KARANVIR THAMMAN Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The present petition relates to the convicts and inmates lodged in jail who are suffering from HIV.

(2.) Learned Assistant Advocate General appearing for the State of Punjab has filed a status report indicating that a survey has been conducted by the authorities according to which there are 5.5% inmates and convicts lodged in jail who are suffering from HIV Aids. It is stated in the report that the authorities have now set up a mechanism for screening the convicts on their entry into the jail at the first instance for determining as to whether they are suffering from HIV. It is also stated in the report that State of Punjab has set up treatment and monitoring cell in the several jails for the purposes of treating and rendering assistance to HIV patients lodged in the jails. It is further stated that the State of Punjab is in the process of setting up four ATR Centers in four central jails namely Jalandhar at Kapurthala, Amritsar, 1 of 2 Bathinda and Ferozepur for the purposes of screening, monitoring and treating the persons lodged in jails who are suffering from HIV.

(3.) In view of the status report placed on record, we do not find any reason to pass any further orders. The petition is accordingly disposed of granting liberty to the petitioner to take up fresh proceedings, in case, any cause of action survives.