CHANDIGARH: With the Covid-19 pandemic scenario improving, Haryana has decided to initiate the recall of all convicts released on special Covid parole to their respective prisons in a phased manner.
As per the decision, all convicts have to return to jail in four phases from September 19 to October 10. A total of 3,100 convicts were sent on special parole by the state authorities in view of the second wave of Covid-19.
The state authorities, however, have decided to extend the bail of 1,923 undertrials who were released on temporary bail.
This decision has been taken by a high-powered committee in its meeting held recently under the chairmanship of Justice Rajan Gupta, judge of the Punjab and Haryana high court and the executive chairman, Haryana state legal services authority.
Other members of the committee who also attended the meeting are Baldev Raj Mahajan, advocate general, Rajeev Arora, additional chief secretary (home), P K Agrawal, DGP, Shaturjeet Kapur, DGP (vigilance) Haryana as special invitee as well as one representative from the legal services authority.
Covid protocols to be followed for readmission
The readmission process will take place from September 19 onwards in four phases. Under the first three phases from September 19-26 and October 3, convicts who are involved in offences having imprisonment of more than seven years shall surrender in jails. The convicts having imprisonment of up to seven years shall turn themselves in during the last and 4th phase, which would take place on October 10.
“The jail authorities are directed to prepare a surrender plan and shall follow all the Covid protocols at the time of readmission of convicts in jails. Further interim bail of 1,923 undertrials who are involved in offences having imprisonment of seven years or less than seven years is extended till further orders of the Supreme Court," the committee said.
The committee noticed that many convicts have not reported back to jails during their parole period. Police authorities have been directed to take all necessary steps for their arrest. The DGP Haryana assured that they will devise a structured mechanism for taking absconders back to jail.
Family interviews resumed
Resuming interviews of inmates with their family members, the committee has decided that only one interview per month per prisoner shall be allowed. Maximum of two persons can meet the prisoner per interview. The interview would be permitted only if the prisoner and their family members are fully vaccinated at least 15 days prior to the interview or have RT-PCR negative report 72 hours prior to their meeting. The interview of prisoners with their legal aid counsels would be conducted from 4-5 pm on all working days.
Regular vaccination camps to be held in jails
As per the data, around 92% prisoners lodged in different jails of Haryana have been vaccinated with the first dose and 30% prisoners are fully vaccinated. Jail authorities have been directed to undertake regular vaccination camps in jails for remaining prisoners at the earliest so that all inmates are vaccinated as soon as possible.
Jail authorities, health authorities and district legal services authorities have also been told to organise regular vaccination camps at jails not only for inmates but also for their visiting family members.
Inmates' family interviews resumed
Resuming the meetings of inmates with their family members, the committee has decided that only one interview per month per prisoner shall be allowed. Maximum of two persons can meet the prisoner per interview. The interview would be permitted only if the prisoner and their family members are fully vaccinated at least 15 days prior to the interview or have RT-PCR negative report within 72 hours of their meeting.
