The Delhi High Court has rejected a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Gautam Kumar Laha, which sought the formulation of guidelines for the release of undertrial prisoners on bail. Additionally, the PIL sought the establishment of a committee to determine which undertrials could be released.
Judicial Decision
In its order dated April 24, a division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora dismissed the petition. The bench cited a similar issue currently under consideration in a writ petition before the Supreme Court, concerning overcrowding in jails.
Supreme Court’s Involvement
The Delhi High Court bench noted that the Supreme Court, in a writ petition on the issue of jail overcrowding, had directed each state government to establish a designated committee. This committee is tasked with addressing overcrowding by establishing new jails, expanding existing facilities, and utilizing technology to improve inmate conditions.
Reasoning Behind Dismissal
The bench concluded that since the concerns raised in the PIL were already being addressed by the Supreme Court, there was no need to entertain the petition in the Delhi High Court.
Petitioner’s Argument
The PIL argued for the benefit of undertrial prisoners, highlighting the overcrowded and overpopulated conditions in jails across the country, particularly in Delhi. The petitioner’s counsel referenced data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) to illustrate the severity of the situation.
Union of India’s Response
Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, representing the Union of India, pointed out that the issues raised in the PIL were already being addressed in another writ petition filed in 2013. Sharma referenced the Standard Operating Procedure For Under-Trial Review Committees (SOP) drafted by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), which the Supreme Court had taken into account in 2018.
Conclusion
The Delhi High Court’s decision underscores the ongoing efforts by higher judicial authorities to address issues of jail overcrowding and undertrial prisoner welfare, reaffirming the significance of the judicial system’s role in safeguarding fundamental rights.
