JAGDISH LAL Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) JAGDISH Lal is under going imprisonment for life in Central Jail, Ferozepur. During his tenure in the jail he did not commit any jail offence nor he was awarded jail punishment. He has moved this petition under section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure for grant of better class facilities on the ground that he was an income-tax payee prior to his conviction. He was running a firm and was enjoying a social status by virtue of being income-tax payee. He belonged to a well-to-do family and was used to a superior way of living. He was entitled to better class facilities by virtue of para No. 576-A(2) of the Punjab Jail Manual.

(2.) THE prayer of the petitioner was opposed by the respondent and ' it was contended that he was not entitled to 'B' class facilities under the Government instructions.

(3.) PARA No. 276-A(2) of the Punjab Jail Manual lays down that class 'B' will consist of prisoners who by social status, education or 'habit of the life have been accustomed to a superior mode of living Habitual prisoners may be included in this class by order of the Inspector General of Prisons. The petitioner has filed copy of the assessment order Annexure P-1 to show that he was an income-tax assesses and was accustomed to a superior Mode of living having sufficient income. Assessment order relates to the period prior to his conviction.