73, Telangana 61 and Manipur 04. However, it is learnt that Bihar which was also part of the video conferencing has said that it is not planning to release anyone for now as they were worried about what if on return to the prison they bring in the infection.
The director generals and inspector generals of prisons from across 25 states apprised NCW chief Rekha Sharma in the meeting about the measures taken by them to de-congest women jails, ensure social distancing and sanitation to prevent the spread of Covid-19. In a press statement issued by NCW it was shared that as per feedback from states during the meeting it was reported that no cases of COVID-19 have been found in the wards and barracks in prisons for women.
“For mental well being of the inmates, video calling (E-Mulaqat) and phone calls with family is being done regularly. The state of Tamil Nadu has made total of 2900 video calls and other states were advised to advertise E-Mulaqat on a bigger scale,” the NCW has shared in its statement.
NCW was also informed that the prison inmates are engaged in manufacturing of masks. The prisoners in the state of Kerala have also manufactured nearly 500 litres of sanitiser.
Last month, the NCW had issued an advisory with recommendations to states calling for special attention to women wards in prisons. NCW had recommended that since the number of under-trial women prisoners, languishing for a long period in jails, is very significant, one way to de-congest the women’s ward is to ensure prompt legal action to get them released on bail.
“This matter, therefore, should be taken up with State Legal Services Authority and it should be ensured that the bail application in respect of all women under trials is placed before the competent Court with positive recommendation from the prosecution side, keeping in view the current situation,” NCW stated in its advisory.