Delhi High Court Orders Surprise Inspections Of Tihar Jail; Seeks Report On Hygiene, Food Facilities For Inmates

The Delhi High Court on Thursday constituted a committee to conduct surprise inspections in Tihar Jail and sought a report on the details of food being provided to the inmates and hygiene level maintained in the sitting area and canteen.

Justice Prathiba M Singh sought report on the nature of food provided to the inmates at all times, i.e. breakfast, lunch and dinner, and the details of food items made available in canteen.

The court was hearing a plea moved by two inmates presently lodged in Tihar jail seeking direction on the superintendent of jail to ensure that proper food facilities are made available for all inmates.

It was the petitioners’ case that though there is a prescribed diet in the Prison Rules in terms of quantity and nourishment, the same is not being followed in Tihar Jail as a result of which the physical health of inmates is adversely affected.

Advocate Adit S. Pujari appearing for the petitioners submitted that once the inmates are lodged in their respective cells after 6 PM, there is no food available. He added that the canteen does not now even store or sell fruits for being purchased by inmates.

On the other hand, the counsel representing the superintendent of Tihar Jail submitted that a judge had conducted a visit last month and it was found that all the requisite Rules were being complied with.

Considering the nature of allegations, the court deemed it appropriate to direct surprise inspections so that relevant information on the issue can be gathered.

“The committee is constituted for inspection… Let the committee conduct at least two inspections and submit a report by the next date of hearing,” the court said while listing the matter for hearing on July 20.

The court said that the committee will comprise of three members, including Pujari and sought response of Tihar Jail authorities on the plea.

Title: GEETA ARORA alias SONU PUNJABAN & ANR. v. JAIL SUPERINTENDENT, CENTRAL JAIL-06