In a significant move towards prison reform, the Jharkhand High Court has issued strict directives to the state government following the emergence of a controversial video showing undertrial prisoners dancing inside Birsa Munda Central Jail.
Court Takes Suo Motu Action
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Rajesh Shankar initiated the action based on news reports that surfaced on November 12. The reports featured two accused individuals, Vidhu Gupta and Siddharth Singhania, dancing inside a hall within the jail premises at Hotwar.
The court took cognizance of the matter through a public interest litigation (PIL) and expressed serious concerns about the administrative lapses that allowed such incidents to occur. The bench emphasized the need for immediate corrective measures to restore proper jail administration.
Stringent Directives Issued
The High Court has ordered the state government to immediately appoint a regular superintendent to manage the administration of Birsa Munda Central Jail. This directive comes as part of broader reforms aimed at tightening security and improving oversight within the prison facility.
In addition to the administrative appointment, the court issued specific instructions to prevent contraband from entering the prison. The authorities have been directed to ensure that mobile phones, chargers, drugs, and intoxicants are completely barred from the jail premises.
Enhanced Monitoring Mechanisms
To ensure compliance and maintain ongoing supervision, the court has mandated regular surprise inspections by multiple authorities. Both the district administration and officers from the Jharkhand Legal Services Authority (JHALSA) will conduct these unannounced visits at regular intervals.
The court has scheduled the next hearing in this matter for January 5 next year, when it will review the implementation of these directives and assess the improvements in jail administration.
Immediate Administrative Actions
Following the publication of the original news report, the prison department had already taken preliminary disciplinary action. IG (Prisons) Sudarshan Mandal suspended assistant jailor Deonath Ram and warder Binod Yadav for their failure to prevent the incident and maintain proper discipline within the facility.
The High Court's intervention underscores the judiciary's commitment to ensuring that correctional facilities maintain proper standards of security and discipline. The case highlights the ongoing challenges in prison administration and the need for constant vigilance to prevent security breaches.
