Over 300 prisoners released on bail: MSLSA

SHILLONG, JULY 22: Over 300 prisoners have been released on bail to decongest the prisons in the state in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This was informed by the Member Secretary of Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority (MSLSA) NA Khan during a review meeting held through video conferencing with all the district jails in the state and the secretaries of District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) on Wednesday.

The step was taken in pursuance of the Supreme Court’s order to decongest prisons across the country in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

The aim of the review meeting was to take stock of prison conditions and the implementation of direction of the High Powered Committee, constituted by the State Government pursuant to the order dated March 23, passed by the Supreme Court to decongest prisons.

Khan informed that the prison population in all the district jails is within their capacity, except in district jail in Shillong and Jowai.

Stating that all preventive steps have been taken to stop the spread of COVID-19 in prisons, he said that the district jail in the state has set up isolation centres for the new entrant in the prison.

Khan further informed the DLSAs have also taken steps for the release of the prisoners, in order to decongest the prison. “Till date 300 prisoners have been released on bail,” he said

The discussion and deliberation of the meeting will be placed before the High Powered Committee, for future course of action.

By Our Reporter