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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Hemant Karkare killed by RSS-linked cop, not Kasab: Maharashtra LoP Vijay Wadettiwar
BJP writes to ECI for action against Cong leader Wadettiwar for 'defaming' Ujjwal Nikam
Mumbai, May 5: The BJP has written to the Election Commission of India seeking action against Congress and the opposition leader, Vijay Wadettiwar, for allegedly peddling lies and defaming its Mumbai North Central nominee and ex-26/11 prosecution lawyer Ujjwal Nikam.
Wadettiwar, the leader of the opposition in the Maharashtra legislative assembly, purportedly called Nikam an "anti-national" and accused him of hiding the information that then Maharashtra ATS chief Hemant Karkare wasn't killed by Kasab's bullet during the 26/11 terror attack, but fell to a bullet of a policeman affiliated to RSS.
His allegations were based on the book "Who Killed Karkare" written by retired police officer SM Mushriff.
"As a responsible leader, the opposition leader should desist from making such comments that can help the enemy nation," Nikam said.
Terming Wadettiwar's statements as "false and not based on facts", Mumbai BJP president Ashish Shekar claimed they were aimed at defaming Ujjwal Nikam and inciting emotions.
"We have written to the Election Commission of India seeking action against Wadettiwar who is a star campaigner (of Congress) and also against the Congress party for peddling lies," he added.
Shelar further said (Ajmal) Kasab was sentenced to death for killing innocent people after following a due process of law.
Kasab was the lone terrorist who was captured alive by Mumbai Police during the 26/11 terror attack by Pakistani terrorists in which at least 166 people were killed and several others were injured.
Shelar wondered whether Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray supported the statement made by the Congress leader.
A former special public prosecutor, Nikam had represented the state in high-profile cases like the Mumbai serial bomb blasts and the 2008 Mumbai terror attack.
He is making his political foray from Mumbai North Central seat on a BJP ticket and is pitted against city Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad.
