Jharkhand High Court has directed surprise inspections in all jails to ensure prisoners are served food as per the jail manual. Any violation will make the jailor personally responsible and open to disciplinary action.
Ranchi: In a significant step to ensure better treatment of prisoners, the Jharkhand High Court has directed the chairpersons of all District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) across the state to carry out surprise inspections in jails.
The main purpose of these inspections is to check the quality of food being served to inmates and to ensure that it strictly follows the rules mentioned in the jail manual.
The direction was passed by a division bench consisting of Justices Sujit Narayan Prasad and Arun Kumar Rai while hearing a criminal appeal filed by Akash Kumar Roy.
During the hearing, the court clearly stated that the food provided to prisoners must meet the standards and guidelines laid down in the jail manual, and any failure in maintaining these standards would not be tolerated.
The bench ordered both the chairpersons and secretaries of the DLSAs to physically inspect jails and verify whether the food being served is hygienic, properly cooked, and compliant with the prescribed norms.
The court further made it clear that any irregularity or violation of the jail manual in relation to prison food would make the jailor of that particular jail directly responsible.
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The court observed that if any such deviation is found, the concerned jail officer will face departmental proceedings, which may lead to strict disciplinary action. This move highlights the court’s serious approach towards safeguarding the basic rights and dignity of prisoners.
During the proceedings, Birsa Munda Central Jail Superintendent Sudarshan Murmu and Jailor Laukush Kumar were present in the courtroom. They assured the court that the situation regarding food quality in the jail has improved and that meals are now being served as per the jail manual guidelines.
The state government also informed the court that a committee has been formed to manage and operate the jail canteen. Taking note of this, the High Court granted permission to the committee to run the canteen, but strictly under the supervision of the jailor to ensure transparency and proper functioning.
Additionally, the court instructed all DLSA officers in Jharkhand to conduct regular visits to the jails located within their respective districts and prepare detailed reports regarding the conditions of food and overall compliance with the jail manual.
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These reports are to be submitted to the court for further review and monitoring.
The High Court has listed the matter for the next hearing on December 11, where it will examine the reports submitted by the District Legal Services Authorities and decide on further action if required.
This order reflects the judiciary’s continued efforts to improve prison conditions and uphold the fundamental rights of inmates by ensuring they receive safe and quality food while in custody.
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