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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BJD govt will expire on June 4: PM Modi in Odisha
Berhampur (Odisha) (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday asserted that the expiry date of the BJD government in Odisha is June 4, the day the assembly election results will be announced.
Addressing his first election rally in the state, Modi urged people to give a chance to the BJP to make Odisha the number one state in the country.
In an apparent dig at BJD president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, the prime minister said, "Odisha needs a CM who understands Odia language and culture."
"The BJP will form a double-engine government here after elections. The expiry date of the BJD government is June 4, 2024," Modi said at the Berhampur rally.
He also claimed that Odisha has not benefitted from Ayushman Bharat Yojana as the "BJD government did not implement" it in the state.
The Centre gave Rs 10,000 crore under the 'Jal Jeevan Mission' scheme to Odisha but the BJD dispensation could not spend the money properly.
"You have given 50 years to Congress and 25 years to BJD. Just give five years to the BJP. We will make Odisha the number one state in the country," Modi said at the rally.
Odisha has fertile land, mineral resources, and sea coasts, but people are still poor, he claimed.
"We released a visionary manifesto for Odisha promising jobs for youths and women and health facilities for senior citizens. BJP fulfils what it says: Modi added.
The assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Odisha will be held simultaneously.
"I have come here to invite you to the swearing-in ceremony of BJP's CM on June 10. On the very day, we will implement the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana which the Naveen Patnaik government has been resisting. This son of Lord Jagannath will take care of all senior citizens under this scheme," Modi said.
Referring to Patnaik's alleged weak command over Odia language, Modi said: "A person, who lives, understands and takes pride in Odia culture and tradition, can help resolve the problems of Odisha at a faster pace...".
He appealed to the people to allow BJP to serve the state for once and it is Modi's guarantee that Odisha will be turned into the number one state in the next five years.
The prime minister said Odisha lags behind in every development parameter despite having huge resources like water, fertile land, rich mineral wealth, and a vast coastline.
"Who is responsible for Odisha’s backwardness? Why are the people of resources-rich Odisha still poor? The answer is rampant loot by Congress, which ruled the state for 50 years, and then the BJD for next 25 years. The BJD is sinking, while Congress is a spent force and the BJP is the only ray of hope for the people," he said.
The prime minister also said that the BJP has given the country's highest post to the daughter of Odisha. "It is my good fortune that President Droupadi Murmu Ji tells me every minute for the development of Odisha. I feel that I will be able to do a lot for the state under her guidance," he said.
Responding to Modi's claim, senior BJD leader and Naveen Patnaik's close aide VK Pandian said: "Naveen Patnaik will take oath as the chief minister of Odisha for the sixth consecutive time between 11.30 am to 1.30 pm on June 9."
