Provide data on undertrials lodged in jails,HC tells state

In view of undertrials languishing in jail for years without trial,the Bombay High Court on Wednesday directed the state government to provide data regarding undertrials lodged in jails as on July 31,2009.

In view of undertrials languishing in jail for years without trial,the Bombay High Court on Wednesday directed the state government to provide data regarding undertrials lodged in jails as on July 31,2009.

The court has sought details of those who are in jail for three,five,seven and 10 years. For each category,the state shall also submit the offences prisoners are facing and reason for delay in adjudicating the cases.

A division bench of Justice Bilal Nazki and Justice A R Joshi observed that most cases are not brought before court because of escort problems.

The judges further observed that most of these prisoners will be eligible for bail as they have already spent considerable amount of time in jail.

The bench had earlier remarked that the state cannot keep someone in jail without trial for 10 years. The court was hearing a public interest litigation filed by undertrial Shailesh Gandhi.

Based on earlier court direction last year,a report has been filed by TADA court and Principal Judge of the sessions court regarding details of undertrials who are in jail since 1993 for offences under TADA.

Others include undertrials facing charges for offences under NDPS as well as Indian Penal Code.

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