The Madras High Court has expressed concern over the plight of 153 remand prisoners and 22 convicts who remain in Tamil Nadu prisons despite being granted bail or suspension of their sentences. Highlighting procedural delays, the Court emphasized the urgent need to address the issue to ensure justice and uphold prisoners’ rights.
A Division Bench comprising Justices SM Subramaniam and M Jothiraman is hearing a suo motu petition focusing on undertrials and convicts unable to secure release due to systemic bottlenecks. According to an affidavit submitted by the Tamil Nadu Prison Department on December 9, delays in receiving bail orders from trial courts have been the primary reason for this situation.
“The learned Additional Public Prosecutor would submit that there is delay in receiving the bail orders from the District Courts. As far as the High Court is concerned, order copies are received immediately. In this regard, it is necessary to implead the Registrar General, High Court, Madras to ensure that the process in this regard is accelerated,” the Bench remarked.
The Court directed the Registrar General to expedite the release process and ensure that prisoners have access to State legal aid services for completing necessary formalities. It underscored the importance of addressing the issue swiftly to prevent undue incarceration.
The Bench also noted the Tamil Nadu government’s existing scheme to provide financial assistance to needy prisoners, issued via a Government Order on February 5, 2024. The State has been instructed to submit a status report by January 6, 2025, detailing the assistance disbursed so far.
Furthermore, the Court extended the scope of its directive to Puducherry, making the Chief Secretary of the Union Territory a party to the proceedings. This move ensures that eligible prison inmates in Puducherry also benefit from the scheme.
