In a bid to decongest prisons, the Jammu and Kashmir High Powered Committee (HPC) has passed directions, on May 17, for releasing prisoners except those involved in militancy related cases and other serious crimes.

The HPC headed by Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey has decided to release all convicts who were released as per last year’s directives for 90 days. The HPC will also consider such category of prisoners who are eligible to be released as per the Supreme Court’s directives. Justice Magrey has directed the DGP (Prisons) to coordinate with the Health department to ensure vaccination of jail inmates as well as staff on priority.

Further, the HPC has directed the jail authorities to take appropriate steps by ensuring that the inmates and the staff wear masks and maintain social distancing, and by keeping the frequently visited areas like kitchen, bathrooms etc. hygienic to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

The Committee has also directed Legal Services Authorities across districts to provide the services of Panel Lawyers to the inmates who are eligible to be released from the custody by moving applications on their behalf.

The notification may be read here:

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