'Laid Back Attitude Not Warranted': Tripura High Court Pulls Up State For Failing To Implement SC Directions On Open Prisons
The Tripura High Court on Wednesday (August 26) pulled up the State Government for failing to conduct the assessment of prison infrastructure and prepare an action plan for establishing Open Correctional Infrastructure (OCI), as directed by the Supreme Court in Suhas Chakma v. Union of India and Others.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice M.S. Ramachandra Rao and Justice Biswajit Palit noted that the State had failed to complete the assessment or prepare an action plan by the Supreme Court's deadline of May 26, 2026.
“Unfortunately, the State Government has not done any assessment of the type directed by the Supreme Court or made any action plan within the time frame indicated by the Supreme Court... and has instead proposed a study of Open Correctional Infrastructure in other States,” the Court observed.
The High Court noted that the Supreme Court had directed States to identify locations for new OCIs and closed prisons where open or semi-open barracks could be created, followed by preparation of time-bound action plans specifying timelines, budgets and capacity targets.
The Court said the State's decision to study OCI models in other States would further delay implementation of the Supreme Court's directions.
“This is unfortunate. The necessary speed and urgency with which the matter requires to be considered seems lacking. Such a laid back attitude is not warranted,” it observed.
The High Court directed the respondents to ensure compliance with Para E of the Supreme Court's judgment by September 25, 2026, and listed the matter on September 28.
Case Title: Court on its own Motion v. The State of Tripura
Case No.: Suo Moto WP (C) No. 01 of 2026
For respondents: Mr. S M Chakraborti, Advocate General, Mrs. Pinki Chakraborty, Advocate.