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It has been alleged by a Maharashtra minister that Abu Salem and Mustafa Dossa receive special treatment in the jail in collusion with the prison authorities. The Home Minister of the state, Mr. R. R. Patil has promised a visit to the Arthur Road jail to take stock of the situation after ongoing monsoon session gets over.
It has been indicated that Mustafa Dossa receives big Tiffin boxes and there are pictures of semi nude women pasted on the walls of Abu Salem’s cell. These allegations should not be taken so lightly and immediate action must be taken to find the truth considering the fact that both the prisoners have been booked for serious offences and have prominent underworld connections.
The minister intends to pay an announced visit. Will this do any good? Does he expect to find pictures of semi nude women in the cell? Why will the prisoner authorities risk their own exposure? Even if they are providing these high profile prisoners any luxury then I don’t think that they stupid enough to do the same on the day inspection! Is it very tough to jerk out those pictures and so that a clean image can be projected in front of the minister?
Such inspections are farce and a fine mockery of how law functions in our country. There have been numerous reports from across the country of such special treatment of prisoners with resources. Restaurant food, mobile phones, T.V, Cigarettes etc are some of the examples of how prison officials pamper them just because these prisoners are influential and can give a handsome bribe. The poor administration system is responsible for such incidences. There are some jails where prisoners are destitute and are denied even the basic amenities to live with dignity in the prison. It seems that the mantra –‘If you have money you have everything’ works in Indian jails as well!
Reforms which should be brought about immediately in the prison administration system in India:
The government needs to bring drastic reforms in the administration of prisons in India. The following measures may prove effective to curb such foul practices prevailing in prisons of our country:
- Surprise and frequent inspection of prisons. But there must be an element of true surprise. Usually a phone call regarding the possible inspection reaches to the jail authorities much before the team reaches the premises.
- The inspection must be taken up by persons who are not in police services. Like the Minister in-charge, IAS/IPS officers etc. Even activists from NGO’s and respected/senior members of the society can be included in the team so that a fair and impartial result could be achieved.
- If the prison officials are found to be working in collusion with the prisoners then the whole staff must be suspended with an immediate effect and their services must be terminated after a detailed investigation of their actions.
- Our system does not deal with corrupt police officers severely. Mere suspension and transfer to a different place doesn’t discourage such practices. Stringent punishment for such police officer may have a deterring effect on others.
- Cameras should be installed in all the jail premises and recording should be reviewed by the government to find any misdoings on part of the internal administration.
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Prof G SBajpai
8 years ago
I suppose the only external mechanism to keep a vigil on the internal affairs in the prison is the institution of 'prison visiting committee' which is also known as 'prison visiting system'. This Committee comprises the District Magistrate, IGP range, Chief Medical Superintendent and one or two trained and professional activists having expertise and interest in prison affairs. This Committee has got powers to make inspections and record observations in the event of irregularities including listening grievances of the prisoners. It is regretted that this Committee is intentionally kept inactive by the prison administration and in many cases this not notified and constituted at all. Remarkably, this is the only window to let the world outside know about the happenings in prison. Had this institution been instrumental, perhaps the instances of illegal trafficking and misconduct of influential prisoners would have been curtailed, for instance, in the state of Maharashtra.
Nikita Anand
8 years ago
Indeed Sir. I am extremely surprised to know this. Had this committee been active the scenario would have been drastically different! It really pains me to accept the fact that in India, there are many means available to make things right.. but its our own lethargic and laid back attitude regarding issues which lets injustice continue. Why can we not form pressure groups and initiate the procedure for formation of such committees?
Ajaz Ahmad Gilani
8 years ago
Hi Nikita, hope you are fine. Nikita you have put on all efforts to bring forward the worst image of the prisons in our country. I really appreciate you. I have been working in the same field on prisons and prisoners in india. I hope we can do better in the field to bring about reform in the prisons and in rehabilitating the innocent souls behind bars.
Convey my regards to Prof. G.S. Bajpai, the dynamic personality in NLIU.
Nikita Anand
8 years ago
Respected Sir,
Thank you for the Appreciation. I am quite glad. I shall convey your regards to Prof. Bajpai.
Prison reforms are need of the hour. Atrocities committed on the innocent and privileges to the Rich are characteristics of Prisons in India. Things need to be changed. Overhauling is required.
G S Bajpai
8 years ago
…many thanks..Mr Ajaz. This was indeed a very well articulated piece of writing by Nikita.
Nikita Anand
8 years ago
Thank you Sir, I am very happy that you appreciate.
Ajaz Ahmad Gilani
8 years ago
Sir, Nikita is your taught and so credit goes to both. She has indeed done a marvellous task and I hope she will keep up the spirit throughout.
Sir I am missing my days at NLIU during a Workshop on Socio-legal research methods in october 2009. It will be a goodluck for me if I can get another chance to visit your Institution again.
Please convey my regards to all the faculty members of NLIU.