IN RE: CONTAGION OF COVID-19 VIRUS IN PRISONS AND DIRECTOR GENERAL (PRISONS) Vs. IN RE: CONTAGION OF COVID-19 VIRUS IN PRISONS AND DIRECTOR GENERAL (PRISONS)

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Present application has been preferred by the Director General (Prisons), New Delhi seeking appropriate directions from this Court for surrender of prisoners/inmates who had been released on Emergency Parole or interim bail pursuant to the recommendations of the High-Powered Committee, in compliance with the Orders dtd. 23/3/2020, 7/5/2021 and 16/7/2021 passed by this Court in Suo Moto Writ Petition No.01/2020, as the COVID-19 situation has now normalized.

(2.) Ms. Aishwarya Bhati, learned ASG appearing on behalf of the applicant has submitted that this Court in Suo Moto Writ Petition No.01/2020 to prevent the spread of COVID-19 virus among prisoners in over-crowded prisons passed an Order dtd. 23/3/2020 directing each State/Union Territory to constitute the High-Powered Committee to determine the class of prisoners who could be released on Parole or on interim bail on such conditions, as may be determined by the High-Powered Committee.

(3.) We have heard Ms. Bhati, learned ASG appearing on behalf of the applicant, Director General (Prisons), New Delhi. The present application has been preferred by the Director General (Prisons), New Delhi seeking appropriate directions for surrender of prisons/inmates who had been released on Emergency Parole or Interim Bail pursuant to the recommendation of the High-Powered Committee, in compliance with the orders dtd. 23/3/2020, 7/5/2021 and 16/7/2021 passed by this Court in Suo Moto Writ Petition No.01/2020, as the COVID-19 situation has now normalized.