Jharkhand High Court expressed concern after a prisoner tested HIV-positive, calling it a “medical tragedy” and evidence of prison negligence. Authorities have been directed to submit complete medical reports and appear at the next hearing.
The Jharkhand High Court on Monday expressed serious concern after it was brought to its notice that a prisoner lodged in judicial custody has tested positive for HIV. The inmate, who has been in jail since June 2, 2023, was initially kept in Dhanbad District Jail and later shifted to Hazaribag Central Jail on August 10, 2024.
According to the case records, the prisoner’s HIV test returned positive on January 24, 2024. The matter was heard by a division bench of the High Court, comprising Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad and Justice Sanjay Prasad.
During the hearing, the court described the situation not only as a “medical tragedy” but also as a “serious violation of human rights,” holding the incident as clear evidence of negligence by the prison administration.
The bench further highlighted long-standing issues plaguing the state’s prisons, including overcrowding, poor healthcare facilities, and the failure to conduct regular medical check-ups for inmates, calling these matters “grave issues” that require urgent attention.
Taking strict notice of the incident, the court directed the prison authorities to submit complete medical reports of all prisoners who were lodged in Dhanbad Jail between June 2, 2023, and August 24, 2024.
In addition, the High Court ordered that the secretaries of the Health, Home, and Jail Departments, along with the superintendents and medical officers of both Dhanbad and Hazaribag jails, must personally appear at the next hearing.
The court has scheduled the next hearing of the case for September 25, 2025, signaling its intent to closely monitor the matter and ensure accountability for the lapses in prisoner healthcare and human rights safeguards.
This case underscores ongoing concerns regarding prison management in Jharkhand, particularly the need for proper medical care, timely health screenings, and measures to prevent neglect or violation of inmates’ basic rights.
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