Subject : INSPECTION NOTE ON THE VISIT OF DISTRICT JAIL,

HOSHIARPUR.

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On 30-5-09, at about 12.00 noon, I visited District Jail Hoshiarpur. Deputy Commissioner, S.S.P. and Civil Surgeon Hoshiarpur were also accompanied me at the time of my visit in jail. Superintendent Jail and Deputy superintendent Jail also joined at the time of inspection of the jail. There are 580 inmates in the jail. I enquired from all the inmates about the food, treatment, drinking water condition and medical facilities provided in the jail. I have already submitted short report of urgent nature problem to the Hon’ble Chairperson of the Commission and my detailed observations are as under :-

Legal Assistance to the inmates:- A number of inmates reported that they are unaware to the fact that they are provided legal assistance by the jail authorities and civil authorities or not. So, many inmates complained that the advocates provided to them are not keeping in touch with the inmates. Even they are not aware of the names of advocates. They do not know whether the advocates appeared in the courts or not to plead their cases. The Jail Superintendent and Deputy Commissioner Hoshiarpur immediately responded that they will take care of the problems of the inmates regarding providing of the legal assistance to them.

Medical :- At the time of my visit, a number of inmates reported that the proper medical treatment is not provided to them. A few inmates were even hesitating to tell their health problems but it was apparent that they need some improved medical treatment. Accordingly, Civil Surgeon and Doctor posted in jail assured that they will medically check up the inmates and a detailed report will be submitted in the Commission.

Drinking Water :- There are two tubewells which supply the drinking water in the jail. One tubewell was installed by Punjab Police Housing Corporation is not giving potable drinking water. Some inmates showed me the condition of water from the tap and from the cooler. The colour of the water was like a sugar cane juice which cannot be used for drinking purpose.

Behavior of staff:-No body made any complaint against any officer and staff regarding mis-behaviour with the inmate.

Capacity condition of the jail :-This jail has a capacity to keep 278 inmates but at the time of visit, there were 580 inmates in the jail. It has been reported that 2 more barracks are under construction and some inmates would be also adjusted there.

There are 6 watch towers but only ___ watch tower was/were under operation. The others are not in operation because of shortage of employees. The wire installed outside of the jail is required to be changed because the same has become old.

Medical Facility :- Only one medical officer and pharmacist each were posted in the hospital. There is no lab in the hospital. So, for test, the inmates are taken to the hospital and it has been reported that the jail authorities feel it very difficult to get the test of blood, urine done from Civil Hospital because so many times, they show their inability to tests the blood sugar etc. of the inmates. In case, some serious patient is to send to the hospital, the jail authorities feel it more difficult to send him immediately because for want of security staff and medical treatment is delayed due to that reason.

Recommendation :- I suggest that barracks be immediately constructed so that proper residential facilities be provided to the inmates. Jail is over crowded almost double of its capacity. So, necessary arrangement be made to reduce the burden/rush of the jail.

Watch tower be provided proper security.

One generator be installed in the jail or the jail may be brought under hot line.

The old wiring of the jail be changed.

The legal and medical assistance be provided to the inmates as per requirement.

The tubewell which was not working properly be put in order shortly, so that proper drinking facility be provided to the inmates.

It is observed that in case of non availability of Government vehicle, the inmates are carried to courts on foot which may cause some security problem also. So, I recommend that the inmates who were to be produced before the courts for remand only for this purpose, one Judicial Magistrate be appointed who may come to jail and pass remand orders. It can save the time of courts and money of the government and it will be more secure for the inmates. Inmates who are to produce for trial purpose, the courts should make the list one day prior in which cases witnesses are to be examined and only those inmates be called in the courts and others may be given date by some Duty Magistrate in jail. This will also save time of the court and money of the Government. It will be also proper for the security of the inmate.

A large number of people are in jails. These are human resources. So expert opinion be sought as to how these human resources can be utilized to make them skilled or if, they can be put at other job.

-Sd-

(AVINASH RAI KHANNA)

MEMBER

June 8, 2009

Hon’ble Chairperson

PSHRC, Chandigarh