SC orders release of those in Assam detention centres for 2 years

Attorney General K.K. Venugopal, representing the Centre, vehemently argued that the release and transportation of the prisoners would itself result in transmission of coronavirus from prisons or detention centres to locations where the released prisoners have to reach.

Advocate Shoeb Alam, representing an applicant, claimed these are only apprehensions, and contended the two-year period be dispensed with or further reduced due to this viral infection outbreak.

Another advocate appearing in the matter cited the March 16 order of the apex court where it directed the authorities concerned to take steps to prevent jails from becoming breeding grounds for coronavirus infection. The court had asked the high powered committee to come with a framework to release prisoners on parole.

At this, the court observed that it had not directed the states/Union Territories to compulsorily release the prisoners from their respective prisons. The purpose of the order was to ensure the states/Union Territories to assess the situation in their prisons having regard to the outbreak of the present pandemic in the country and release certain prisoners and for that purpose to determine the category of prisoners to be released.

“No prisoner shall be released if he/she has suffered from coronavirus disease in communicable form hereafter. For this purpose, appropriate tests will be carried out… Transportation shall be done in full compliance of the Rules and Norms of social distancing. For instance, no transportation shall be allowed in excess of half or one fourth capacity of the bus…,” said the top court.

IANS