Apex Court Issues Directions for Protection of Inmates from COVID

Apex Court Issues Directions for Protection of Inmates from COVID

The Hon’ble three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice of India NV Ramana, Justices L Nageswara Rao, and Justice Surya Kant has directed the jail authorities to make sure that proper medical facilities are provided to those who are imprisoned.

Additionally, the Hon’ble Apex Court has also directed the jail authorities to be considerate towards the prisoners.

Subsequently, in view of the wellbeing and possibilities of the prisoners getting infected from the ongoing coronavirus after their release. The Hon’ble apex court stated that in light of the extraordinary circumstances prisoners cannot be released due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Moreover, the Hon’ble Supreme Court bench while directing the jail authorities also provided certain directions for the release of certain prisoners on interim bail to decrease the crowd in prison.

However, while issuing a set of directions to decongest prisons in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hon’ble Apex Court has also remarked that regular testing of the prisoners and jail staff must be done to curb the spread of the virus.