‪‪Aam Aadmi Party government tells Delhi High Court to free 1460 undertrial prisoners citing SC directives

Delhi High Court has been informed by the ruling Aam Aadmi Party government that more than 1,400 undertrial prisoners can be freed. The Delhi government asked for the enforcement of the Supreme Court’s order regarding the arrests so that these people can released from Delhi jails.

The government emphasized that police and trial courts are not following the Supreme Court’s directions in the matter. The proceedings for the contempt of court by these authorities are on in the court under the bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Jayant Nath.

Rahul Mehra, senior standing counsel for Delhi government told bench that the Supreme Court’s orders clear state that police cannot arrest people without any reason and trial courts are not allowed to sanction detention in a mechanical way. Mehra added that the decision in his favor will benefit 1,460 undertrial prisoners in the state.

According to the Delhi Government’s status report, around 1,460 male prisoners are undertrial in the jails of national capital. They have been accused of crimes which are punishable by less than seven-year jail term. Mehra told court that authorities which put these prisoners behind the bars shall be charged for contempt of court.

Recently the Delhi High Court questioned the government about the overcrowding of jails in the city, which had male and female detainees for prolonged time. Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLSA) has also held police responsible for this situation. If Delhi High Court takes positive decision, these undertrial prisoners would be able to walk free.