Coronavirus: Supreme Court takes suo motu cognizance of overcrowding in jails

A two-judge bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) S A Bobde and Justice LN Rao issued notice to the Director-General, Prisons, and chief secretaries of all states and union territories on the issue of overcrowding in jails during the coronavirus outbreak. 

The bench has sought their reply by March 20 regarding the precautionary measures taken for the prevention of COVID-19 in prison complexes.

The apex court has also directed all states and union territories to delegate an officer on March 23 who could assist it in the matter. The bench also took suo motu cognizance of prevalent conditions in remand homes where juveniles in conflict with law are lodged.

It observed that some states have taken steps for the pandemic but there are some states which have not taken appropriate measures. “We need to formulate some guidelines, and directions should be issued with respect to overcrowding of prisons in wake of coronavirus,” the bench said.

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