Thread by @fpjindia

The #BombayHighCourt bench of CJ Dipankar Datta and Justice Girish Kulkarni is hearing a suo motu PIL on #COVID19 situation in #prisons across Maharashtra. The situation has improved a lot, state had told the HC on the last hearing.

AG Ashutosh Kumbhakoni gives latest figures to the bench.
Prisoners released: 2706
Prisoners on parole: 518
No increase in temporary prisons
Active cases in inmates: 20
Active cases among Staff: 26
Covid test conducted on inmates 80580 tests

Prof Vijay Raghavan from TISS: Documents suggest there is sufficient enhancement of the situation.

AG Kumbhakoni on issue of Medical officers: A communication has been issued to all superintendents of jails to forwards requests of doctors if needed at any point of time.

AG Kumbhakoni: Amendments are being carried out to allow civic hospitals to treat inmates. A notification of it would be issued soon.

Bench is reading the compilation submitted by the state AG

Raghavan: On June 9, state home department has issued a circular asking all police authorities to comply with the Arnesh Kumar verdict.

Four vacancies for central jail superintendents are lying vacant for want of eligible candidate.

They can promote additional superintendents

CJ: This would have to be dealt in prison reforms matter. Which MPSC will have to take. Let's us stick to #COVID19 management in prisons.

CJ: Several posts of jailers and rakshaks have been vacant and there is a general ban on recruitment. That must be removed.

CJ: Population of inmates continue to rise.
CJ asks Raghavan to move a plea before the High Power Committee that could decide on this.