Dimapur, July 4 (EMN): The Under Trial Review Committee (UTRC) has recommended release of 34 under trial prisoners (UTP) from jails across Nagaland, while the others requiring medical treatment, legal aid counsel, and issues during Covid-19 pandemic were reviewed and discussed.
The decision to recommend release of UTP was taken during the second quarterly meeting of the Under Trial Review Committee in their respective districts for the months from April to June. The committee comprised of District Legal Services Authorities (DLSA) under the Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) along with the principal/ district and session judge as chairman, chief judicial magistrate as secretary, deputy commissioners, superintendent of police, jail superintendent, and lawyers as members.
An update from NSLSA stated that five eligible UTP in Mon were recommended for release on bail during a meeting held in the conference hall of the deputy commissioner’s office on June 25. The recommendation was made under section 36 A of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (where persons accused of section 19 or section 24 or section 27 A or for offences involving commercial quantity) and where investigation is not completed in 60/90/180 days.
It stated that the DC Mon, Thavaseelan K, has pressed for medical assistance for UTP during the current crises. The committee also discussed on the segregation of the UTP which has already been done. The district jail reportedly has 62 UTP and 15 convicts.
In Mokokchung, a UTP accused on compoundable offences was identified and recommended to file bail petition, while the jail authorities were also asked to ensure timely medical health review of one elderly inmate during a meeting held on June 25.
While discussing on Covid-19 safety protocols, the committee has advised the jail authorities to ensure close monitoring of inmates by ensuring safe transit of released inmates. The deputy commissioner was also asked to identify a suitable place to set up Covid care centre to lodge asymptomatic UTPs and convicts.
In Kiphire, one UTP under judicial custody for more than 6 months and 18 days was recommended for release, while another inmate was recommended for medical treatment during a meeting on July 3.
It informed that a total of four UTP and one convict are lodged at District Jail, Kiphire as on July 3.
The meeting at Tuensang held in the office of the superintendent of police on May 29 has discussed to provide a Covid-19 care centre with proper security. It informed that 33 UTP lodged at the district jail were asked to seek free legal aid.
A total of seven UTP in Longleng were recommended for release during a meeting on June 24 via video conference. It added that two UTP were endorsed for legal aid Counsel, while two others were released post recommendation.
In Phek, the committee has identified six UTP and granted bail for release. However, they were not released as they were unable to furnish surety. It mentioned that 10 UTPs were released on parole in the last meeting.
In Dimapur, 11 UTP from Central Jail and three from District Jail were recommended for release on bail during the committee’s meeting on June 14. The meeting was held in the office chamber of the principal district and session judge.
In Wokha, no UTP was observed requiring immediate medical attention during a meeting held on June 9. It was also observed that no UTP was eligible for bail at the moment. The Wokha District Jail currently has 13 UTPs.
The UTRC meeting in Zunheboto held at District Jail on July 2 observed that none of the UTP required recommendation for release. At present, there are 16 UTPs and three convicts at District Jail in Zunheboto. However, recommendation was made to set up a separate Covid care centre for UTPs with proper security.
It further added that no UTP were recommended for release in Kohima and Peren districts.