KRUSHNA PRASAD SAHOO Vs. STATE OF ODISHA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) In the convenience note submitted today by Mr. Gautam Misra, learned Amicus Curiae, it is stated that there is excess inmate population to the extent of 77% in the Sub-Jail in Jajpur and 67% in the Sub-Jail at Athamallik. Mr. Manoj Kumar Chhabra, DG of Prisons who appeared online stated that as regards the overcrowding in Jajpur, a new site is being identified and a fresh proposal will to be sent for construction of an additional jail to enhance the jail capacity. In the meanwhile, steps will be taken to re-locate some of the inmates to other nearby prisons.

(2.) As regards the sub-jail at Athamallik, Mr. Sanjeev Panda, CMD, Odisha Police Housing and Welfare Corporation (OPHWC) who also appeared online stated that an additional jail capacity of 35 would be made available by the end of March, 2023.

(3.) On the issue of overcrowding of jails, the Court in its previous order had noted the position in Malkanagiri, where the inmate population is 582 which is 37% in excess of the scheduled capacity of 424. It appears that although the additional building with the capacity of 200 is ready, the compound wall is not. In effect, therefore, the additional capacity cannot be used till such time the boundary wall is not in place.