BANDIPORA, November 3: The Undertrial Review Committee (UTRC) in Bandipora on Tuesday recommended the release of one undertrial prisoner and sought a medical assessment of another during the meeting, chaired by Principal District and Sessions Judge Jeema Bashir.
The Principal District & Sessions Judge who is also Chairperson, District Legal Services Authority chaired the 4th Undertrial Review Committee (UTRC) meeting at the Conference Hall of the New District Court Complex, Bandipora, with the objective of ensuring timely review of cases and facilitating the release of eligible undertrial prisoners, thereby safeguarding their rights and promoting access to justice.
The meeting was attended by Indu Kanwal Chib, District Magistrate, Bandipora; Tahir Saleem Khan, Senior Superintendent of Police, Bandipora; Sheikh Babar Hussain, Secretary, DLSA Bandipora; Barkat Ahmad Dar, Superintendent, District Jail, Kupwara; Syed Gazanafar, Superintendent, District Jail, Baramulla; Iftikar Hassan, Public Prosecutor, Additional Sessions Court, Bandipora; and the Superintendents of Central Jail, Srinagar, Central Jail, Kot Bhalwal, Jammu, and District Jail, Amphalla Jammu, who participated through virtual mode.
During the meeting, the Committee conducted a preliminary review of all eleven (11) eligible cases of undertrial prisoners (UTPs).
The Committee recommended the case of undertrial prisoner Mohd. Akbar Lone, falling under Category 04, for release by the learned Judicial Magistrate, subject to fulfilment of all requisite legal formalities and due process of law. However, the case of another undertrial prisoner, Manzoor Ahmad Sofi, was not recommended for release, as he stands convicted by a competent court of law.
The case of undertrial prisoner Abid Ahmad Waza was also taken up for consideration on medical grounds in view of his life-threatening medical condition.
The Committee accordingly directed the Jail Authorities to constitute a Standing Medical Board to conduct a comprehensive medical examination and submit a detailed medical report before the concerned Court within fifteen (15) days.
Regarding other undertrial prisoners falling under Category 11, who are sick or infirm and require specialized medical treatment, the Committee did not recommend their release, as they were not found to be suffering from any life-threatening or chronic, lifelong medical conditions warranting such consideration.
However, the Jail Authorities were directed to ensure regular medical examinations of these prisoners and submit the corresponding medical reports before the respective courts for their information and necessary consideration.
The cases of the remaining three undertrial prisoners, namely Mst. Suraya, Mst. Muneera and Mrs. Tahira Begum, were also not recommended for release, as they are facing trial for heinous offences punishable with imprisonment for life under the relevant statutory provisions.
The Committee reiterated its commitment to periodically reviewing cases of undertrial prisoners to ensure that no eligible person is deprived of the benefits of legal remedies available under the law.
It also emphasised the importance of timely judicial review and coordinated efforts among the concerned authorities in upholding the rights of undertrial prisoners and ensuring access to justice.
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