World Cup: HC directs TV installation in jail

By Our Staff Reporter

Guwahati, March 4: The Gauhati High Court today directed the authorities of Guwahati Central Jail to install a television in the jail to eble the inmates to watch the ongoing cricket world cup.

The direction came following a writ petition by seven inmates, including Mohit Hojai, the former chief executive member of North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council, who was arrested in connection with the multi-crore fincial scam in the hill district.

Advocate Amit Goyal said the inmates had first written to the jailer seeking installation of television with sports, entertainment and news channels in the jail. After the matter was referred to the district sessions judge had asked the jailor to act as per the jail manual.

The central jail had a television which aired only Doordarshan. “Later, a petition was filed at the high court. Giving its verdict today, a bench of the court headed by Justice AK Goswami observed that the inmates were being denied their right to life and persol liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution. A human being has an equal right to enjoy whether he is in jail or outside. Unless this is done, the purpose of reform cannot be met,” Goyal quoted the court as saying. The court directed the jail authorities to install a TV with sports, news and entertainment channels within five days. It is not clear if the judgement was for all jails in the State.