Orissa High Court asks Collectors to visit jails every month to review inmates’ condition

Bhubaneswar: The Orissa High Court has directed Collectors to conduct surprise visits every month and review the conditions inside jails.

The Orissa High Court today expressed its concern over the plethora of problems faced by inmates lodged in jails across the State. The HC said there is a need that the Collectors should get in touch with small-time criminals who require legal assistance.

The Bench of BP Routray has directed the government to bring out jail reforms at the earliest. While hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), the Court asked the Collectors to submit a joint report on matters relating to the living condition of prisoners and other facilities inside the jails.

The High Court has further asked the government to organize at least one medical inspection at each of the district jails and sub jails on a regular basis.

On the issue of installation of CCTVs in jails, the court said it was not satisfactory and directed the government to address the issue on a priority basis.