Jharkhand HC seeks detailed probe report on food quality in state prisons

Ranchi — The Jharkhand High Court has instructed the state government to carry out an extensive investigation into the quality of food served to inmates across all prisons in the state.

The direction came while the court was hearing a matter related to complaints about poor-quality food at Birsa Munda Central Jail in Hotwar, Ranchi.

A bench headed by Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad examined the issue during the hearing of a criminal appeal filed by Akash Kumar Rai, where allegations of substandard meals inside Hotwar jail were raised.

Acting on these concerns, the court summoned Jail Superintendent Sudarshan Murmu and Jailer Luvkush Kumar, who appeared personally and submitted a detailed status report. They claimed that meals were now being served strictly in accordance with the jail manual and that measures had already been taken to improve food quality.

Earlier, the Home Secretary and the Inspector General of Prisons had filed an affidavit enclosing a statewide assessment of food quality following the court’s orders. The government stated that significant improvements had been made in recent years and that jails were adhering to prescribed standards.

The court also allowed the operation of a canteen inside the jail and clarified that any irregularities in food supply would be the direct accountability of the jailer.

Additionally, the High Court instructed JHALSA and DLSA to conduct surprise inspections in various district jails and submit a comprehensive report within two weeks.

The next hearing is scheduled for December 11, and the JHALSA Member Secretary has been directed to circulate the order to all DLSA chairpersons for necessary compliance.

With inputs from IANS