Jharkhand HC seeks time-bound reforms, orders panel for open jails

Ranchi — The Jharkhand High Court has directed the state government to constitute a three-member committee to monitor and improve conditions in open jails, underlining the need for stronger oversight and accountability.

The order came from a division bench led by Chief Justice M. S. Sonak and Justice Rajesh Shankar, which took suo motu cognisance in line with guidelines issued by the Supreme Court of India.

As per the court’s directions, the panel will be headed by the Home Secretary and will include the Inspector General (IG) of Prisons along with the Superintendent of the concerned open jail. The bench noted that such a composition is necessary to ensure both administrative control and effective on-ground execution of reforms.

The court has asked the state government to submit a status report on the formation of the committee by June 11, the next date of hearing. Advocate Piyush Chitresh represented the state during the proceedings.

The move follows nationwide directions from the Supreme Court, which has called on all states to establish similar monitoring mechanisms under their Home Departments to strengthen the functioning of open prisons.

Open jails are intended to promote rehabilitation by granting inmates greater freedom and responsibility. However, they continue to face issues such as gaps in infrastructure, limited basic amenities, and weak monitoring systems.

The newly proposed committee will review facilities such as healthcare, food quality, sanitation, and recreational infrastructure. It will also focus on rehabilitation initiatives, including skill development, employment avenues, and community integration to help inmates transition back into society.

Stressing urgency, the High Court called for timely compliance and proactive steps to ensure meaningful improvements in the state’s open jail system.

With inputs from IANS