SC urges action on overcrowded prisons: emphasises prison reform and women inmates' health
New Delhi: Supreme Court has intensified its call for action on the issue of overcrowding in Indian prisons, highlighting the need for urgent reforms. During a hearing, Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah dealt with the importance of addressing the inadequate infrastructure of jails across various States and Union Territories (UTs).
The court directed Chief Secretaries of concerned States/UTs to submit affidavits detailing plans for implementing recommendations aimed at alleviating overcrowding. This includes proposals for infrastructure improvements and clear timelines for implementation.
While most states complied, Delhi faced a delay due to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's judicial custody. The Additional Solicitor General representing Delhi outlined proposals for a common committee to address infrastructure challenges, with a commitment to submit a report within two weeks.
The court focused on states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Chhattisgarh, which have witnessed significant overcrowding issues in their prisons. Data collected by the court-appointed Amicus highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive assessments and reforms. Justice Kohli stressed that while incarceration restricts freedom of movement, it shouldn't entail living in deplorable conditions detrimental to inmates' health.
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4 held for sexually assaulting woman, girl on moving bus after social media alert in UP's Agra
Agra (UP) (PTI): Four people were arrested, after a prompt response by police following a social media alert, for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman and a girl inside a moving bus here, officials said on Tuesday.
According to an official police statement, at 12:27 am on April 27, information was received on the social media platform X about an incident of sexual assault on a bus travelling from Kanpur to Ahmedabad, which was approaching Namner crossing in Agra.
Acting under the direction of Police Commissioner Deepak Kumar, the Agra Police social media team immediately alerted the Rakabganj police station within minutes and coordinated with the victims to confirm the incident and obtain the exact location, it stated.
Police teams launched intensive checking at Namner crossing and intercepted the bus as it reached the spot. The four accused involved in the incident were apprehended on the spot, and legal action was initiated against them, the statement said.
The police said the swift response and coordination between the social media team and field units ensured timely action, bringing relief to the victims and other passengers, who expressed gratitude towards the police, it added.
