Dimapur, Oct. 6 (EMN): Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) has recommended bail or release of 18 under trial prisoners (UTP) out of the total 31, while two persons were released pursuant to Under Trial Review Committee (UTRC) recommendations.
NSLSA made the recommendation for bail or release of UTP during the 3rd quarterly meeting of the UTRC through the district legal services authorities (DLSA) in their respective districts for the quarter of July- September in the month of September.
An update from NSLSA informed that 11 UTRC sittings were held across the state during the quarter, where 31 UTP and convicts were examined for bail or release. It informed that 18 UTP and convicts were recommended for bail or release and another two persons were released pursuant to UTRC’s recommendations.
It stated that out of the recommendations made, 8 UTP were released on bail by the court, but were not able to furnish sureties. Other recommendations for release made were 7 UTP detained under chapter 8 of the CrPC under section 107, 108, 109 and 151 of Cr.PC and UTPs covered under Section 436 CrPC.
The UTRC was headed by the DLSA chairperson or secretary, who is a district and session judge or magistrate and included heads of district administration, police, jail, and panel lawyers.
NSLSA informed that two UTP were released in Longleng, They were eligible to be released on bail under sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, while three UTP were given legal aid counsel.
In Dimapur, the committee recommended release of two UTP on bail, who were detained at the Central Jail.
In Kohima, the committee reviewed the status of 54 UTP and nine convicts. It informed that the committee has recommended the concerned court to expatiate the case of two UTP, who have undergone half of the total imprisonment, for early disposal. It added that two UTP were recommended for legal counsel.
In Phek, no UTP were recommended for release and none required medical intervention. There are 22 inmates including 19 UTP and three convicts in Phek District Jail.
In Kiphire, six UTP and one convict are lodged at Kiphire District Jail. It stated that no recommendation was made during a meeting held on September 6.
In Zunheboto, the committee has recommended release of two UTP out of the total 26 inmates including 24 UTP and two convicts.
In Tuensang, there are 28 UTP and three convicts for simple imprisonment and six convicts for rigorous imprisonment. It informed that the committee has recommended free legal aid for 11 persons.
In Wokha, one UTP without a legal representative was recommended for release. It informed that there are 19 UTP and two convicts currently lodged in Wokha District Jail.
For Peren and Mokokchung, no recommendation for release or legal representation was made, while in Mon the committee observed four UTP eligible for bail by the court. However, no sureties were furnished.