Decongestion of Meghalaya jails under consideration, says IGP

STAFF CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: The Inspectorate of Prisons is processing all formalities to decongest the jails in view of COVID-19. The Supreme Court has directed all States and Union Territories (UTs) to constitute a high-level commitee to consider releasing prisoners on parole or interim bail.

Inspector General of Prison M.H Kharkrang said that the process is on and we are working on it. He added, "Releasing the UTP (Under Trial Prisoners) is not our mandate; and, they will have to seek bail from the Court.

On the other hand, before taking a call there will be review of those convicts with less than seven yars of imprisonment." The IGP also said that the prisons in Jowai, Tura and Williamnagar have prisoners as per their respective capacities. Kharkrang added that prisoners will be freed only after a thorough analyses are carried out of their behaviours.

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS CLOSED: West Garo Hills District Magistrate Ram Singh has promulgated Section 144 of the CrPC on May 8, thereby extending the closure of all educational institutions in the district till May 24. The order also said that during the period of closure, all the educational institutions in the district shall maintain classes through online teaching, stated a press release.

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