Prison Manual, 2021
Prison Manual, 2021
2021
FOR THE
SUPERINTENDENCE
AND
MANAGEMENT
OF THE JAILS
IN
HIMACHAL PRADESH
FOREWORD
In Himachal Pradesh, the provisions of H.P. Prison
Manual, 2021 are followed generally in administering the Jails/Sub Jails.
The present Himachal Pradesh Jail Manual, 2000 is repealed and New
H.P. Prison Manual, 2021 is adopted for management and
Superintendence of Jails in the State on the directions of the Hon’ble
Supreme Court to bring the manual in line with the current requirements.
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Chapter XXX: Staff Development ........................................................................................................... 301
Chapter XXXI: Prison Computerisation ................................................................................................. 313
Chapter XXXII: REGULATION, CONTROL AND DISCIPLINE………………………………………316
******
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Chapter I
DEFINITIONS
(2) “Adult prisoner” means any prisoner who is more than 21 years of age;
(4) “Civil prisoner” means any prisoner who is not committed to custody under a writ,
warrant or order of any court or authority exercising criminal jurisdiction, or by
order of a court martial and who is not a detenue;
(5) “Central Jail” means any prison in which criminal convicted prisoners are received,
for the purpose of undergoing their sentence, by transfer from any other jail and in
which such prisoners are not, when committed to prison, in the first instance
ordinarily received. Provided that no jail shall be deemed to be a central Jail unless
and until the State Government has declared it to be such;
(6) “Compartment” means any room, work shop, godown or other area covered in
enclosed and protected place in a jail, other than a cell or ward;
(7) “Competent Authority” means any officer having jurisdiction and due legal authority
to deal with a particular matter in question;
(8) “Convict” means any prisoner under sentence of a court exercising criminal
jurisdiction or court martial and includes a person detained in prison under the
provisions of chapter VIII of the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1973, (Central Act 2
of 1974) and the Prisoners Act of 1900 (Central Act 3 of 1900);
(10) “Correctional personnel” means the personnel engaged for Correctional purposes in
the prison department;
(11) “Detenue” means any person detained in prison on the orders of the competent
authority under the relevant preventive laws;
(12) “Director General/ Inspector General of Prisons and Correctional Services” means an
officer designated as such by the State Government;
(13) “District Jail or Medium Security Jail” means any prison to which prisoners from one
or more districts are, in the first instance, ordinarily committed and includes every
jail other than a Central Jail or a Special Jail;
Note: A temporary prison provided under section 7 of the Prisons Act, 1894 shall
unless constituted a central or special Jail, be a District Jail.
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(14) “District Probation Officer” means an officer appointed as such by the State
Government to look after the probation work in a District under the Probation of
Offenders Act, 1958;
(15) “The Government” means the Government as defined in the Indian Penal Code, 1860
(Central Act XLV of 1860);
(16) “Geriatric prisoner” means a prisoner who is 60 years of age or above and medically
unable to manage his/her daily affairs independently without assistance;
(17) “Habitual offender” means a prisoner classified as such in accordance with the
provisions of applicable law or rules;
(18) “Habitual Criminal” means any person who since his attaining the age of eighteen
years during any consecutive period (whether before or after the commencement of
this Act, or partly before and partly after such commencement) of five years, has
been sentenced on conviction, on not less than three occasions, to a substantive term
of imprisonment for one or more of the scheduled offences committed on separate
occasions, being offences which are not so connected together as to form part of the
same transaction;
Note 2:- Convicting courts or District Magistrates, as the case may be, may revise
their own classification and the District Magistrate may after any classification of a
prisoner made by convicting court or any other authority provided that the alteration
is made on the basis of facts which were not before such court or authority;
Note 3:- The expression “District Magistrate” wherever it occurs in Notes 1 and 2
above means the District Magistrate of the District in which the criminal was
convicted, committed or detained; and
Note 4:- Every habitual criminal shall as far as possible be confined in a special Jail in
which no prisoner other than habitual criminal are kept:
Provided that the Director General of Prisons may, transfer to this special jail any
prisoner, not being a habitual criminal, whom, for reason to be recorded in writing,
he believes to be of so vicious or depraved character and to exercise, or likely to
exercise, so evil an influence on his fellow prisoners, that he ought not to be confined
with other non habitual prisoners, but a prisoner so transferred shall not otherwise be
subject to the special rules affecting habitual criminals;
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(19) “High-risk offender” means a prisoner with high propensity towards violence,
escape, self-harm, disorderly behaviour, and likely to create unrest in the jail and
threat to public order. Also includes persons intermittently suffering from suicidal
tendencies, and persons with substance-related and addictive disorders suffering
from intermittent violent behaviour;
(20) “History ticket” means the ticket exhibiting such information as is required in
respect of each prisoner by the Prisons Act or the rules made thereunder;
(21) “Imprisonment” shall have the same meaning as has been defined in the Indian
Penal Code, 1860;
(22) “Inmate” means any person lawfully kept in an institution;
(24) “Juvenile” means a boy who has not attained the age of sixteen years; or a girl who
has not attained the age of eighteen years;
(25) “Maximum Security Prison” means any prison meant for confinement of dangerous,
habitual, professional, terrorist, organized and sophisticated types of criminals;
(26) “Magistrate” means any person exercising all or any of the powers of a Magistrate
under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973;
(27) “Chief Medical Officer” shall be in relation to prisons, a gazetted officer of the
government and includes qualified medical practitioners declared by general or
special orders of the government to be a medical officer;
(28) “Medical Officer” means a Medical Officer which shall include the Additional
Medical Officer or any other Official especially authorized to act as such;
(29) “Military Prisoner” means a prisoner convicted by court martial;
(31) “Offence” means any act or omission made punishable by any law for the time being
in force;
(32) “Open prison, semi-open prison and open colonies” means any place declared as
such for the detention of prisoners under any Act or rules for the time being in force;
(34) “Prison” means any place used permanently or temporarily under the general or
special orders of the State government for the detention of prisoners, under section
417 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 and includes all land and buildings
used thereto, but does not include;
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(a) any place for the confinement of prisoners who are exclusively in the custody
of the police;
(b) any place specially appointed by the State government under section 541 of
the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1882 (10 of 1882); and
(35) “Prisoner” means any person confined in prison under the order of a competent
authority;
(36) “Criminal Prisoner” means any prisoner duly committed to custody under the writ,
warrant or order of any Court or authority exercising criminal jurisdiction, or by
order of court-martial;
(37) “Convicted criminal Prisoner” means any criminal prisoner under sentence of a court
or Court martial, and includes a person detained in prison under the provision of
Chapter VIII of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, or under the prisoners Act,
1900;
(38) “Probation officer” means an officer appointed as such by the State government to
undertake probation work under the Probation of Offenders Act, 1958, or any other
law;
(39) “Prohibited article” means an article which is prohibited and declared as such under
the Prisons Act, 1894 or rules made thereunder;
(40) “Remand prisoner” means a person who has been remanded by the court to prison
custody, pending investigation by the police;
(41) “Remission system” means the rules in force for regulating the shortening of sentence
of prisoners;
(43) “Special Jail” means any prison provided for the confinement of a particular class, or
classes of prisoners and classed as a special jail by the State Government;
(45) “Subordinate Officer” shall mean and include every officer of a prison other than the
Superintendent and the Medical Officer;
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(47) “Dangerous Prisoner” means any prisoner declared to be such by the Superintendent
with reference to the character of such prisoner in pursuance of the provisions of
section 56 of the Prisons Act, 1894;
(48) Words importing the masculine gender shall be taken to include females, and the
word in the singular shall include the plural and vice versa;
(49) “Open Air Jail” or “Minimum Security Jail” means a prison meant for keeping well-
behaved prisoners, where there is no material and physical precaution against escape
(such as walls, locks, bars, armed or other special security guard) which is governed
by a system based on self discipline and sense of responsibility of the inmates towards
the groups in which he lives;
(50) “Sub Jail” or Subsidiary Jail” means any place so declared by the State Government,
by general or special order and used permanently or temporarily under the authority
for the detention of prisoners. It include all lands and buildings appurtenant thereto;
(52) “Under-trial prisoner” means a person who has been committed to judicial custody
pending investigation or trial by a competent authority; and
(53) “Young offender” means any prisoner who has attained the age of 18 years and has
not attained the age of 21 years.
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Chapter II
INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK
2.02 The following criteria must be adopted for the establishment of prisons:
(i) The State Government or the Union Territory Administration will establish
sufficient numbers of prisons, as far as possible, and provide minimum
needs essential to maintain standards of living in consonance with human
dignity.
(ii) Prisons administration will ensure that the prisoners’ human rights are
respected.
(iv) Prisoners under TADA and COFEPOSA be kept separate from other
prisoners.
(x) Drug addicts and traffickers in narcotics be kept separate from other
prisoners.
(xi) Inmates having suicidal tendencies be kept separate from other prisoners.
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(xii) Inmates exhibiting violent and aggressive tendencies be kept separate from
other prisoners.
(xiii) Inmates having escape or discipline risks be kept separate from other
prisoners.
(xviii) Service conditions of prison personnel will be such as to secure and retain
the best-suited and qualified persons.
(xx) The requisition of the Prisons Act, 1894 with respect to the separation of
prisoners are as follows:-
a) In a prison containing female as well as male prisoners, the females shall
be imprisoned in separate buildings, or separate in the same building, in
such manner as to prevent their seeing or conversing or holding any
intercourse with, the male prisoners.
b) In a prison where male prisoners under the age of twenty one are
confined, means shall be provided for separating them altogether from
the other prisoners and for separating those of them who have arrived at
the age of puberty from those who have not.
Institutional Pattern
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security requirements, state of health and correctional needs. Such a course
implies the setting up of separate institutional facilities for different
categories of prisoners, such as:
Prisons/annexes/yards for under-trial prisoners.
Maximum security prisons/annexes/yards for high-risk prisoners and
hardened or habitual offenders.
Open prisons, semi-open prisons and open colonies/camps.
Prisons/annexes/enclosures for women prisoners.
Prisons/annexes/yards for young offenders.
Prisons/annexes/yards for those suffering from infectious diseases.
Prisons/annexes/yards for drug and substance abuse offenders.
Prison Architecture
i) The location of a new institution will be decided on the basis of (a) the
functions which the institution has to perform, (b) the training and
treatment emphasis, and (c) programme content of the institution.
ii) New institutions will not be constructed near easily flooded and
inundated areas, frontiers and international borders, sub-marginal
land areas, sea-faces, airports and congested urban localities.
iii) While selecting the site for new institutions, factors like transport
facilities, water supply, electric lighting, connections with high power
electric transmission lines, drainage and sewage, communication
facilities (such as posts, telephones and internet) climatic conditions,
facilities for the purchase of institutional supplies, have to be taken into
consideration. Also, institutions like courts, civil hospitals, mental
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health centres, educational facilities for children of prison personnel,
should as far as possible be within easy reach.
vii) Closed prisons are classified into three categories that is central
prisons, district prisons and sub-prisons. Authorised population for
these prisons should not normally exceed 1000, 500 and 200
prisoners, respectively.
viii) There will be enough open space inside the perimeter wall to allow
proper ventilation and sunlight. The area enclosed within the four
walls of a prison will not be less than 83.61 sq. mtrs per head of total
capacity. Where land is scarce the minimum area will be 62.70 sq.
mtrs.
ix) No building should be nearer than 4.90 meters to an enclosure wall.
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other inside, the keys of the latter always remaining with a woman
guard inside. The institutions/enclosures for prisoners will have all the
requisite facilities with reference to their special needs such as
segregation, protection, pregnancy, child-birth and family care, health
care, training and rehabilitation, etc.
xv) A special cell with adequate technical staff will be set up at the prison
headquarter of each State to plan, monitor and supervise all
constructions and repair works in the department.
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2.06.2 Space between two gates will not be less than 16 mtrs in length and 6 mtrs
in width to facilitate gate operations and movement of fire tenders/
transport vehicles. It will have the following facilities:
(a) A cabin
(b) Gatekeeper enclosures
(c) Search room
(d) Space for search and security equipments
2.06.3 Entry to the prison will only be through a single point.
2.07.1 There will be a properly designed administrative block within the prison
complex for efficient functioning of the administration.
2.07.2 A court room should be set up within the prison complex having the facility
of video conferencing and other state of the art gadgets.
2.07.3 The reception unit will have necessary facilities for proper implementation
of admission-quarantine and orientation-classification programmes.
Physical facilities will be set up in accordance with the number and type of
inmates to be received, and the programme to be followed for proper
segregation of various types of inmates. The unit will have dormitory and
single room type accommodations. Provision will also be made for following
facilities: (i) a building where the inmates will be initially received, (ii) office
room, (iii) interview room, (iv) store room, (v) medical officer’s examination
room and exercise and recreational areas, etc. The buildings and areas
where the admission programme has to be carried out will be located in
close proximity of the hospital.
2.08 Housing
2.08.2 The minimum accommodation capacity of barracks, cells, and hospitals per
prisoner will ordinarily be according to the following scale:
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of of air ventilation of of air ventilation of of air
groun space . groun space . groun space
d area. . d . d area. .
areas
3.71 15.8 1.12 8. 92 33.9 2.23 5.58 23.7
3 8 5
2.09.1 If a barrack is flat-roofed, there will be ceiling ventilation that is, opening at
intervals close to the junction of wall and ceiling 30 x 12.5 mtrs. If the
barrack is gable-roofed, there will be a ridge ventilator. The minimum
height of roofs or ceilings will not be less than 11 feet from the floor.
2.09.2 The floor of the barrack/ cell will be made of impermeable material such as
cement concrete. In prisons situated in cold regions or during cold seasons,
appropriate flooring should be provided to ensure habitable conditions in
the barracks.
2.09.3 All barracks will, if possible, be provided with verandas not less than 2 mtrs
in width.
2.09.4 Each cell will have a yard attached to it where a prisoner can have the
benefit of sufficient air and light. Adequate air circulation and proper
ventilation shall be maintained in the barrack/cell. Though ventilation of the
sleeping barracks is of the greatest importance, prisoners will not be
permitted to close the windows and ventilation openings with shutters or
curtains at their discretion. In new barracks, the ventilating area per head
will be half a window. As standard grated window is 7 feet x 3 1/2 feet, half
a window will mean 1 sq. mtrs. The ventilation will, however, be controlled
according to the season wherever necessary; otherwise the barracks will be
too cold and damp during winter and rainy season.
2.09.5 Where accommodation is overcrowded and does not meet the prescribed
standards, secure corridors/verandas and worksheds may be used for
accommodating short term prisoners and under-trials involved in minor and
petty offences during night. If at any prison over-crowding is likely to
continue, the excess number of prisoners will be transferred to other
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institutions or camps, as the case may be, with prior approval of the Director
General of Prisons.
2.09.6 The structural arrangements of fittings and fixtures and locking devices of
barracks will be secured enough to prevent escapes. The existing wooden
frames of the doors, windows and ventilators will be replaced by iron/steel
frames. The iron bars used in doors, windows and ventilators will be of 25
mm. dia. and the clear distance between two bars will be 7.5 cm.
2.09.7 A barrack will have only one door of 2.2 x 1 mtrs and will have a single
shutter. The door of a barrack will have clear opening of 1 mtr. The iron
frame will be made of angle- iron of minimum of 10 mm. thickness.
2.09.8 The barrack windows and doors must be provided with fly / mosquito proof
wire mesh. The doors will also be provided with polyethylene sheets or chick
blinds, as may be necessary.
2.09.9 All barracks or wards should have two rows of berth only. The measurement
of each berth will normally be 2 x .75 mtrs with a height of 0.45 mtrs.
2.09.10 Sufficient artificial light will be provided to enable the prisoners to work and
read without difficulty in their barracks after dusk.
2.09.11 Each barrack will be provided with a first-aid kit which will be in the
custody of the barrack warder on duty. The first-aid kits supplied to each
barrack should not have any sharp-edged items, long gauze rolls/ tapes or
other such items.
2.09.12 A looking mirror of unbreakable material e.g. acrylic may be fixed outside
each barrack for use of prisoners.
2.09.13 Adequate fire safety systems will be installed in the barracks/ cells.
2.09.14 The barracks shall be free from tobacco, smoke and excessive noise.
2.09.15 Each cell/barrack will be provided with a flush toilet. All the toilets (day or
night) must have atleast one washbasin installed with proper water supply
per 20 prisoners.
2.09.16 Each bathroom should also have a system of supplying hot water through
geyser or solar heater.
2.09.17 All prisons unless extremely unavoidable situation must have atleast one
bore well installed for water supply.
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2.10 Toilets
2.10.1 Each barrack used for sleeping will have sufficient number of attached WCs,
urinals and wash places. The ratio of such WCs will be one unit per 10
prisoners. The ratio of the WCs which can be used during day time will be
one unit per six prisoners.
2.10.2 Toilets will be of the sanitary type with arrangements for flushing. The
standard size shall be 5'x5' (length and breadth). They will be placed on an
impermeable base which will be higher than the surrounding ground and
will be so built that the sun's rays can easily enter the toilets and rain is kept
out. The partitions separating the toilets will be high enough to provide a
reasonable degree of privacy. Toilets will be so designed that all excreta and
wash materials will get into the receptacles without fouling the sites. Every
seat will be provided with foot rests with an impermeable surface which will
be in the right position and not too far apart. The inside walls of the toilets
will be fitted with glazed ceramic tiles up to the height of 1 mtr from the
floor level, as far as possible.
2.10.3 In each barrack, where two toilets are provided, one should be of western
type. In the hospital, 50% of toilets should be western type.
2.11.1 Every prison will provide covered cubicles for bathing, at the rate of one for
every 10 prisoner, with proper arrangements to ensure privacy. The
standard size of each bathroom shall be 5'x5' (length and breadth). Every
prisoner will be required to have bath as frequently as necessary for general
hygiene according to climatic conditions.
2.11.3 Each prison will have an independent standby arrangement for water
supply.
2.11.4 All prison building should have rain water harvesting system and sewerage
treatment plant.
2.12 Kitchen
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2.12.1 The general kitchen will ordinarily be located at a central place inside the
prison so that the distribution of food among the prisoners may be finished
quickly. The kitchen will not be built close to the sleeping barracks. It will be
well ventilated and lighted. It must always be kept clean and tidy. The oven
will be of the type in which the heat does not escape outside and the smoke
is let out by a suitable chimney regardless of the type of fuel used. The
kitchen will be protected by a fly proof wire mesh all around. Sufficient
number of exhaust fans will be installed and artificial ventilation may be
provided if necessary. The kitchen must be provided with fly-proof
automatic closing doors. It will have floors made of an impermeable
material. Each kitchen shed will be provided with adequate supply of pure
water which will be used for both cooking and washing. The water will be
collected from taps inside the kitchen. It is desirable that no single kitchen
caters to more than 500 prisoners. Cooking and serving utensils will be
made of stainless steel.
2.12.2 The minimum space requirement in the kitchen will be 150 sq. mtrs per 100
prisoners. It will facilitate sufficient space for storage of provision articles,
vegetables, dressing and cutting food, containers and cooking utensils etc.
2.12.3 There will be a provision for covered dinning space in prisons so that
prisoners may take their meals under a roof and on a platform.
2.12.4 There will be two shifts of workers in the kitchen. Management of kitchen or
cooking of food on caste or religious basis shall be prohibited in prisons.
2.12.5 The kitchen complex shall have a barrack to house the inmates employed for
cooking etc.
2.12.6 The walls of the kitchen will be covered with tiles up to a height of 2 meters
for easy cleaning.
2.12.7 The prisoners working in the kitchen will be provided with suitable clothing,
such as apron, caps, gloves, etc. and also with 250 ml each of liquid soap
and detergent on a fortnightly basis for cleaning and washing utensils.
2.12.8 Prison kitchens will be modernized by introducing LPG, hot plates and steam
cooking. Kneading machines, chapati making machines, mixers and
grinders, will also be introduced.
2.13 Hospital
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2.13.1 In every prison there will be separate hospitals with the necessary number of
beds for indoor treatment with separate ward for men and women. All
central and district prisons will provide hospital accommodation for 5% of
the authorised inmate population. The location of the hospital will be as far
away from the barracks as possible. Every hospital ward will be so
constructed as to allow sufficient light and air. The floors and walls will be
made of impermeable material. The hospitals will be provided with
polyethylene sheets, fly proof wire mesh and fly proof automatic closing
doors. Attached toilets should be provided in the wards so that the sick
prisoners do not have to walk far to use them. There will be arrangements
for continuous supply of potable water in the hospitals.
2.13.2 The prison hospital will be situated near the main gate of the prison, the
accommodation provided will include:
2.14 Worksheds
2.14.1 Areas where prisoners work will have a minimum space of 500 cubic feet
per prisoner in structures that will be constructed as workshops or factory
buildings; for efficient ventilation the window area will not be less than 20%
of the floor area subject to such variations as are found necessary in relation
to particular industries or locations to be organized. As far as possible, work
sheds should be located in a single enclosure for gate control and security.
2.14.2 Adequate precautionary measures shall be taken to guard against health and
safety hazards at the worksheds, including provision of first aid kit in the
work shed which will remain in the custody of an authorised prisoner.
2.14.3 Adequate fire safety systems will be installed in the work sheds.
2.15 Recreational Facilities
Proper recreational facilities like, grounds for outdoor games, auditorium for
cultural activities, library, indoor games, yoga, etc.
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Chapter III
3.01 The Directorate of Prisons & Correctional Services will be under the
administrative control of the State Government.
3.02 State Government will appoint the Director General who will exercise
general control and superintendence over all prisons situated in the State.
The Director General/Inspector General of Prisons & Correctional Services
will ensure the implementation of the provisions of the Prisons Act, 1894
through other officers as appointed by the government for assisting him at
the headquarters, regional organisation, at the prisons and at other
institutions under his control. The Director General will be the head of the
department in respect of the Directorate of Prisons & Correctional Services
and will have such administrative authority as is laid down in this Manual
and as may be determined by the government from time to time.
3.03 There shall be two main wings at the headquarters level: (i) the Executive
Wing; and (ii) the Correctional Wing.
3.04 The Executive Wing will be headed by an officer not below the rank of
Deputy Inspector General and such officer may be assisted by officers of
different ranks from the prison department. He will report to the Director
General of Prisons and Correctional Services.
3.05 The Correctional Wing will also be headed by a Deputy Inspector General
(Correctional Services), assisted by as many Officers as decided by the State
Government.
3.06 The organizational set-up of the Headquarters of the Department of Prisons and
Correctional Services will be as follows:
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Private Secretary to DGP (Prisons).
Superintendent Gr-I
Superintendent Gr-II
Deputy Superintendent Jail (Training Officer)
Personal Assistant to IGP/ DIG Police/Prisons.
Assistant Superintendent Jail (Prison Branch)
Senior Assistant (Establishment)
Senior Assistant (Accounts)
Senior Assistant (Trg)
Sr. Scale Stenographer/Jr. Scale Stenographer
Head Warder (Prisoners Branch)
Clerk/ Junior Assistant
Steno Typist
Warder (Prisoners Branch)
Driver
Motorcycle Rider
Chowkidar
Peon
Other Control Room WT Staff HQ i.e. Head Warder/ Warder
Note:- The strength of the above staff shall be such as may be determined from time to
time by the State Govt. in consultation with the Director General of Prisons and
Correctional Services, Himachal Pradesh.
3.07.2 The State Government will fix the organizational set-up of Headquarters
office in accordance with its area, number of inmates and number of
institutions in consultation with the Director General of Prisons and
Correctional Services.
3.08.1 The general functions of the Director General/Inspector General shall be:
(i) to implement prison policies as laid down by the State Government;
(ii) to plan, organize, direct, coordinate and control the various prison and
correctional services;
(iii) to define the functions and fix lines of authority and channels of
command of the prison personnel; and
(iv) to ensure inspection of Institutions with special reference to care,
welfare, training and treatment of inmates, staff training, discipline
and welfare, etc;
3.08.2 As the Head of the Department, the Director General/Inspector General will
have all necessary financial, administrative and disciplinary powers.
3.08.3 The Director General/ Inspector General will prepare the budget for the
various services under his control. Subject to the rules and orders of the State
Government and the requirements of the Accountant-General, the
expenditure of the Department of Prisons and Correctional Services will be
controlled by the Director/Inspector General.
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will be obtained to all special and unusual charges for which distinct
provision may not have been made or which are newly entered in the
budget. Subject to provisions of this rule, an adequate grant will be placed at
the disposal of Director General/Inspector General to meet expenditure of a
special nature.
3.08.5 The Director General/ Inspector General will manage the personnel in the
department and exercise disciplinary powers, including powers of
redeployment of staff, at par with the powers of the Director General of
Police.
Correctional Wing
3.09 The Deputy Inspector General will be responsible for probation services,
welfare services, educational services, vocational training/skill development,
premature release, recommendation of parole, leave, rehabilitation services,
etc. in all prisons in the State. All officers in the Correctional Wing will assist
the Head of the Prison Administration in all matters connected with the
prison administration and correctional services. Their powers and duties will
be fixed by the Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services from
time to time.
Training of staff
3.10 Training Institutes shall impart training to the Prison Officers to acquire
necessary knowledge and techniques. The senior and middle level officers
shall be imparted basic/in service and refresher training in the regional
institutes established at four regions of the country.
3.12.2 Organization Chart of District Jails Dharmshala and Chamba (at table 3
below).
3.12.3 Organization Chart of other District Jails/Sub Jails/Borstal Jail (at table
below).
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Table-1
Organization Chart of Directorate of Prisons and Correctional Services
S.P./A.I.G. (Admn) Dy. D.A. (Legal) Dy. S.P. (Int/ Vigilance) (On Deputation)
Superintendent Gr-II Law
Control Room Office Supdt Gr-I A.O. Sr. Dy. SP (Technical Services) S.O. Audit Supdt (Jail)Trg Gr-II
Head Warder
Warder Accts Budget
Table-2
ORGANIZATION CHART MODEL CENTRAL JAILS
Assistant Superintendent Jail Welfare Officer cum Superintendent Gr-II Factory Supervisor
Assistant Superintendent Jail
Head Warders (Male) Head Warder (Female) Senior Assistant Senior Assistant Store Keeper
(Establishment Branch) (Accounts)
Warders (Male) Warders (Female) Junior Assistant/ Junior Assistant/ Medic/Pharmacist Male Social Worker Female Social Worker
Clerk (Estt) Clerk (Account)
Driver
Peon Sweeper
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Table-3
ORGANIZATION CHART DISTRICT JAIL CHAMBA / DHARMSHALA
Head Warders (Male) Head Warder (Female) Senior Assistant Senior Assistant
(Establishment Branch) (Accounts)
Carpenter Master
Sweeper
__________________________________________________________________
Table-4
Sweeper
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Chapter- IV
INSTITUTIONAL PERSONNEL
4.01 Each institution will have personnel in accordance with the requirements of
security, discipline and programme emphasis. The personnel strength will be
determined according to the duty posts, taking hours of duty per day as the
basis for each category of staff. The institutional set-up will be fixed in
accordance with the size of the institution, the inmate population, workload
and distribution of functions.
I) Executive
a) Jail Superintendents Grade-I
b) Addl. Superintendent of Jail
c) Deputy Superintendent Jail
d) Assistant Superintendent Jail
V) Educational Personnel
a) T.G.T.
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b) J.B.T.
Note: Due to financial constraints if these technical posts are not created or
when created are not filled up, suitable guarding personnel should be
trained for these purposes and their services should be availed of by giving
them special allowances.
VIII) Ministerial
4.04.2 Custody, security, discipline and preventive and control action during an
emergency, are the fundamental duties and responsibilities of every staff
member.
4.04.3 The duties, responsibilities and functions will be assigned in writing to every
staff member on his initial appointment. Care will be taken to ensure that
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the rules, regulations, and instructions to be followed by the institutional
personnel are interpreted from time to time.
4.05 To ascertain that the human rights that the prisoners are entitled to, are not
impinged upon and restricted beyond the limit inherent in the process of
incarceration itself and to ensure that the prison programmes are geared
towards the overall objective of imprisonment in terms of reform and
rehabilitation of prisoners.
4.06.1 The Superintendent will, subject to any order of the State Government/
Director General, be in charge of the executive management of the prison in
all matters relating to economy, discipline, labour, expenditure, punishment
and control in general, among other things. The Superintendent, thus is
responsible for developing an atmosphere that is conducive and correctional
in nature and providing leadership in every aspect of prison management.
He shall take care of the duties, suggestions, planning, organising, directing,
guiding, coordinating, supervising and controlling all the prison activities.
4.06.2 The Superintendent Gr-I will be the head of the Model Central Prisons at
Nahan and Kanda and will be assisted by the officers subordinate to him,
including Deputy Superintendents, Assistant Superintendents, Head
Warders, Warders and other technical and supportive staff. The Addl.
Superintendent of Jail shall supervise the District Jail at Dharmshala and
Deputy Superintendent of Jails shall supervise the remaining Sub-Jails, Open
Air Jails and other institutions within his territorial jurisdiction/district.
Duties of Superintendent of Jail posted in charge of Jails:
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(vii) Planning, organizing, directing, guiding, coordinating, supervising and
controlling all the institutional program and operations;
(viii) Inmate discipline and morale;
(ix) Classification of prisoners, training and treatment program and
correctional activities;
(x) Inspection and supervision of work, employment and production
program’s;
(xi) Inspection of the prison activities, prison hospital, kitchen, canteen,
etc.;
(xii) Personnel matters, staff welfare and staff discipline, allocation of duties
to personnel under his control, safety of the prison personnel,
protection of human dignity, rights and providing decent work
conditions, acquainting institutional personnel with current policies of
the correctional administration and the role they have to play in a
welfare state; organizing personnel training programmes at the
institutional level;
(xiii) Reports to the Director General/Inspector General and liaison with
other government agencies for the purpose;
(xiv) Developing an institutional atmosphere conducive to the correctional
role and providing leadership in every aspect of institutional
management;
(xv) Daily inspection round and weekly night inspection round;
(xvi) Control of stock and stores, maintenance.
Deputy Superintendent Jail posted in Central Jails and District Jail Dharamshala:
4.07 The Deputy Superintendent is the chief executive officer of the Prison and is
subordinate to the Superintendent. The Deputy Superintendent shall also be
subordinate to the Additional Superintendent and assist him wherever
necessary. He shall be generally responsible for observance of all prescribed
rules and orders. His duties shall be as under:-
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(viii) the execution of all orders regarding the labour of prisoners. He shall
assign to each prisoner his work on the recommendation of the
classifying Committee constituted in each Prison for the purpose. He
shall also assist the Superintendent of the concerned prison and the
Medical Officer. He shall ensure that the assigned works are
performed by the prisoner;
(x) he shall jointly with the Medical subordinate be responsible for the
proper preparation and distribution of food to prisoners;
(xii) shall be responsible for custody of all warrants and for the strict
enforcement of their terms and that no prisoner on any account is
released before his due time or kept in prison beyond the termination
of his sentence;
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Guarding personnel
4.09 The guarding personnel will consist of Chief Warder, Head Warder and
Warders. There shall be at least one guarding staff for every six prisoners
and this ratio shall be followed in all three shifts. [Note: The staff which is
engaged in the industries and other welfare activities shall be excluded
while calculating the ratio.] Specific duties of each member of the guarding
staff on various sections/points will be assigned by the Superintendent on a
rotation basis in keeping with his/her status within the cadre in the
following areas:-
Medical Personnel
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4.10.1 The medical personnel will be directly responsible for the medicare and
health of prisoners. They will also advise the maintenance of minimum
standards of hygienic conditions in the prison premises. There shall be at
least one Medical Officer for every 300 prisoners. In central prisons, there
shall be one doctor at all times. The specific duties of each of the medical
personnel will be assigned by the prison authorities in the following areas:-
Preventive Service
4.10.3 T.N. Mathur v. State of U.P. (1993) Supp 1 SCC 722: It is the responsibility
of the medical officer and the Superintendent to ensure that prisoners
suffering from contagious diseases like tuberculosis are separated from the
healthy population and treated appropriately so that the infection does not
spread to other healthy prisoners.
Curative Services
General
Welfare Unit
4.11.1 The welfare personnel will primarily be concerned with the wellbeing of
prisoners, undertaking individualized care for those needing institutional
adjustment and responsiveness through correctional programs. There shall
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be one Correctional Officer for every 200 hundred prisoners and one
psychologist/ counselor for every 500 prisoners. The specific duties and
welfare functionaries will relate to the following areas:-
4.11.2 He will be the officer in charge of this unit and all officers in this unit will be
subordinate to him. He will directly report to Superintendent of Prisons in
the prisons headquarters.
Welfare Officer
4.11.3 One Officer may be may be earmarked as Prison welfare officer in each
central and district prison to look after the welfare and re-integration
programs of prisoners. It is advisable to have at least one welfare officer for
every 500 prisoners in a central prison and at least one for each district
prison.
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(vii) To advise prison administration in all matters having legal bearing
including agreements, contacts, affidavits and court documents
keeping prison authorities abreast with judicial pronouncements and
directives on all prison matters.
(viii) Attending to all legal work and other work assigned by the Director
General
Psychologist/Counselor
4.13 These Counselors will be appointed in the Central Jails at Nahan & Kanda
and District Jail Dharamshala.
Their duties shall be as under:-
Technical Personnel
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4.15.1 The technical personnel shall be responsible for the development of
vocational training and diversified programmes of productive work as an
important component of the reformative process. While technically qualified
and trained staff has to provide knowledge and skills for economic
rehabilitation, the other technical staff will ensure proper maintenance of
the prison infrastructure. Requisite staff may also be engaged for working
and maintenance of prison management software, documentation,
digitization of records and other related work. Their specific duties are
indicated below: -
4.15.2 Instructors
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Ministerial Staff
4.16.1 Ministerial staff will be so organised as not to leave any scope for sharing
their duties with prisoners. The members of ministerial staff will be assigned
by the Superintendent as per the position he/she holds and the
requirements.
Accountants/ Cashier
4.16.3 He shall be In charge of all stores that is, grain, provision, supplies, raw
material, accessories, manufactured articles, inmate equipment, personnel
equipment, dead stock and miscellaneous stores.
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Chapter-V
CUSTODIAL MANAGEMENT
5.01 Secure custody of inmates is the primary responsibility of the prisons. The
overall objective of reform and rehabilitation has to be pursued within the
framework of custody
(iii) Secure walls, building gates, barracks, cells, hospital areas and other
places, daily inspection of the same and proper maintenance of
prison buildings and premises.
(iv) A system of good lighting inside and around the prison with
patrolling paths.
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(xi) A system of accident prevention and of meeting requirements during
emergencies such as escapes, riots, assaults and fires
(xxii) A good road inside and outside the main walls for better patrolling.
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(xxiv) Installation of high pitch sirens to alert prison staff, public and
nearby police stations about any untoward happening.
(xxv) Untrained personnel not be posted inside the prison, prison premises,
under any circumstances for guarding purposes.
(xxvi) Electronic gadgetry may be used for guarding purposes, anti sabotage
check and surveillance purposes.
Guarding Establishment
5.03 There will be a guarding establishment in every prison, responsible for the
guarding of prisoners, prison premises, gate and carrying out any other
duties which may be assigned to them. The guarding establishment shall
include the Warders, Head Warders and higher ranks performing their
duties in rotation.
5.04 In all the Central Jail at Nahan, Kanda and District Jail at Dharamshala,
there will be a Quick Reaction Team consisting of eight to twenty warders,
who have undergone commando training, with use of modern weapons and
unarmed combat. This Quick Reaction Team shall be under the charge of the
Assistant Superintendent and will always be ready in the guard room to meet
any emergency. The SOP on the Quick Reaction Team shall be available in
each prison.
5.05 The Quick Reaction Team will be divided into two groups used on alternate
days to handle any emergency in the prison. They will be kept on alert with
facilities for fast movement. The Quick Reaction Team will be used for its
specified duties only. As far as possible, the Quick Reaction Team must be
selected from young warders.
5.06 Personnel in the Quick Reaction Team will carry the required modern
weapons like pistols, carbines, S.L.R., pump action guns and authorised
quality of rubber bullets, plastic bullets and live ammunition so that these
can be used in emergencies.
5.07 The Superintendent of Prison will personally satisfy himself that the Quick
Reaction Team is properly trained, equipped and alert at all the time. When
the Quick Reaction Team is detailed, each man under it will carry the
authorized ammunition.
5.08 When one set of the guard is relieved, all arms and ammunition will be
handed over to the relieving guards. The Assistant Superintendent on duty
will be responsible for the correct handing over of arms & ammunition.
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Armed Sentry
5.09 The watch towers and the main gate will be guarded by armed sentries and
other portions of the prison will be guarded by warders without arms. The
warder establishment will supply sentries and guards to the internal and
external posts. All these guards and sentries will perform duties in rotation.
5.10 Armed sentries will perform duties in two hourly shifts. It shall be the duty
of a sentry, both in day and night, to challenge all unknown or suspicious
persons approaching his beat, forbidding them to approach nearer unless
they can satisfactorily account for themselves or, at night, give the password.
No convict will be permitted to approach within 5 mtrs of any sentry. It shall
be the duty of a sentry to resist all attempts to break into or out of the prison
or of any part of it and to prevent escapes or illicit communication with
prisoners. At night every sentry will report to the Patrolling Officer if
anything suspicious or unusual comes to his knowledge. He will give the
required assurance that all is well each time the Patrolling Officer passes by.
5.11 The sentry on duty will carry the required arms and ammunition and
wireless equipments which will later be handed over to the relieving sentry.
5.12 As a rule, sentries will be relieved at the end of every two hours. During the
day the Assistant Superintendent will conduct the relief, and at the same
time check and satisfy himself that the sentries are alert and attending to
their duties properly. To discharge these functions during the night, two
Patrolling Officers will be appointed from amongst the senior second grade
warders. Each Patrolling Officer will record the hour of his visits by
appropriate means.
5.13 Before the prison is unlocked in the morning the Quick Reaction Team and
warders whose duties for the day have not been fixed will be mustered
under arms outside the main gate, and the Assistant Superintendent will at
once post the day sentries. The guard will be drilled and afterwards shall
remain under arms till the entire team is marched out and dismissed to the
guardroom. The Quick Reaction Team will again be under arms from the
hour fixed for the cessation of work till the prisoners are locked up for the
night.
5.14 Guards and sentries will necessarily salute to the persons mentioned in
column (1) of the table below in the manner mentioned in column (2)
thereof:-
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TABLE
(1) (2)
Explanation: The Guard Officer will always bring it to the notice of the Dy. Supdt.,
any failure on the part of the sentry to comply with this rule.
5.15 As a rule the guard will not be turned out under arms for saluting purposes
after sunset.
5.16 The general guarding will be undertaken by the warder establishment. They
will carry on the internal and external guarding of the prison, the
supervision of the prisoners during labour hours as well as the work of
guarding and maintaining security of wards, blocks, workshops, tools and
plants and other government properties, posts and tower.
Guarding Requirements
(i) The sentry or guard will on no account quit his post without being
relieved. In case he finds himself incapacitated due to sudden illness
or any other reason to perform his duties, he will send intimation to
this effect to the officer in charge who will make necessary
arrangements.
(ii) No sentry or guard while on duty will take off his uniform, except
while taking his meals or while resting.
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(iii) Guards and sentries will be made to understand their duties and
responsibilities. They will not hold any communication with any
prisoner, unless it is required as a part of his official duty.
(iv) The officers and men of the Guard are strictly prohibited to bring
anything from outside the prison to any prisoner and from receiving
anything from a prisoner to be conveyed outside the prison.
(v) In case any prisoner attempts to escape, the guard will at once raise an
alarm and will also prevent damage to government property.
(vi) All guarding personnel, being part of essential services, will be
deemed to be on duty round the clock and will not to be allowed to
leave the premises without permission of the competent authority.
(vii) The Assistant Superintendent and Chief Head Warder will maintain a
daily report book in which they will record all important events and
reports of disposals or incorporation to be shown for appropriate
action.
5.18 A Duty Roster will be maintained in each prison and institutions for young
offenders. The authorized officer will be responsible for the proper
maintenance of this register. The register will contain all the names of
guards on duty with their hours of duty and their signature for having
understood the duty hours. The register will be sent to the Superintendent
through proper channel every day for checking and getting his signature.
5.19 It shall be the responsibility of the Assistant Superintendent and the Deputy
Superintendent to ensure that the warders stick to their post according to the
Duty Roster and any violation in this regard will be immediately brought to
the notice of the Superintendent. The Superintendent will also verify this
during his surprise visits to different parts during day and night. Care will
be taken that the night duty is allotted in rotation.
Custody of Arms
5.21 The Dy. Supdt., Asstt. Supdt. and guards will be responsible to ensure that no
ladders, planks, bamboos and ropes, which are likely to facilitate escape, are
left lying about. If such materials are to be taken inside for use these will be
properly escorted and will be sent out of the prison after use. Every warder
in charge of a workshop will be responsible to see that all such articles are
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properly secured and put away when work ceases and give a certificate to
that effect in the lockup register.
5.22 Any officer, or member of the guarding staff, of a prison may use non lethal
arms and bayonet, or any other weapon, against any prisoner when he is
found to be;
(ii) engaged in any outbreak or attempt to force or break open the outer
gate or enclosure wall of the prison individually or collectively,
provided that he may use the weapon only if such an outbreak or
attempt continues; and
(iii) using violence against officers of the prison or other persons, provided
that there is reasonable ground to believe that the officer of the prison
or any other person is in danger of loss of life or limb or that serious
injury is likely to be caused to such officer/person.
5.23 Before using firearms against prisoner, the officer, or the member of the
guarding staff, will give a loud and clear warning to the prisoner that he is
about to fire on him.
5.24 No officer of the prison will use arms of any sort against a prisoner in the
presence of his superior officer, except under the orders of such a superior
officer, or if it is in self defence.
5.25 In all cases requiring the use of force only minimum force, in the given
circumstance, shall be used.
5.26 All locks and bars and other fastenings must be regularly checked by the
warder in charge and a report to this effect must be given to the
Assistant/Deputy Superintendent.
5.27 All duplicate keys for the locks shall be kept in a sealed box under the
custody of the concerned Deputy Superintendent. No keys shall be left
behind unaccounted for and no prisoner will have any access to the prison
keys. All the block keys when not in use shall be kept in an almirah or key
box at the gate or at the tower in the custody of the gate keeper or Chief
Head Warder (Tower), as the case may be.
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5.28 Every prison will be equipped with a generator with an automatic switch so
that if power fails, the generator automatically switches on and all security
gadgets will function without any interruption.
Dynamic Security
5.29 Prisons will be run on the basis of dynamic security. Dynamic security
depends on the use of alternative methods for which interaction with
prisoners will be a pre-requisite to make them aware of what is going on
and to ensure them that they are being kept in safe and humane
environment. It is not only means of preventing escape but also maintaining
constructive relations with prisoners. The staff will also be made to
understand that security not merely implies guarding the wall and fence and
electronic surveillance, but also action engendering a sense of protection
and mutual trust.
Admission of Prisoners
No prisoner shall except on transfer from another jail, be admitted into any
jail before sunrise and after sunset.
Provided that this restriction will not apply in the case of-
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(ii) male under-trial prisoners, in respect of whom it is reported by the
Police on their warrants by a red ink entry that they have got to be
identified in an identification parade, who shall be admitted in jails
at all hours on all days including Sunday and Jail Holidays.
Where a journey exceed 18 hours and the transfer is from or to a sub jail in
the hills the warder in charge, or the officer-in-command of the Police
escort, as the case may be, shall receive subsistence allowance for each
person at the rate of normal diet expenses of food per prisoner for the
purchase of food, similarly when the transfer is from any other jail the
subsistence allowance shall be at normal diet expenses on food per prisoner
for the purchase of food. All advances for subsistence allowance or for
contingent requirements shall be accounted for by the officer to whom the
money is entrusted.
It will be the duty of the police escort to see that prisoners who have not
been in jail previously have their food before they are taken to the jail if they
are likely to arrive there too late for meals. Unfed prisoner shall not be
admitted in to a jail after-
Procedure of Warrant
5.33 If, in any case, the Superintendent is in doubt as to the legality of any
warrant or order of commitment received by him with any prisoner
admitted to the prison, or as to the competency of the person whose official
seal and signature are affixed thereto, to pass the sentence and issue such
warrant, he shall proceed in the manner provided below.
5.34 If any error or omission, which in the opinion of the Superintendent is due
to mere oversight or mistake, is found in any warrant or order or, if the
sentence or order passed, though within the competency of the tribunal or
authority which passes it, is in any way defective in form or otherwise
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irregular, he may receive the prisoner subject to reference to such tribunal
or authority, as the case may be, for orders.
Examination of Warrant
5.35 All warrants shall be examined to ascertain whether these conform to the
Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 and the Orders of the Supreme Court of
India.
Note 4: All warrants should be signed in full (not initials) by the judge or
magistrate who issues it and should have the seal of the court.
Note 5: In the case of persons, on whom separate sentences are passed, care
should be taken to state the dates from which each sentence is to have effect
in the warrant of commitment.
Note 9: There should be a separate warrant or notice for every prisoner even
if two or more prisoners have been jointly charged or convicted.
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Copy of Warrant returned for correction to be kept
5.36 When a warrant is returned for correction, a copy shall be retained in the
appropriate compartment of the warrant almirah until the original is
returned. Blank forms of warrants shall be kept for this purpose.
5.38 Pending a reference made under para 5.37, the prisoner shall be detained in
such manner and such restrictions or mitigation as may be specified in the
warrant or order.
5.40 On admission to prison every prisoner will be required to wash his person
and his clothing thoroughly. If an epidemic disease exists in the
neighborhood from which he comes, his clothing will also be disinfected. In
such cases special care will also be taken to clean the prisoner's person.
5.42 During the search, every article, whether clothing, bedding, jewellery,
money documents or otherwise, will be taken away from the prisoners to
whom prison clothing and bedding will be issued in accordance with the
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rules. From prisoners every article will be taken away except personal
clothing. Other necessities of life such as bedding will be permitted by
Director General/Inspector General of Prisons.
Reception Ward
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(i) The name, prisoner number and other particulars necessary for the
identification of the prisoner
(ii) A brief entry of every order passed and direction given relating to,
and punishment inflicted on, the prisoner
(iii) A brief record of every other occurrence of any importance, affecting
the prisoner, which takes place while he remains in confinement
5.47 The History Ticket of every convict shall also contain the following:
(i) The nature of the offence of which he has been convicted and the provision
of the law applicable thereto.
(ii) The date, nature and extent of the sentence passed.
5.48 Every entry made on the History Ticket shall be done at the time of, or as
soon as possible after, the occurrence of the event to which it relates, and
shall be dated and signed by the officer who makes it.
5.49 A duplicate history ticket will be issued when original history ticket is lost.
The new history ticket will be marked duplicate and signed by competent
authority. The ticket will be reconstructed by registering all previous entries.
5.50 In the heading of the History Ticket of every prisoner, the Medical Officer
shall enter, or have entered under his supervision the following:
5.51 The Medical Officer shall maintain a Medical History Sheet to record the
following details pertaining to the day-to-day medical condition and
treatment provided to prisoners in the prison hospital:
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5.52 On the History Ticket of every prisoner, the following entries may be
recorded:
5.53 Entries relating to points (i), (ii), (v), (vi), (vii), (viii), (ix), (x), (xi), (xii),
(xiii), (xiv), above may be entered by the Dy. Superintendent or Assistant
Superintendent. Entries relating to point (vii) may be entered by the Assistant
Superintendent or any other officer authorised to award remission, and
point (xviii) by the Medical Subordinate or by an Assistant Superintendent
or Dispenser if deputed to assist him. Entries relating to point (iii) shall be
entered by the Factory Manager, when there is not an officer of this grade, it
shall be entered by the Deputy Superintendent, but in large jails a portion of
the duty may, under the orders of the Superintendent, be performed by the
Assistant Superintendent, Chief Head Warder/Head Warder. The duty of
making entries regarding point (iv) and (xvi) shall not be delegated to any
officer subordinate to the Deputy Superintendent.
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(i) any special order he may have to give related to any prisoner, e.g. the
imposition or removal of fetters, permission to hold an interview or
write a letter, separation by night;
(ii) the award of every punishment;
(iii) sanction for employment on extra - mural work;
(iv) Promotion to the grade of Convict-watchman, Convict-overseer or
Convict-warder; and
(v) the award of special remission.
5.55 The History Ticket of each prisoner shall be kept in safe custody of the in-
charge prison officer, and shall be produced by him whenever required by
senior officers. The History Ticket shall accompany the prisoner whenever
he is transferred from one group to another, or from one kind of work to
another or is sent to a hospital.
5.56 At the weekly parades, each prisoner shall hold his ticket in his hand for
inspection. The History Ticket shall be produced, with the prisoner,
whenever he is reported for an offence, or is brought before the
Superintendent or Medical Officer for any reason.
5.57 The History Ticket of every prisoner shall be retained in safe custody;
5.58 There will be an Admission Register for all prisoners admitted to the prison.
Where possible, this register will be maintained in electronic form. The
admission register will contain basic description of the prisoners in terms of
name, parentage, home address, Adhar number of Indian Prisoners/
passport details in case of Foreign National prisoners and any other identity
proof in the absence of Adhar/Passport, legal status, date of admission,
committal courts. This register will be maintained by Assistant
Superintendent or equivalent in prescribed form. The entries in this register
will be numbered serially.
5.59 The use of advanced technology/ software systems in the form of Personal
Information System (PIS) should be encouraged for recording personal
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details of inmates including for maintaining a record of their personal
belongings and property (as mentioned in para 5.39).
5.60 The register number thus given will be the means of identifying the prisoner
- a fresh number being given on every transfer to another prison. The
articles of clothing and bedding of each prisoner sentenced to rigorous
imprisonment for life will be marked with his number, and in all official
communications the number will precede the name, e.g., Convict No. 1736,
Ashok. If a prisoner has to undergo two or more sentences under different
warrants it is not necessary to re-enter him in the convict register on the
expiry of one sentence or to give him another number. However, every
prisoner will be called by his name and not by his number in the register.
5.61 In the case of convicts, the date on which the sentence will expire will be
entered in the Convict Register. If the convicts are under sentence for less
than three months, an entry of his number will be made in the release diary
to be released under that date, but if the sentence is for three months or
more, the date of expiry will be entered on his Remission Sheet. At the same
time, the prisoners' register number, name, sentence, date of sentence and
date of release will be endorsed on his warrant and the endorsement will be
signed by the Competent Officer after examination and comparison with the
body of the warrant and with the entries in the Convict Register. In cases
where imprisonment is awarded in default of payment of fine, the
alternative dates of release will both be included in the endorsement on the
warrant, in the Convict Register, release diary and Remission Sheet.
Custody of Warrants
5.62 Prisoners' warrants will be arranged according to dates of release and kept
in monthly bundles, the warrants of prisoners to be released in a particular
month being placed in one bundle and each bundle being docketed outside
with the month and year. They will be kept in a locked drawer or almirah of
which the Assistant/Deputy Superintendent will keep the key. Copies of
judgements, orders of appellate courts and orders of government, disposing
of prisoner's petitions, together with correspondence relating to payment of
fine, classification and the other connected records will be filed and kept
with the warrant of the prisoner to whose case they relate. The final disposal
of warrants will be made as prescribed in the rules.
5.63 The weight of prisoners on admission will be taken in the presence of the
Medical Officer and be verified by him. If the Medical Officer is not present
when prisoners are admitted to prison, they will be weighed by the medical
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subordinate on duty during admission if possible and in any case not later
than the following morning. Their weight will be noted at the time in a book
kept at the main gate, to be subsequently verified by the Medical Officer
when their examination takes place. The Medical Officer will carefully
examine the prisoner and will himself record the findings in the proforma
(see Appendix - 2) for health screening on admission. The Medical Officer
will also supervise the entry of the prisoners' identification marks, which
may be noted by the Medical Subordinate. Medical examination of prisoners
will be made with due regard to decency. The medical officer will also take
blood sample of jail inmates on admission for DNA profiling to make
common data base of Jail inmates.
5.64 If a prisoner looks younger than his age, the matter may be referred back to
the court concerned after the due medical examination on the determination
of his/her age for further directions, as no juvenile shall be kept in prison in
any case and they are sent to the juvenile institution laid down in the
Juvenile Justice Act.
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Chapter VI
MAINTENANCE OF PRISONERS
Food
6.01 Subject to the provision of section 31 of the prisons Act, 1894, and the rules
made thereunder, as to civil prisoners and un-convicted criminal prisoners
who are permitted to maintain themselves no criminal or civil prisoner shall
at any time receive or possess, or be permitted to receive consume or possess
any article of food or drink not provided for or supplied to him in the
manner hereinafter in these rules provided in that behalf.
6.02 Every convict and every un-convicted criminal or civil prisoner who does
not maintain himself shall, when not lawfully subjected to punishment by
penal diet, or placed on special diet, on medical grounds by proper
authority, daily receive the scale of prison diet provided for prisoners of the
class to which he belongs.
6.03 The food of prisoners other than those sick in hospital, shall ordinarily be
issued in three meals as follows-
(i) Early morning meal-half the bread, half the vegetable ghee and the
whole of the dal;
(ii) middle meal Buns etc.,
(iii) evening meal the remainder of the bread and oil with the whole of
the vegetables.
6.04 The early morning and mid day meals may be inter changed at the
discretion of the medical officer.
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b) prescribe a special scale of prison diet in respect of the prisoner
confined in any jail or in the jails situated within any specified local
area; and
c) prescribe a special scale of prison diet in respect of any period or
periods of time during any season of the year.
6.06 The scales of prison diet from time to time prescribed, shall contain
provision in respect of prisoners of each of the following classes namely:-
(D) Female Prisoners: when nursing infants which are permitted to reside in
the jail.
6.07 Provision shall also be made in the scales prescribed under clause (1), for the
diet to be allowed in respect of any infant permitted to reside in jail with its
mother (who is a prisoner) or after the death of its mother.
6.08 Copies of the scales of diet for the time being in force in any jail, shall be
exhibited in the manner provided, in regard to the exhibition of copies of
rules in section 61 of the prisons Act, 1894.
6.09 Nothing contained in the foregoing para shall be deemed in any way to limit
or restrict the power of the Medical Officer, in his discretion, at any time, to
prescribe any special diet in respect of any prisoner or to direct the manner
in, extent to, and period for, which the prescribed scale of prison diet shall
be varied or supplemented in the case of any such prisoner:
Provided that it shall not be lawful for the Medical Officer to vary in any case, the
scale of prison diet for the time being prescribed by way of punishment, or
otherwise than in the manner in, to the extent, and for the period for which may,
in such Medical Officer’s opinion, be expedient to do so on medical grounds and for
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the benefit of the prisoner concerned, except with the sanction of the Director
General/Inspector General.
Scale of diets
6.10 The following scales of diet are prescribed for prisoner in the jails of
Himachal Pradesh.
Class of Dal Dal Dal Dal Wheat Gram Salt Condi- Vegeta- Vege LPG
Prisoner Urad Masur Moong Gram Atta for ments ble table
parch- Ghee
ing
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.
Gm. Gm. Gm. Gm. Gm. Gm. Gm. Gm. Gm. Gm. Gm.
Labouring
diet
Male convicts
over 18 years
of age
sentence to
rigorous
imprisonment.
85 85 85 85 580 60 15 16 250 15 130 in
summer
/135 in
winter
Male convicts
over 18 years
of age
sentenced to
simple
imprisonment
who labour
voluntarily.
Adult male
unconvicted
criminal
prisoners.
NOTE 1: Adult labouring prisoners in the Female Jail shall receive grains on
the scale allowed to adult labouring male Prisoners.
NOTE 3: Dal of the same kind should not be issued on two consecutive days.
NOTE 4: Atta or Rice @ 580 gms, per day for Male and Female and Children
@ 465 gms. will be issued.
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Halva shall be issued to all prisoners in the following festivals:-
The Halwa should be cooked out of their rations of Gur ghee and atta.
6.12 Each prisoner shall be issued a cup of tea twice daily measuring 250 grams
(1/4 litre) which will be prepared according to the following formula:
Milk 1 Kg.
Tealeaves 60 Grams.
6.13 Wheat of good quality suitable for consumption, shall be issued to all
prisoners throughout the year.
6.14 Every prisoner in the convalescent group shall ordinarily receive wheaten
bread daily. He may, on the order of the Medical Officer, receive up to 450
ml. of milk with 30 gms. of Gur or120 gms. of meat or dahi daily in addition
to the diet to which he is ordinarily entitled. More diet should only be given
in lieu of an equivalent of dal in the diet scale.
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6.15 The prisoners admitted to hospital shall be provided diet as per recommendation of
the Medical Officer.
6.16 The medical officer is authorized to order such extra articles of diet to sick
prisoner in the hospital, as may, in his opinion appear to be necessary and to
fix the hours at which the food is to be distributed.
6.17 A nursing mother admitted to jail with her child shall receive, in addition to
the ordinary diet sanctioned for a female prisoner, 120 gms. of flour baked
into bread and 30 gms. of dal daily.
6.18 A child admitted to jail with its mother shall receive according to age one or
other of the following allowances of food fairly:-
6.19 Extra diet when necessary shall be given as the Medical Officer may
direct.
6.20 Every prisoner shall receive daily in the food supplied to him, such quantity
of salt and other condiments as may be necessary to render the food
wholesome and reasonably palatable or for the benefit of the health of the
prisoner, and the daily scale of such condiments to be allowed shall be
specified in the scales of diet from time to time prescribed under these rules.
6.21 Between the 1st day of April and the 31st day of October in each year, every
prisoner shall be supplied daily with such antiscorbutic in such quantity, as
the Director General/ Inspector General may from time to time, by general
or special order in that behalf, prescribe, provided that nothing herein
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contained shall be deemed to limit the power of the Medical Officer at any
time to direct the supply to any prisoner or class of prisoner of such
antiscorbutics as may, in his opinion, be necessary.
Constituents of condiments.
6.22 The condiments to be issued daily to all prisoners throughout the year, shall
consist or the following articles in the proportion specified below for each
prisoner:-
Turmeric -- 2 gms.
Chillies -- 2 gms.
Garlic -- 2 gms.
Onion -- 8 gms.
Coriander -- 2 gms.
Total -- 16gms.
6.23 If turmeric is not supplied the other three ingredients may be increased, but
the portion of chilies should never exceed 2gms. per prisoner.
6.24 In extra mural labour jails the condiments shall also be mixed in the same
proportions as specified in paragraph 6.22. If turmeric is not supplied the
other three ingredients may be increased but the proportion of chilies should
never exceed 2 gms. per prisoner.
6.25 From the 1st April to the 31st October one or other of the following
Antiscorbutics shall be issued daily in the jail dietary to all prisoners in the
quantity per prisoner given against each kind and in addition to the
condiments:-
Amchur -- 5 gms.
Food to be varied
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6.26 The food of prisoners keeping in view the economy measures may be varied
occasionally, with the different kinds of dals, vegetables and antiscorbutics
which may from time to time be issued.
6.27 It shall be the duty of the Director General/Ispector General from time to
time to take all such measures as may be necessary to ensure that every
prisoner is at all times supplied with food and drink so as to maintain him
in good physical health and vigour.
6.28 It shall be the duty of the superintendent, the Medical Officer and the Duty
Superintendent at all times to satisfy themselves respectively, that:-
6.29 No prisoner shall conceal, waste or transfer to any other prisoner any article
of food or drink at any time supplied to him, and every prisoner shall
consume his food at the times specified for the purpose.
6.30 The time at which meals are to be served out to prisoners, and within which
prisoners are to consume their food, and the manner in, and places at,
which the distribution of food is to take place and the like, shall, from time
to time, be specified by the superintendent, subject to the direction (if any),
in that behalf, of the Director General/ Inspector General.
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6.31 In the event of the refusal of food by a prisoner the Medial Officer shall
adopt methods of artificial feeding if, in his judgment, the physical condition
is such that artificial feeding is the only method of keeping the prisoner
alive. The actual operation of artificial feeding shall be carried out by the
medical officer or his Medical Subordinate.
6.32 For the purpose of paragraph 6.28 the Medical Officer shall-
a) ordinarily examine the food daily and when the same is defective in
quantity and make a note of the fact in his journal; and
b) at uncertain times and at least once a week when the food is cooked
and ready for issue and occasionally after distribution to the prisoner,
cause such food to be weighed in his presence and note the result in
his journal.
6.33 The superintendent of a jail shall inspect the food prepared for prisoners
meals at least three times in each week.
6.35 If a journey exceeds 12 hours but is less than 18 hours each prisoner shall
receive 240 gms. of parched gram and 120 gms. of gur to eat in transit.
6.36 If a journey exceeds 18 hours and the transfers is from or to a sub jail in the
hills the warder in charge, or the officer-in-command of the Police escort, as
the case may be, shall receive subsistence allowance for each person at the
rate of normal diet expenses of food per prisoner for the purchase of food.
Similarly when the transfer is from any other jail the subsistence allowance
shall be at normal diet expenses on food per prisoner for the purchase of
food. All advances for subsistence allowance or for contingent requirements
shall be accounted for by the officer to whom the money is entrusted.
6.37 It shall be the duty of the police escort to see that prisoners who have not
been in jail previously have their food before they are taken to the jail or
they are likely to arrive there too late before meals. Unfed prisoner shall not
be admitted into a jail after-
PREPARATION OF FOOD
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All articles to be weighed for being supplied to the cooks. Details of the preparation of food
6.38 All articles of diet as far as possible be weighed out before supplying to the
cooks in a state ready for cooking. The following instructions shall be
attended to-
2) One part wheat flour gives 1.45 part of bread, provided no more fuel
is required for the purpose.
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Loss per quintal
Kgs. Gms
Wheat -- 03 750
and masur.
parching or boiling.
Tamarind -- 50 000
6.39 When the actual loss in cleaning is less, it and not the maximum loss
allowed, should be calculated in the accounts.
6.40 Bran over and above the requirements of the jail cattle should be sold at
short intervals and not allowed to accumulate.
6.41 Properly adjusted beam scales and correct weights shall be used in every jail
for weighing supplied in bulk and individual rations. These shall be
frequently tested by the superintendent. Pieces of brick stone or any other
articles shall not be substituted for proper weights. Measure frequently
tested shall be kept in sufficient number for the distribution for all food that
has to be given out by measuring. All complaints of prisoner respecting the
quantity, quality of cooking of the rations shall in the first instance be
brought to the notice of the superintendent.
6.42 The uncooked food shall be weighed out to the cooks in the presence of the
Deputy Superintendent, Senior Assistant Superintendent or Medical Officer
who shall be held responsible that proper quantity is issued and also in the
presence of the Assistant Superintendent or Head Warder, specially
appointed to keep the god owns in which the food stuffs are stored. The
vegetable ghee should not be issued until it is actually required and one of
the above higher officials shall be present when it is being mixed with the
dal and vegetables.
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Well conducted cooks to be chosen.
6.43 The cooks should always be well conducted and as far as possible short
termed men. No convict shall be permitted to cook his own food separately.
When possible the cooks should be changed now and again and always
carefully watched to prevent any theft or tampering with the food.
6.44 The cooks shall perform the dusty of preparing the food with care and
attention. The dough should be slowly and thoroughly kneaded with portion
of the salt and not more water than is necessary. Each Chapatti should be of
the same thickness throughout. The cooking should be slowly done so that
the surfaces may not get burned, while the inner part remain uncooked. All
cooking vessels must be kept clean and bright and the cooks are clean and
tidy.
6.45 Prisoners should be protected from rain and intense heat during meals. If
there are no roofs over the ordinary feeding places they may be allowed to
sit in verandas, or, if necessary in the work sheds or wards or wherever
shelter can be found.
6.46 The superintendent and Deputy superintendent shall be held responsible for
proper arrangements in due time for the purchase and storage of grain
subject to the limits of (with the stock in hand), 15 months supply and of the
storage room available.
6.47 The stock of grains should be bought either by tender in writing called for
by pubic advertisement or by public auction. Before holding an auction or
opening the tenders the superintendent should ascertain by local enquiries,
by reference to official price lists or other means what the ruling prices are,
samples to fix quality.
6.48 The medical officer shall examine every delivery of grain brought to the jail
and satisfy himself that it is of good quality before it is stored. There should
be no delay between delivery and weighment and payment should be made
at once after approval by the Superintendent, otherwise it cannot be
expected that the most favorable terms will be obtained.
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The storage and subsequent care of grain
6.49 Grain should not be finally stored until it is thoroughly dried, if it is damp it
should be spread out and turned over frequently in the sun for a few days
but must not be left uncovered at night. All grain should be protected from
birds vermin and insect and secured under lock and key. It should be
separated from the walls and floor of the store or pit by at least one foot of
bursa examined at intervals to see that it is not being damaged. If it shows
signs of damage or decay it should all turned out, exposed to the sun,
cleaned and restored with fresh dry bhusa, if necessary. Immediately, if any
loss is discovered a full report of the circumstances should be made to the
Director General/ Inspector General.
6.50 As far as practicable, all articles of diet required for feeding prisoners should
be raised on jail land and prepared by jail labour. The amount of every kind
of food-stuff issued for preparation should be frequently compared with the
return of prepared material received therefrom and both the Superintendent
and Deputy Superintendent should satisfy themselves that there is no
wastage and no unauthorized loss is permitted. This applies more
particularly in the output of flour and oil which commensurate with the
grains issued.
6.51 All articles of diet shall be passed by the superintendent and medical Officer as fit
for food, before being taken inside the jail for storage or consumption.
Hospital diet
6.52 A suitable hospital diet may be prescribed by the State Governments according to
local food habits on the advice of Medical Officers / Medical Officer (in charge).
6.53 When meat is recommended by the Medical Officer as an extra diet, the weight
of meat shall ordinarily be taken without bones.
(ii) All items of diet, as well as the fuel for cooking, shall be weighed daily at
the time of being issued to the cooks by a responsible officer not below the
rank of an Assistant Superintendent, especially appointed for the purpose
by the Superintendent. They shall be issued in a fully prepared state or, if
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this is not possible, with a full allowance for any loss which might occur
during preparation. The Superintendent shall, however, be responsible for
seeing that the correct weight and quality of the ration is issued. The
quality of these items should be regularly checked by the Medical Officer.
(iv) Dal should be husked and unhusked grains properly cleaned out before
cooking.
(v) Vegetables issued shall be free from stalks and leaves and shall be cut for
cooking before being weighed and delivered to the cooks. Potatoes or other
root vegetables should form at least one-third of the total quantity of
vegetables. All vegetables should be examined daily by the Chief Medical
Officer or his subordinate Medical Officer.
(vi) An allowance of 25% extra shall be given for heads, tails, fins, scales and
entrails when whole fish is issued and for bones when mutton is used.
(vii) Antiscorbutics, in the requisite quantity, shall be issued daily with the
midday and evening meals to all prisoners. There should be standing
instructions for the preparation and issue of different kinds of
antiscorbutics which are commonly available.
(viii) Milk shall be stored in a properly cleaned and well-ventilated place. Milk
shall be issued to prisoners on special/medical diet only after boiling.
Boiling shall be done in the hospital enclosure under the supervision of a
responsible officer who shall be responsible for its proper usage from the
time it is obtained till its final distribution. In preparing curds no water
should be mixed with the milk before boiling.
Cooking
6.55 (i) Cooking may be done in stainless steel vessels. All cooking
utensils shall be kept clean and shinning and the kitchen and eating area
too must be clean and tidy.
(i) Special care shall be taken to ensure that all vessels, in which milk is kept,
are perfectly clean. All vessels should be scalded and cleaned with boiling
water immediately after use. These shall not be left uncleaned.
(ii) All cooked food should be kept covered until it is distributed, and
appropriate arrangements (in the form of freezers, refrigerators, etc.) shall
be made for storage of perishable items.
(iii) The Superintendent and the Medical Officer shall exercise utmost vigilance
in the supervision of food supplies, and when the food is cooked and is
ready for distribution to prisoners, they shall make surprise inspections, at
least once a week, in addition to routine inspections. At these inspections
the weight and taste of the food distributed shall also be checked.
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(iv) Measuring equipment used for issuing ration to the mills, and that used in
the kitchen, shall be checked by the Superintendent at least once a month if
not more often. Surprise checks of the measuring equipment should be
made by duty officers at least four to five times a month.
(v) Cooks found tampering with food or scales shall be severely punished.
Cooks
6.56
(i) Cooks shall carry out all preparations and processes necessary after being
issued the daily supplies and shall prepare the food with due care and
attention. They should wear clean aprons while preparing/ handling food.
(ii) Meals shall be served fresh and hot. In cold regions/ during winter season,
appropriate heating methods will be utilized to keep food warm and
suitable for consumption. The receptacles used for carrying food shall be
provided with well fitting lids. All food shall be carefully protected from
flies and other insects.
(iii) Fifteen minutes before the distribution of each meal, a bell may be sounded.
Prisoners should then cease work, wash their hands and face and queue up
for food distribution, after which the cooked food shall be distributed by the
cooks in the presence of a responsible prison officer not below the rank of
an Assistant Superintendent. They shall see that food issued to any prisoner
is not taken away by another or is otherwise wasted.
(iv) After service of food at least twenty minutes time shall be allowed to a
prisoner to eat the food.
(v) Except with the permission of the supervising officer, no food shall be
taken away from the dining area by any prisoner to eat it elsewhere.
(vi) When the meal is finished, the prisoners shall proceed to the washing
platform where two tubs shall be placed. Prisoners shall put any refuse food
left in his plate into these tubs, separating rice or chapattis from curried
food. They shall then wash their hands and mouths as well as their utensils.
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(vii) The floors and platforms shall be cleansed immediately after the prisoners
finish their meals.
(i) The Superintendent and the/Medical Officer shall exercise utmost vigilance
in the supervision of the food supplies and all articles issued for
consumption shall be inspected daily by the Medical Officer, or in his
absence by his medical subordinates. The inspecting officer shall especially
see that the vegetables issued are of good quality. He shall bring to the
notice of the Superintendent of Prison any defects in quality detected
during such inspections.
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(i) All articles of food issued for consumption shall be weighed daily by the
officer in charge of diet. He shall ensure that proper quantity of food is
issued for every prisoner. From time to time, the Superintendent shall
himself check the issue of ration. Metric weights and measures shall be
used for weighing or measuring rations and food and a proper set of scales,
weights and measures shall be maintained in every prison. These shall be
frequently tested by the Superintendent for their correctness.
(ii) When a prisoner is hospitalised, his diet may be changed or modified by the
Superintendent on the recommendation of the Medical Officer. In case this
change of diet has to continue for more than a month, the concurrence of
the Director / Inspector General of Prisons shall be obtained by the
Superintendent.
Clothing
6.66
(i) Every convict under sentence of rigorous imprisonment or of imprisonment
for life shall be required to wear prison clothing as prescribed in these rules
and shall be supplied with prison bedding. Other prisoners, such as
undertrial prisoners and detenues, shall be supplied with clothing and
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bedding if they make an application to the Prison Superintendent for this
purpose. Such clothing shall be of a colour different from that issued to
convicts so that the distinction between convicts and other prisoners is
visible.
(ii) The State will fix the scale of clothing and bedding according to climatic
conditions taking into account security and discipline of the prison.
Adequate winter clothing shall be provided to inmates in cold regions/
during winter.
Clothes of convicts
6.67
(i) The clothes of convicts shall have no pocket or openings in the lining. All
clothing will be according to the custom of the State. The prisoners shall be
provided with dresses to suit their physical measurement.
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Explanation: Used clothes, before being issued to prisoners, shall be
thoroughly fumigated and washed in hot water to exterminate bugs, fleas
etc.
Repair, Maintenance and inspection of clothing and bedding
6.72
(i) A day shall be fixed for weekly maintenance and inspection of clothing. At
the weekly parade of prisoners the Superintendent shall pay special
attention to their clothing and bedding and shall satisfy himself that each
man's kit is complete and is in proper condition. Suitable arrangements
shall be made for washing and cleaning of every article of prisoners'
clothing and bedding.
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Disposal of clothing of discharged prisoners
6.76
(i) Prison clothing shall not be given to discharge prisoners. Care shall be
taken to ensure that prisoners surrender their full kit at the time of their
release. If the clothing is fit for further use such clothing shall be
thoroughly laundered and repaired, and taken into stock. Items of
unserviceable clothing shall be duly entered in the stock register of such
clothing and shall be disposed of in the manner prescribed in the previous
paragraph.
(ii) The names and numbers of the blocks and other important buildings and
enclosures shall be displayed on them in a conspicuous and suitable
position. The date of white-washing shall also be shown in distinct figures.
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(ii) Every possible arrangement shall be made for thorough ventilation of the
wards for several hours during the day. This is necessary to remove organic
matter from the walls, which gets slowly oxidised. It is necessary that the
beddings are removed out of the barracks for several hours every day.
Planting of trees
6.81
(i) Grass shall be grown and trees planted and kept neatly trimmed in and
near the prison wherever possible. Gardens shall also be maintained in
each prison to have a salutary effect on the minds of prisoners. However,
trees shall not be planted too close to walls and buildings as these may be
used for escape from the prison.
(ii) After the rainy season, the inner and outer sides of the perimeter wall, of
the prison and wall of the wards shall be scrubbed. Pathways inside the
prison compound shall be de-weeded and re-laid. Wherever the paths are
made of tarmac, the uneven surface shall be leveled properly.
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6.86 All pits and pools of water stagnant, near the prison shall be covered or filled up. Open
drains if any around the prison shall be carefully attended to and drainage cuts shall be
cleaned wherever necessary, to prevent accumulation of water.
Cleaning of latrines
6.90 The latrines shall be thoroughly cleaned twice a day or more often if necessary,
with disinfectants.
Kitchen
6.91 The inmates engaged in cooking shall be regularly examined to make sure that they
are not carrying of any infection. There shall be adequate arrangements for cooks
to wash their hands with soap and water before they start cooking. Cooks shall
change into clean uniforms before they are permitted to cook or serve food. Manual
handling of food is undesirable and shall be avoided.
Stores
6.92 Stores or godowns shall be kept clean, well arranged, and well ventilated. Their
contents shall be aired as often as possible. Godowns or grain stores shall be treated
with suitable insecticides to prevent the growth of weed.
Baths
6.93 All prisoners should be required to bathe as frequently as necessary. In the
temperate climate they should be encouraged to have daily baths unless medically
exempted from doing so. In hot climate, facilities should be provided for the
prisoners to have a bath in the afternoon as well.
WATER SUPPLY
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6.95 If water from a well or tube-well is used in a prison such wells shall be well-
protected from being polluted by percolation of surface water.
6.96 The mouth of every drinking water well shall be completely closed and the water
shall be raised by a pump. The surface surrounding the well at its mouth shall be
covered with a sloping cement platform with a drain around it to carry spilt water,
and the well shall be lined to a sufficient depth to render the tube impermeable.
6.99 Every well shall be cleaned out once a year, and the date on which it is done shall
be recorded.
6.100 Once a week, the depth of water in each drinking water well shall be
tested and a record of the results maintained.
Filtration of Water
6.101 Drinking water shall be filtered as per the directions of the Director General
/Inspector General, on the advice of medical and municipal authorities.
6.102 There shall not be any garbage dump or sanitary wastes within a radius of 15 mtrs
of any ring well or tube well.
Drawing of water
6.103 Distribution of clean water is of paramount importance. Buckets used for filling
water for drinking and for use in kitchen shall not be used for any other purpose.
Water vessels, barrels, tanks and reservoirs shall be frequently cleaned. Every water
storage receptacle shall be covered and the lid fastened after it is filled. These shall
also be fitted with taps to facilitate drawing of water from them.
6.105 Prisoners at work shall be supplied with an adequate quantity of drinking water. If
water is to be stored, it shall be done in covered receptacles which shall be
thoroughly cleaned every day.
Analysis of water
6.106 Samples of the water in use for domestic purposes in every prison shall ordinarily
be submitted to the State Water Analysing Authority twice a year, for both chemical
and bacteriological examination.
6.107 In the event of outbreak of an epidemic in any prison, which might be due to
contamination of the water supply, and which calls for an immediate examination
of drinking water, the Medical Officer shall immediately make a written request to
the Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, who shall make
arrangements to obtain the necessary samples for analysis. In addition immediate
steps shall be taken to ensure supply of water from an alternative source at such
prisons.
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6.108 The State Water Analysing Authority shall, in due course, forward a copy of its
report of analysis, through the Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine to
the Superintendent of Prison and another to the Director General / Inspector
General.
Disinfection of wells
6.109 Whenever there is reason to believe that any of the wells, from which drinking
water is obtained, is a source of contamination, it shall be treated at intervals of
three days with Potassium Permanganate and other disinfectants, as may be deemed
necessary, in consultation with the local health officer.
Provision of water to staff quarters
6.110 Adequate supply of water shall also be ensured to the residential quarters of the
prison staff. The conditions of the cleanliness of water mentioned above shall apply
here as well. Every officer occupying staff quarters shall be held responsible for the
cleanliness of his premises. The Superintendent and the Medical Officer shall
periodically inspect the staff quarters to check general cleanliness.
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Chapter VII
Medical Care
Medical Administration
7.02 The Prison medical administration may form part of the State Health
Services/ Medical Department instead of the prison administration.
Prison Hospitals
7.03 10 bedded hospital shall be provided in the Central Jails at Nahan, Kanda,
Open Air Jail Bilaspur and Distt. Jail at Dharmshala
7.04 The Government shall appoint a Medical Officer (In Charge) for the above
prisons. For the remaining prisons the local Chief Medical Officer/Block
Medical Officer shall depute one Medical Officer in forenoon on daily basis.
7.05 The Medical Officer, shall be entitled for rent 'free staff quarters'.
Channel of Communication
7.06 The Medical Officer (in charge) shall submit indents for medicines to the
Director General through the Superintendent of prison. In all administrative
matters he will correspond with the Director/ Inspector General through the
Superintendent of Prison. He may, however, correspond directly with the
Director /Inspector General, on matters relating to sanitation, sick prisoners'
food and clothing and discipline in the prison hospital. He may also do so if
he notices on the person of any prisoner injuries which are alleged to have
been caused by prison officials. He shall accompany the Director /Inspector
General during his inspection of the prison.
General Duties
7.07 The general duties of the Medical Officer (In Charge) shall cover every
matter connected with the health of the prisoners, their treatment when
sick, and the sanitation and hygiene of the prison.
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7.08 Medical Officer (In Charge) shall visit the prison and shall examine sick
prisoners every day. He shall visit the prison on Sundays and holidays as
well, whenever necessary.
7.09 He shall inspect every part of the prison and check all prisoners at least once
in a week and record his observations in his report to be sent to the
Superintendent of Prisons and Director/ Inspector General of Prisons
periodically.
7.10 He shall also make a full medical inspection of all the prisoners once a
month.
7.11 If any epidemic or unusual sickness prevails, or any serious case of illness
occurs, he shall visit the prison as often as may be necessary.
7.12 If he is unable to himself undertake these inspections for any reason, he shall
record the fact and the reason for it in his journal. At the same time he shall
depute an Assistant Civil Surgeon to conduct such inspections.
7.13 The Medical Officer shall ensure that the medical needs of aged prisoners in
terms of ophthalmological care, dental care, physiotherapy, and clinical
testing for diabetics are regularly attended to.
7.14 The Medical Officer shall organise de-addiction programmes for such
prisoners who are known to be drug-addicts. He shall also organise training
in Transcendental Meditation and Yoga for them.
7.15 The Medical Officer (In Charge) shall be present during the
Superintendent's weekly inspection and shall oversee the general health and
hygienic conditions prevailing in the prison. He shall pay special attention to
any signs of a scorbutic or anaemic tendency, any deterioration in health
conditions, and skin diseases. He shall also examine the prisoner's clothing
and bedding to see that they are adequate and clean. He will examine the
drainage, ventilation, drinking water and conservancy arrangements of the
prison.
7.16 He shall, at the same time, examine the record of prisoners' weights, to
satisfy himself that the weight test is being properly done. He shall
thoroughly examine all prisoners who have lost their weight substantially
and give necessary instructions to the Assistant Civil Surgeon of the prison
regarding the action to be taken in such cases.
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7.17 The Medical Officer (In Charge) shall attend to the medical needs of all
prison officials and their families residing in the prison's staff quarters and
barracks.
7.18 The Medical Officer (In Charge) shall bring to the notice of the
Superintendent any facts (about the cause of illness of the officers and
subordinate prison staff) that may be of importance, and which shall enable
him to determine their fitness for continued employment in the prison.
7.19 The Medical Officer (In Charge) shall maintain a minute book in which he
shall enter all directions given by him concerning the duties of the medical
staff under him, the management of the hospital, and any other instruction
of importance regarding the treatment of patients, or any other matter.
7.20 He shall inspect the medicines kept in store once in every six months and
satisfy himself that their weights and quantities are entered correctly in the
stock register. He shall also ensure that the medicines are used before their
date of expiry. He shall also inspect the instruments and equipment to see
that these are being maintained properly and sufficient stock is kept in
reserve.
7.21 All indents shall be scrutinized and countersigned by the Medical Officer.
7.22 He shall examine all cases coming for release on medical grounds.
7.24 The Medical Officer In-charge shall also be responsible for conducting
medical examination of candidates selected for appointment to various posts
in the prison.
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(iii) to make a daily round of the prison cells and report to the
Superintendent of Prisons the conditions in the prison which
have any bearing on the health of the inmates and every such
complaint made to him;
(iv) to ensure that all medicines indented for the hospital are properly
arranged, labelled and stored in a safe place;
(vii) to see that the hospital clothing and bedding are marked in a
distinctive manner;
(viii) to see that all articles in use in the hospital are safely stored and
kept clean;
(xii) to satisfy himself that the food for the sick is properly prepared
and distributed;
(xiv) to ensure that the staff nurses and others employed in the
hospital perform their duties properly;
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(xvi) to visit the prison kitchen every day, inspect the food supplied,
both raw and cooked (both in bulk and after distribution) and see
that the salt, oil and condiments are added and thoroughly
mixed, satisfy himself that the food is of good quality and that the
quantity of each article is according to the sanctioned scale. He
shall also see that the kitchen and its surroundings are
maintained in a sanitary condition, that the drains are flushed
and free from refuse, that the water stored in the tanks for
cooking and washing utensils is changed frequently, and that the
utensils in use are clean and in good condition;
(xvii) to supervise the supply of milk to the hospital, to test the milk in
the prescribed manner, to see that it is properly boiled before
issue;
(xxiv) to satisfy himself that the person, and private clothing, of newly
admitted prisoners are properly cleaned, and that the clothing is,
if necessary, disinfected before keeping in the store rooms;
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(xxvi) to bring promptly to the notice of the Superintendent and Chief
Medical Officer any case of suspected cholera or other
contagious or infectious diseases that may appear amongst the
staff or inmates of the prison;
(xxvii) to examine the wells and other sources of water supply, to bring
to notice any defects with regard to the quantity or quality of
water supplied, to examine every day all tanks and vessels in
which water is stored or conveyed, and to prepare samples of
water for analysis as and when required;
(xxix) to attend to the ventilation, with due regard to the season, of the
hospital, sleeping wards and workshops and to satisfy himself
that prisoners are not unnecessarily exposed to drought or rain;
Maintenance of Journals
7.27 The Medical Officer shall keep a journal in which he shall record every visit
he pays to the prison, time of entering and leaving the prison, the parts of
the prison or classes of prisoners visited, the number of sick persons in
prison and any other point which he considers should be brought to the
notice of the Superintendent. While doing so he shall make specific note of
the following:-
7.30 Any marked increase in the number of in or out door patients and its
apparent causes.
7.31 After each visit this journal shall be sent immediately to the Superintendent
for his perusal. Thereupon the Superintendent may issue any orders he
thinks fit. When the Medical Officer himself is the Superintendent of the
Prison the points required to be referred to in his journal shall be recorded
in the journal maintained by the Superintendent of Prison.
Submission of Returns
7.32 The Medical Officer shall punctually submit the prescribed returns and shall
furnish any other information regarding the medical administration of the
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prison, which the Director/ Inspector General may call for. A report
regarding the sanitary condition prevailing in prison shall also be furnished
to the Director General along with the annual returns.
Maintenance of Registers
7.33 The Medical Registers and Forms other than the Journal shall be kept under
the orders of the Medical Officer, who is responsible for their correctness. At
the Director/ Inspector Generals' inspection, the Medical Officer shall
produce before him, every register and record, connected with the Medical
Department of the Prison.
7.35 The Medical Officer shall be present during the fortnightly weighing of
prisoners. He shall record each prisoner's weight in his weight chart.
7.37 On the advice of the Medical Officer, the Superintendent may transfer any
sick prisoner to the local government hospital. For transfer which is required
on medical grounds to any specialised hospital outside the jurisdiction of the
prison, the approval of the Director General/Inspector General should be
obtained. If the Medical Officer is of opinion that prior approval of the
Director General/ Inspector General of Prisons will take such time as will
endanger the life of a sick prisoner, the transfer may be made in anticipation
of sanction of the Director General/ Inspector General of Prisons. No
prisoner should be allowed to stay in an outside hospital except on ground
of dire medical needs. In deserving cases, the opinion of Medical Board
constituted by the Chief Medical Officer of the district shall be obtained
while sending prisoners outside the prison on medical grounds.
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7.38 The diet of prisoners in hospital shall be entirely under the control of the
Medical Officer who may either keep the prisoner on the ordinary prison
diet, or may place him on one of the regular hospital diets, or may order any
modifications of the prison or hospital diet, or may prescribe extra diet he
may think necessary, according to the scales of diet prescribed, if any, under
the rules.
7.39 The Medical Officer may recommend special diet for any prisoner in the
invalid group after recording reasons for recommending that in his register.
Such recommendations shall not be made as a matter of routine. The
Medical Subordinate can recommend the issue of special diet to a prisoner in
the absence of the Medical Officer, but he shall report this to him and obtain
his approval. Issue of special diet shall always be in lieu of the regular diet to
which a prisoner is otherwise eligible. If it is continued for more than a
fortnight, it shall be reported to the Director General/Inspector General. The
Medical Officer owns the responsibility to economise the expenditure on this
account and shall exercise utmost care in recommending special diet to the
prisoners.
7.40 An indent showing the number of hospital diets and extras required, shall be
sent not later than by 9 AM every day to the officer in charge of ration and
care shall be taken that diets and extras reach the prisoners promptly.
Emergent indents, in cases of urgency, may be sent at any hour of the day.
This shall be generally avoided except in cases of extreme urgency.
7.41 A prisoner may be detained for observation in the hospital for 24 hours
without his name being noted down in any register if his disease has not
been diagnosed. After the expiry of that period, whether or not his disease is
diagnosed, his name shall be entered in the proper register. The number of
prisoners detained under observation shall be recorded in the Hospital Roll
and the treatment prescribed for them in the prescription book. If the
Medical Officer finds a prisoner to be malingering, he shall at once report
the fact to the Superintendent for punishment.
7.43 Every prisoner suffering from any active disease shall be brought under
medical treatment, either as an out-patient or an in-door patient, and his
name shall be recorded in the register of out-patients in a prescribed form
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(Appendix - 3) or in the register of in-patients in a prescribed form
(Appendix - 4).
7.44 The number of sick in hospital shall be daily recorded in the Hospital
Roll of sick in a prescribed form (Appendix - 5). Their treatment and diet
shall be recorded in the Case Sheet in a prescribed form (Appendix - 6).
7.47 The entries in the case-book will usually be made by the Medical
Subordinate, as symptoms appear or treatment is applied. The Medical
Officer will add notes of his own observations and orders as and when he
examines the patient. The Medical Officer shall see the case-book every day
and initial the entries regarding each case in token of him having seen them.
7.48 As a general rule the entries in the case-book shall be made every day, but in
chronic cases, where there is little or no change from one day to another,
the Medical Officer may, by entry in his own hand in the case-book, record
that daily entries are not necessary.
Bathing of Patients
7.49 Prisoners who are not too ill shall be required to bathe daily, at a time the
Medical Officer may direct.
7.50 A proper place for washing and boiling dirty clothing and sheets shall be
provided. Blankets and work clothings too shall be frequently washed in
boiling water.
7.51 Every hospital shall be kept clean and well ventilated. The walls of the
hospital shall be scraped and white washed once in six months, or more
often necessary.
Disinfections of Wards
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7.52 A ward or a cell in which a case of infectious disease has occurred or been
treated shall be immediately cleared thoroughly using disinfectants as
prescribed.
7.53 When the Medical Officer is of the opinion that the health of any prisoner
suffers from employment of any kind or class of labour, he shall record such
opinion in the prisoner's sheet and the prisoner shall not be employed on
that labour. But he shall be placed on another kind or class of labour as the
Medical Officer may consider suitable for him.
7.54 The Medical Officer shall immediately report every death that occurs in the
prison to the Superintendent of Prison and shall assist him at the postmortem
examination. He shall ensure that the body is suitably prepared for
burial/cremation before removal from the mortuary.
7.55 The Medical Officer shall accord medical aid to all members of the prison
establishment and others living on the prison premises.
7.56 Staff nurses and pharmacists should be appointed as per the norms of the
State Health Services/ Medical Department.
7.57 The Staff nurses and the pharmacists shall obey the lawful orders of the
Medical Officer in all matters connected with the medical work of the
prison and of the Superintendent, Additional Superintendent and Dy. Supdt.
in other matters.
7.58 Their duties shall be to help the Medical Officer in the maintenance of the
health of the staff and prisoners by compounding and distributing
medicines, vaccinating and weighing prisoners, performing clerical work,
maintaining order and discipline in the hospital and by carrying out such
other duties as may be allocated to them by the Medical Officer.
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of any infected clothing or bedding, and shall satisfy himself that the same
are carried out.
7.62 All cases of pulmonary tuberculosis shall be segregated in special wards. All
necessary precautions shall be taken to guard against the spread of infection
to other prisoners.
7.63 All cases with abnormally enlarged spleen shall have boundaries marked on
the skin and shall be provided with some distinctive clothing. Care shall be
taken that the spleen is not hurt.
7.64 Minor infectious diseases such as scabies, mumps, measles, etc., must on no
account be neglected. Segregation for the full period must be enforced. Cases
of scabies need not, as a rule be admitted into hospital, but segregated from
other prisoners.
7.65 Prisoners showing signs of lunacy shall not, if they are dangerous, noisy or
filthy, be kept in the hospital but shall be kept in a separate cell.
Treatment of Malingerers
7.69 Every prisoner on discharge from hospital shall either be put to labour or
placed in the 'Invalid Group', as the Medical Officer may direct.
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(i) Those who are permanently incapacitated from performing hard or
medium labour because of age, or bodily infirmity. They will be the
permanent members of the group,
(ii) Those who have been discharged from hospital as convalescents, but
are temporarily unfit to perform hard or medium labour,
(iii) Men who are generally out of health even if not falling under the
above two categories. This category shall include prisoners passed as
fit for light labour only, prisoners exhibiting scorbutic or malaric
scorbutic gums, prisoners found to be steadily failing in weight, and
prisoners who are anaemic.
7.71 Prisoners in the invalid group shall be given some light work suited to their
strength and shall, as far as possible, be kept together for the purpose of diet
and observation, both by day and night. A register of such prisoners shall be
kept and no prisoner shall be placed in or discharged from this group
without the permission of the Medical Officer. They shall be examined daily
by the Medical Subordinate, and once a week by the Medical Officer.
7.72 The death of any prisoner, which is a custodial death, shall be handled as
per the procedure laid down in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, and
the guidelines issued by the National Human Rights Commission from time
to time.
7.73 Whenever the mortality in the prison during a month exceeds 1% per
annum, he shall record an explanation of the cause of such excess of
mortality in the monthly return. In cases of unusual mortality, he shall make
a special report on the subject for the government through the Director /
Inspector General.
7.74 The provisions of sub-rule (1) shall, with necessary changes, apply to the
case of a death of an officer of the prison while employed on duty.
7.75 The record required by Section 15 of the Prisons Act, 1894 shall be made by
the Medical Officer in the case book.
7.76 The Deputy Superintendent of Prisons shall send intimation of birth or death
in a prison in writing to the Registrar of the locality appointed for the
purpose under the Registration of Births and deaths Act, 1969 (Central Act
XVIII of 1969).
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Death in Custody
7.77 Deaths of all prisoners whose fingerprints have been taken and if known in
prisons, shall be intimated immediately to the Finger Print Bureau.
7.78 When a military prisoner dies in prison, immediate report thereof shall be
given to the Commanding Officer who sent him to the prison.
7.79 When a foreign prisoner dies in prison immediate report shall be sent to the
District Magistrate of the district and the Director General for further
communication to the government. The government shall inform the
embassy or the appropriate authority about the death.
7.80 Where a woman prisoner dies in prison and leaves a child behind, notice
shall at once be sent to the District Magistrate of the district who shall make
arrangements for further care of the child as may be deemed fit.
7.81 Where a convicted prisoner dies in prison his warrant shall be returned to
the court from which it was issued with an endorsement certifying the cause
and date of death. Where a remand or an under-trial prisoner dies in
prison, the court or courts in which the case or cases are pending, against
the deceased shall immediately be informed of the fact of death in writing.
Recording of Death
7.82 Entries relating to the death of a prisoner shall be made in the concerned
registers, in the History Ticket in detail and in the hospital records. All
records relating to the death of a prisoner shall be preserved for at least two
years.
7.83 The body of any prisoner, including that of a child residing with a female
prisoner, who dies in a prison or in a civil hospital or asylum, shall be
disposed
7.84 The body may be handed over to the relatives only after a post-mortem in
the hospital, if available. For this purpose it may be kept in the hospital
mortuary for 24 hours.
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7.87 The Superintendent of the prison in every case shall conduct an
identification test to ensure that the dead body is the body of the particular
prisoner and satisfy that the marks of identification mentioned in the convict
register tally with those on the dead body and furnish a certificate to that
effect in the register.
7.88 The relatives of prisoners, if poor, may be paid a maximum amount of Rs.
5000/- for transporting the dead body of the prisoner to their native place
or for performing last rites.
7.89 Intimation of all deaths, including that of children residing with female
prisoners, occurring from whatever cause in the prison shall be sent to:
7.90 The body of the deceased prisoner or the deceased child of the female
prisoner shall be kept for inspection and orders of the officer holding the
inquests. No prison officers shall be a member of a panchayat formed to
express an opinion as to the cause of death of any prisoner or deceased child
of the female prisoner.
7.91 A full report on the circumstances of the death of a prisoner shall be sent by
the Superintendent without any delay to the Director General of Prisons for
submission to the government. Reports made by the police and magistrate,
the nominal roll, copies of judgements, the reports required by Section 15 of
the Prisons Act, 1894 and the deposition of witnesses with this report, shall
be submitted. The post-mortem examination shall be videographed as per
the guidelines of the NHRC.
7.92 The quantities of clothing and bedding required for hospital use shall be
reported in fixed time by the Medical Officer to the Superintendent who
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shall include them in the general indent as the case may be of prison
clothing submitted for sanction by the Director/ Inspector General.
7.94 The disposal of other medical articles like clinical waste, medicines whose
validity has expired etc., will be dealt in accordance with norms laid down
by the State Medical Services.
7.95 The Chief Medical officer/Medical Officer shall procure medicines required
for the prison hospitals in accordance with the procedure laid down by the
State Medical Services.
7.96 The stock verification of medicines and medical instruments shall be carried
out by the Medical Officer in accordance with the procedure laid down in
the State Medical Services.
7.97 For the purpose of attending to sick prisoner a few educated convicts of good
conduct and undergoing long sentences shall be selected by the
Superintendents in consultation with the Medical Officer and trained as
nursing orderlies. A brief syllabus for their training shall be prepared as a
guide to the Assistant Surgeons who, under the direction of the Medical
Officer, shall be responsible for conducting such training. The number of
convicts employed as nursing orderlies shall ordinarily be in the ratio of one
for every ten patients. In times of epidemics and other emergencies this
proportion may be increased and special orderlies may be allowed for very
serious cases or for bed-ridden patients. Convict nursing orderlies, who
perform their duties satisfactorily, shall be allowed extra remission and
gratuity at the same rate and scale as prescribed for a convict night
watchman.
Case Sheet
7.99 A case sheet and temperature chart shall be prepared as per the norms laid
down in the State Medical Services.
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7.100 Every prisoner admitted to prison shall be vaccinated on admission, or as
soon as possible afterwards as per the norms laid down in the State Medical
Services.
Vaccination Register
7.102 Medical examination of the members of the staff may be done at least once a
year in consultation with the Superintendent of the Prison. Reports of such
medical examination shall be kept in the office of the Superintendent.
Fortnightly Weighing
7.103 Care shall be taken that the fortnightly weighings, under Section 35(2) of
the Prisons Act, 1894, are done at approximately the same time of day to
avoid as far as possible, the variations that naturally take place throughout
the day.
7.104 Since no labour is done on Sundays, Sundays will be most suitable for taking
weights. When the number of labouring prisoners is large, they can be
divided into two groups, with each group being weighed on alternate
Sundays. Assistance of the pharmacist and a member of the executive staff
detailed by the Superintendent may be taken for the purpose.
7.105 Explanation: The body weight varies to a certain extent from time to time
under normal conditions. Therefore, small differences of weight up to 1 kg
would not necessarily indicate that the weights were taken carelessly.
Record of weights
7.106 The initial weight on admission to prison and the final weight before release
shall be recorded in the Convict Register and these, as well as all the
intermediate fortnightly weights, shall be recorded in the prisoner's Medical
History Sheet and weight chart.
7.107 Before recording the prisoner's weights, it shall be ascertained that the
weighing machines are accurate.
7.108 All prisoners who have lost more than 1.5 kg since the last fortnightly
weighing, or more than 3.0 kg since admission to prison, shall be paraded
with their weight charts for the inspection of the Superintendent and the
Medical Officer on the day following the day the weighing is done.
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7.109 Special care shall be taken in case of prisoners with a poor physique on
admission, for whom even small loss of weight may be of serious concern.
The Chief Medical Officer shall, as soon as possible after the fortnightly weighing, check
the weights of a dozen or more prisoners picked randomly to satisfy of their accuracy and
shall record in his journal any remarks he may consider necessary.
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Chapter VIII
8.02 The same facilities shall be allowed to every prisoner committed to the
prison in default of payment of a fine, or furnishing security under Chapter
VIII of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, to enable him to arrange for
payment of the fine or furnishing security.
8.03 On admission, every prisoner should submit a list of persons who are likely
to interview him/her and the interview shall be restricted to such family
members, relatives and friends. The conversation at the interviews shall be
limited to private and domestic matters and there shall be no reference to
prison administration and discipline and to other prisoners or politics. The
number of persons who may interview a prisoner at one time shall
ordinarily be limited to three.
8.04 Every convicted prisoner shall be allowed to have an interview with his
relatives or friends and to write a letter once a week during the term of his
imprisonment.
8.05 The exercise of this privilege shall be contingent on good conduct and may
be withdrawn or postponed by the Superintendent for bad conduct.
8.06 There will be no restriction on the number of letters a prisoner may receive.
NOTE 1: A letter merely arranging an interview shall not be counted for the
purpose of this rule.
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8.07 Every person desiring to hold an interview with any prisoner shall, before
such interview is allowed to take place or he is allowed to enter the jail, is
called upon by the Deputy Superintendent/Asstt. Supdt. so to do, give his
name and address and submit to be searched.
8.08 No such search shall be made in the presence of any prisoner or person
other than the proper officer of the jail, and, in the case of a female visitor,
that such search shall be conducted by the female head warder or a female
warder. If the visitor refuses to submit to be searched or to give his name or
address, he shall not be permitted to enter the jail or to interview any
prisoner.
8.09 The Superintendent of Jail may demand the Aadhar Card etc. from the visitor
to ascertain the name and address of any visitor to a prisoner, and, when the
Superintendent has any ground of suspicion, may search any visitor, or
cause him to be searched, but the search shall not be made in the presence of
any prisoner or another visitor.
8.10 In case of any such visitor refusing to permit himself to be searched, the
Deputy Superintendent may deny him admission, and the grounds of such
proceeding, with the particulars thereof, shall be entered in such record as
the State Government may direct.
8.11 Every prisoner shall be carefully searched before and after an interview.
8.12 Un-convicted criminal and civil prisoners shall be granted facilities for
writing two interviews with their legal advisers; provided that the
Superintendent of Jail with the approval of Director General may in any
particular case for reasons to be recorded in writing impose such restrictions
on the interviews as it may deem necessary.
8.13 All reasonable facilities shall be granted at proper time and reasonable
restrictions for interviewing or otherwise communicating either orally or in
writing with their legal advisors may be imposed.
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8.14 The contents of all letters shall be limited to private matters. Postage stamps
may be allowed to be purchased for letters addressed by prisoners to their
relatives in foreign countries at their cost. If the prisoners have no cash in
credit, it shall be supplied at Government cost in deserving cases, and at
reasonable intervals, at the discretion of the Superintendent of Prison. The
prisoners shall not be allowed to misuse such privileges. In addition to the
number of letters allowed in a month the prisoners shall be allowed, if they
so desire, a special letter in order to inform their friends or relatives of their
transfer from one prison to another. This shall be in addition to the letters
allowed to them. Ex-prisoners and habitual prisoners, who apply to see their
friends lodged in a prison may not be permitted such interview by the
Superintendent unless and until there exist a genuine reason for such
interview.
8.15 These privileges of interviews with visitors, and of writing and receiving
letters, are contingent to good conduct. These privileges may be suspended
or withdrawn by the Superintendent of Prison on grounds of bad conduct.
8.16 If he considers that special or urgent grounds exist for such concession, the
Superintendent may at his discretion, grant interviews or allow the dispatch
or receipt of letters at shorter intervals than provided in spite of a prisoner's
misconduct. This could be in the event of the prisoner being seriously ill, or
the death of a near relative, or when his/her friends or relatives have come
from a distance to see the prisoner and it would inflict undue hardship on
them if they are refused an interview, or if the prisoner is nearing release
and wishes to secure employment, or for any other sufficient cause. Matters
of importance, such as the death of a relative may also be communicated at
any time to the Superintendent who will, if he thinks it expedient, inform the
prisoner about it.
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Prisoners Allowed to Sign a Power of Attorney
Interview with Prisoners in the Same Prison or in Hospitals Outside the Prison
8.18 Subject to the provisions of the above rules, the Superintendent shall also
permit interviews between men and women prisoners who are related to
each other by marriage or blood, when they happen to be confined in the
same prison, or when one is in the Central Prison and the other in the
Special Prison for Women. If a prisoner is to be sent out of the prison for the
purpose of such interviews, he/she shall be sent under adequate escort.
8.22 Applications for interviews with prisoners may be either oral or in writing.
If the prisoner is not entitled to have an interview, the applicant shall be
informed at once.
Waiting Rooms
8.23 Suitable waiting rooms may be provided in every prison to enable visitors to
await their turn for interview. They may be given a token to await their
turn.
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8.24 Interviews shall not ordinarily be granted on Sundays and other government
holidays. The Superintendent may, however, under very exceptional
circumstances, grant interviews on these days as well. The reasons for
granting such interviews on Sundays or Holidays shall be recorded by the
Superintendent in the report book.
8.25 The Superintendent shall fix the days and hours at which all interviews shall
be allowed. No interviews shall be allowed at any other time, except with
the special permission of the Superintendent. A notice indicating the
interview hours shall be posted outside the prison.
Place of Interview
8.26 Every interview shall take place in a special part of the prison fixed for this
purpose. If possible such a place should be at or near the main gate to ensure
the safety and security of prisoners. The interview room will have fiber glass
partition with intercom facilities, so that the prisoners can have a peaceful
interview. The interview room shall be divided into cubicles and should have
sound-proofing materials covering its walls and ceiling. However, the
Superintendents of Prisons may allow well-behaved prisoners to have face-
to-face interviews after giving due consideration to security and other
related aspects.
8.28 If a prisoner is seriously ill, the Superintendent shall permit the interview to
take place in the prison hospital. A condemned prisoner shall ordinarily be
interviewed in his cell.
8.31 Screens or wire mesh partitions shall be put up, if necessary, between the
prisoners and the persons interviewing them, to prevent the passage or
exchange of any prohibited articles between them.
8.32 Every interview with a convicted prisoner shall take place in the presence of
an experienced prison officer, who shall be positioned at a place from where
he can see and hear what passes between the prisoner and his interviewer
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and he shall prevent any article being passed between the two parties. A
lady Deputy Superintendent, a Matron, an Assistant Matron or a female
warder shall be present when female prisoners are interviewed. CCTV
Cameras should be installed in each cubicle/interview room to ensure that
no illegal activity takes place.
Note: The right to interview a foreign national in prison does not mean a
private interview and does not include the right to inspect the living
quarters of the prisoner/detenue. This is also subject to general regulations
regarding interviews in prisons.
Termination of Interview
8.35 An interview may be terminated at any moment if the prison officer present
considers that there is sufficient cause for terminating it. In every such case,
the reasons for terminating the interview shall be reported at once to the
senior most prison officer present in the prison.
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Duration of Interview
8.36 Ordinarily, the time allowed for an interview shall not exceed half an hour.
However, this may be extended by the Superintendent of Prison at his
discretion.
8.37 Every prisoner shall be carefully searched before and after an interview.
8.38 The Superintendent of Prison may refuse to allow any interview, to which a
prisoner would ordinarily be entitled under these rules, if in his opinion it is
not in public interest to allow a particular person to interview the prisoner,
or if, there are other sufficient reasons to refuse an interview. In every such
case, the Prison Superintendent shall record his reasons for such refusal in
his journal.
8.40 No letter shall be delivered to, or sent by a prisoner, until the Superintendent
has satisfied himself that its transmission is not objectionable. No letter
written in a secret language shall be allowed. The Superintendent may
withhold any letter which seems to him to be, in any way, improper or
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objectionable. He may also cause such passages in the letters to be erased. If
a letter is written in a local language and cannot be satisfactorily translated
in the prison concerned, it shall be sent to some other officer for translation,
in accordance with the procedure laid down for this purpose by the Director
General of Prisons. Subject to the approval of the government, arrangements
may also be made to send such letters for translation to other Government
departments. If a letter is written in a language not ordinarily used in the
State, it shall be sent for translation to the Criminal Investigation
Department of the State. A slip marked Urgent shall be attached to any letter
sent outside the prison for translation so that unnecessary delay does not
take place in their translation and examination.
8.42 A prisoner may retain any letter which has been delivered to him under due
authority.
8.43 If any prisoner abuses any privilege relating to the holding of an interview,
or writing of letters, or of communication with persons outside the prison,
he shall be liable to be excluded from such privileges and may be subjected
to other restrictions as the Prison Superintendent may consider necessary.
8.44 Facilities to be granted to Under Trial and Civil Prisoners for Interviews and
for writing and receiving letters
8.45 Under mentioned facilities may be granted to a under trial or civil prisoner:-
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(i) Under-trial and civil prisoners shall be granted all reasonable
facilities to interview, or write letters to their family members,
relatives, friends, and legal advisers.
(ii) Every interview between an under-trial prisoner and his legal adviser
shall take place within sight, but out of hearing, of a prison official. A
similar concession shall be allowed by the Superintendent in the case
of an interview with any near relative of an under- trial.
(v) Civil prisoners may see their family members, friends, relations and
legal advisers at such time, and under such restrictions, as the
Superintendent may decide and the presence of a prison officer shall
not be necessary. No such visitor shall, however, be allowed to take
eatables without the permission of the Superintendent inside the
prison
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8.47 The Superintendent of Prisons may allow a prisoner the use of telephones or
electronic modes of communication on payment, to contact his family and
lawyers, from time to time, in accordance with the State policy. The prisoner
can use this facility under the supervision of a prison officer to be designated
by the Superintendent. While permitting a prisoner the use of such facilities,
the Superintendent shall ensure that such permission is not given to
prisoners who have a record of unruly behaviour and bad conduct.
8.48 A copy of the rules relating to prisoners shall be placed in each cell and one
copy of the Do's and Don'ts for prisoners shall be given to them. An abstract
of the rules shall also be displayed inside the prison gate and on the walls of
important prison buildings.
8.49 All prisoners shall be allowed to receive soap, oil and tooth powder, fruits
and sweet from their friends and relatives, subject to the condition that the
quantity received is limited to their personal requirements for a fortnight
and that a thorough examination of the articles, to be passed to the
prisoners, is done by a senior officer of the prison.
8.50 All relevant rules about appeals, and the facilities available in the prison for
preparing and sending appeals, shall be explained to the prisoners at the
time of their admission by an officer of the prison who is earmarked as the
Welfare Officer.
Welfare Officer shall Record the Desire of the Prisoner to Prefer an Appeal
8.51 Upon conviction, the Legal Aid Cell/Clinic/ the Probation/ Welfare/
Rehabilitation Officer shall ascertain whether the prisoner desires to file an
appeal or not and record it in the convict register and on the History Ticket
of the prisoner and the prisoner shall be required to sign the History Ticket
or affix his left thumb impression thereon. This shall be verified and
confirmed by the Deputy Superintendent and the Superintendent or
Additional Superintendent at the time of the prisoner's physical verification.
8.52 Under section 383 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, an appellant,
who is in prison, may present his petition/appeal, and the documents
accompanying it, to the Superintendent who shall, thereupon, countersign
and forward them to the proper appellate court at government cost. All
such appeals shall always be sent by registered post.
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8.53 If the copy of the judgment is not received by the prisoner, the
Superintendent shall immediately address the court, on his behalf, for
sending its transcript. In the event of any such transcript of the judgment
being sent to the prison authorities for delivery to a prisoner by the
appellate, revisional or other court, the official concerned shall get it
delivered to the prisoner and obtain a written acknowledgement thereof
from the prisoner. If, before the receipt of the transcript of the judgment, the
prisoner had been transferred to another prison, or to the custody of any
other officer, the transcript of the judgment shall on receipt, be forwarded
without delay to the Superintendent of such prison or such officer, as the
case may be. Till such time as the copy/transcript of the judgment is
received by the prisoner, the Superintendent of Prison shall ensure that a
reminder for sending a copy of the judgment is sent to the concerned court
every week. If the copy of the judgment is not received within 1 month of
forwarding the application to the court, the Superintendent of Prison shall
detail a prison officer to visit the court personally and collect a copy of the
judgment and have it delivered to the prisoner.
8.54 Where the prisoner seeks help to file an appeal or revision petition, every
facility for the exercise of this right shall be provided to the prisoner by the
Superintendent of Prison. If a prisoner desires to file an appeal and declares
that he has no friends or relatives or agents who can file an appeal on his
behalf, he/she shall be provided with writing materials and allowed to write
his own petition or appeal.
8.55 If a prisoner cannot write, the Legal Aid Cell attached to the prison shall
prepare his/her appeal petition. The Superintendent shall not be obliged to
give assistance in the preparation of appeals of prisoners who omit to give
notice of their intention to appeal before the period of limitation has expired.
A prisoner, whose petition or appeal is written by someone else on his/her
behalf shall be given full opportunity of expressing himself/herself and
his/her case shall, as far as possible, be recorded in his/her own words.
Printed forms of appeal petitions shall not be used.
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(ii) An affidavit to the effect that notice of the intended petition for
special leave to appeal has been served upon the respondents
(iii) An affidavit in support of the petition as required by Rule 4 of Order
XVII of the Supreme Court Rules, 1950
(iv) An application for condonation of delay in filling the petition, if it is
presented after the expiry of the period of limitation prescribed by
Rule 1 of Order XIII read with Rule 2 of Order XXI
(v) Certified copies of the judgements of the lower courts.
(i) Under-trial prisoners who are old and infirm, including women
who are pregnant or have babies to be nourished.
(ii) Under-trials who have spent more than three months in prisons
and who have no means to engage a counsel.
(iii) Persons arrested on suspicion under Section 41 of the Code of
Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 who have been in prison beyond
a period of 15 days.
(iv) Under-trials who, the Superintendent has reasons to think, have
not completed 18 years of age and who should ordinarily be kept
away from adults.
(v) Any convicted prisoner who has already filed an appeal through
prison authorities, as provided in the Code of Criminal
Procedure Code, 1973 and who has given in writing his/her
desire to avail free legal aid. The Superintendent shall also
supply information to the Duty Counsel regarding such appeal
along with a copy of memorandum of appeal, if available.
(vi) Prisoners, or the members of their family, requiring legal
assistance in any civil or criminal matters.
(vii) Information regarding seeking of legal aid may be passed on by
the Superintendent to the Duty Counsel if the concerned
prisoner has given in writing his/ her desire to avail of free legal
aid. If the Duty Counsel so desires, he/she may interview the
prisoner with regard to these matters.
(viii) The provisions which are applicable to petitions for Special Leave
to appeal to the Supreme Court on behalf of the condemned
prisoners, shall also apply to such petitions on behalf of other
convicts.
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8.58 The date on which a prisoner expresses his intention to appeal shall be
entered at the appropriate space in his/her History Ticket. The time
between that date, and the date on which the copy of judgement is
delivered to the prisoner, shall be treated as the time required for obtaining
a copy of the order or sentence appealed against, within the meaning of
Section 12 of the Limitation Act, 1 963 (Central Act 36 of 1963).
8.59 The period allowed under the Limitation Act 1 963 (Central Act 36 of 1
963) for filing of appeals to different courts are as follows:
8.60 In order to enable the appellate courts to calculate the period of limitation
prescribed for criminal appeals under the Limitation Act, 1 963 (Central Act
36 of 1 963), every appeal petition shall be endorsed with the following
notice, signed by the Superintendent of Prison :
"The period requisite for obtaining a copy of the order appealed against to
be excluded from the period of limitation under section 12 of Limitation Act
1963 (Central Act 36 of 1963), was ………… days."
8.61 If any delay has occurred in preparing the appeal or revision petition after
the receipt of the copy of judgement, a note of such delay shall also be made
on the appeal or revision petition.
8.62 The Welfare Officer shall maintain an Appeal Register. He shall cause the
register to be placed before the Superintendent of Prison or Additional
Superintendent as frequently as may be necessary. Starting from the date on
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which the prisoner expresses his/her desire to file an appeal, till the date of
receipt of the order of the appellate court disposing of the appeal, all such
dates on which action is taken during the entire process shall be entered in
the Appeals Register and attested by the Superintendent or Additional
Superintendent. This shall include dates on which requisition for judgment
copy is sent, the date of the receipt of judgment copy; the date of delivery of
the judgment copy to the prisoner or other nominated party, and date of
receipt of appeal from the prisoner.
8.65 When notice to show cause why a prisoner's sentence may not be enhanced
is received from the appellate court, the prisoner shall be asked whether
he/she wishes to apply for permission to appear in person before the court
concerned. If he/she says to do so, the Superintendent shall forward his/her
application to the court for orders. Arrangements shall be made for his/her
personal appearance in the court if such permission is granted.
8.66 No appeal shall lie from a sentence passed by a court martial under the
Army Act, 1950 (Central Act XLVI of 1950). The prisoner will have a right
to submit one petition only, against the judgment or sentence, for disposal by
the highest authority to whom he/she is authorized to apply. His/her legal
rights to submit a petition and the authority to which a petition shall be
addressed shall be explained to every accused at the time of the
pronouncement of sentence. Such a petition shall be forwarded to the
authority to whom it is addressed. Appeals or petitions addressed to the
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Government of India, or to any civil authority, shall be forwarded to the
Central Headquarters of the concerned Armed Force for disposal.
8.70 The order /judgment of the Appellate Court, the copy of the original
judgment, and other connected records, shall, be filed and kept along with
the prisoner's warrant.
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Chapter IX
TRANSFER OF PRISONERS
9.01 Prisoners may be transferred from one prison to another for the following
reasons:-
(ii) For attendance in court for the purpose of standing trial or giving
evidence
9.02 In the case of a prisoner, who has long ceased to have any link with the State
of his birth, and who is domiciled in the State where he is imprisoned and
where his close relatives live, the latter State may be treated as his home
State for the purpose of transfer. This shall be ascertained from his
antecedents, or by enquiries regarding his/her relatives, before deciding to
transfer such prisoner.
Powers of Director General/ Inspector General
(i) Subject to the order and control of the State Government, the
Director General/ Inspector General is authorized to sanction the
transfer of such prisoners as are referred to in section 29 of the
Prisoners Act, 1900 (except those under sentence of death), from one
prison to another within the State.
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(ii) The powers to transfer any prisoner under sentence of death from
one prison to another shall rest with the State Government.
9.04 The sanction of the Director General/ Inspector General however will not be
necessary for transfer of prisoners in the following cases, where the Range
Deputy Inspector General of Prisons and the Superintendent of Prison can
order such transfer:
9.05 Prisoners may be transferred from one prison to another prison on following
grounds:
(i) No prisoner who is sick shall be transferred except for the benefit
of his/ her health.
(ii) When the Medical Officer is of the opinion that the transfer of a
sick prisoner to another prison is likely to lead to his/her recovery,
or will help in prolonging his/her life, he shall forward a brief
statement of the case to the Superintendent, mentioning the prison
to which a transfer is desirable. The Superintendent shall
thereafter submit the case to the Director General/Inspector
General for his orders.
(iii) The Superintendent shall, on a requisition in writing from the
Medical Officer, supply extra food, clothing and bedding to
prisoners for such journeys. Medicines, with instructions for their
use, shall if necessary, be supplied to the officer escorting such
prisoner.
(iv) The Medical Officer shall be responsible to ensure that the medical
case sheet of a prisoner is up-to-date at the time of his/her
transfer.
(v) No prisoner, who is incapable of ordinary hard labour on account
of age, sickness or infirmity, shall be recommended for transfer
except under special circumstances.
Prisoners convicted in the same case
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9.06 Prisoners convicted in the same case may be transferred to different prisons
if, in the opinion of the Superintendent, it is absolutely essential to do so in
the interest of discipline and maintenance of order in the prison.
9.07 The Superintendent may apply to the Director General/ Inspector General
for transfer of a habitual prisoner from the prison on the ground that the
prisoner is familiar with the locality and surroundings because of previous
imprisonment there or otherwise. However, the Director General/Inspector
General shall order transfer of such prisoners only in special cases, treating
every such application on its merit, and after satisfying himself that
sufficient reasons for transferring the prisoner exist.
9.08 Young offenders (in the age group of 18 to 21) admitted to a prison shall be
transferred to a suitable institutions for young offenders, under the orders of
the Director General/ Inspector General. They shall be transferred back to
the prisons of their origin after they attain the age of 21 years if their
sentence of imprisonment is not complete. Special arrangements must be
made for them in such cases to continue getting the borstal treatment, till
their normal release.
9.10 In the case of any such prisoner to be transferred to another State, the
Superintendent of the prison, where the prisoner is confined, shall obtain
from the prisoner a written declaration giving details of his address as also
addresses of his relatives in his State of origin and send a nominal roll to the
Director General/ Inspector General of Prisons of that State. The Director
General/ Inspector General shall also ascertain the name of the prison, in
the State of origin to which the prisoner has to be transferred from the
Director General/Inspector General of that State and then take up the matter
with the Government for removal/transfer of prisoner from one state to
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another state as per provisions contained in Section 3 of “The Transfer of
Prisoners Act,1950”.
Explanation: (ii) The transferring State shall bear the cost of transfer of the
prisoner. The cost of maintenance of the prisoner shall be borne by the State
of his origin from the date he is received.
Explanation: (iii) The prisoners' property and wages earned by him in the
prison till the date of his transfer shall be sent, along with the prisoner, to
the prison to which he is transferred.
9.12 Every habitual prisoner, police registered prisoner, prisoner ordered to pay a
fine, a prisoner required to notify residence subsequent to his release, a
person ordered to undergo imprisonment in default of furnishing security
for maintaining peace or good behaviour, a prisoner with mental health
concerns, and a female or young offender, if confined in a distant prison,
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shall be transferred to the prison nearest to his home, one clear week before
the date of the expiry of his substantive sentence.
9.13 The prisoners so transferred shall be confined in the outer quarantine block
of the receiving prison and released therefrom. The release list shall,
however, be sent by the Superintendent of the transferring prison to the
Superintendent of Police of the district in which the prisoner will be released
one month prior to his transfer.
9.14 This provision is subject to the condition that the prison to which the
transfer is ordered is on or near the route which the prisoner would
ordinarily take to his home and contains accommodation for his reception.
9.15 The provisions of this rule may be relaxed in the case of prisoners willing to
receive help from the local Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society on release, and
for habitual and police registered prisoners, and for those who are leprosy
patients.
(i) As a general rule police registered criminals, not being natives of the
State in which they are undergoing sentence, shall be removed,
without regard to their wishes in the matter at any time if they are
sentenced to imprisonment for three months or less, and two months
before their release if they are sentenced to imprisonment for more
than three months, either to the prison of the district to which they
belong or to the prison nearest to their native place, provided that
such prison is declared by the State Government concerned as the
receiving depot for prisoners removed from the State. A prisoner
sentenced to more than three months of imprisonment shall be
transferred to a prison in his home district earlier than two months if
he is willing, or if there are adequate reasons requiring such transfer.
All such cases, as mentioned above, shall ordinarily be intimated by
the police to the Superintendent of Prison in the form of a Police
Registered Slip. When a Police Registered Slip is received, the details
to be filled in at the prison shall be completed and the slip attached to
the prisoner's warrant and sent with him to any prison to which he
may be transferred. At the same time an entry of the letters "P.R.T.",
signifying Police Registered Prisoners for Transfer shall be made in
red ink in the Convict Register and Register of Prisoners to be
released. The Superintendent shall forward to the Director General /
Inspector General a nominal roll of such prisoner with an application
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for his transfer one month before the date on which the transfer is to
be effected in accordance with the rules. The Director
General/Inspector General is authorized to order the removal of such
prisoner, as required above, and shall pass a formal order
sanctioning the transfer in consultation with the Director General/
Inspector General of the State with the consent of that Government to
which the prisoner is to be removed. On the death or escape of a
Police registered prisoner, the Police Registered Form attached to his
warrant shall be returned to the Superintendents of Police of his
district with an endorsement showing the date of his death or escape.
Similarly any prisoner, whose detention in a prison of the State in
which he is undergoing sentence, is deemed inexpedient; he may be
removed with the previous consent to the Director / Inspector
General of the State and the Government of that State to which it is
proposed to remove him.
(ii) Police Registered Prisoners for transfer (or briefly P.R.T. Prisoners)
belonging to Jammu and Kashmir, Nepal and Bhutan shall be
transferred to the prisons in India nearest to their native places, at
any time not exceeding two months prior to their release. The prisons
to which they are to be transferred being decided in consultation
with the Director/Inspector General of Prisons of the respective State,
and after verification of the facts. Intimation regarding release of
P.R.T. Prisoners belonging to Jammu and Kashmir shall be sent direct
to Jammu and Kashmir Government. In the case of P.R.T. prisoners
belonging to Bhutan and Nepal, such intimation shall be sent to the
Governments of these countries through India's Political Officers or
the Indian Embassy, as the case may be.
9.17 Prisoners shall not be transferred while cholera or any other epidemic
disease is present in either the transferring or the receiving prison. Transfer
along a route where cholera or any other epidemic is prevalent, shall also be
avoided as far as possible.
9.18 When a prisoner has been transferred for any special reason by the
Director /Inspector General, the Superintendent shall, bring to the notice
the special reason for which the original transfer was made when proposing
the re-transfer of such prisoner.
Police to escort prisoners
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(i) The responsibility of escorting prisoners rests with the police. The
Superintendent of Prison shall endeavour to reduce the calls upon
the police as far as possible, by transferring prisoners in batches.
Prisoners shall not ordinarily be dispatched so as to reach the prison
of destination on any of the recognized holidays for prisons. If such a
contingency is likely to arise due to unavoidable circumstances, the
Superintendent of the transferring prison shall forward a written
request to the Superintendent of the receiving prison. The
Superintendent of the receiving prison shall, however, entertain such
admission on holidays even in the absence of any such request, but
bring the irregularity to the notice of the Director/Inspector General
of Prisons.
(ii) The authorities at the transferring prison shall, as far as possible,
avoid sending prisoners of different categories in the same batch.
However, if circumstances make this unavoidable, they shall give
clear instructions to the officer in charge of the escort to prohibit
communication amongst such prisoners.
9.20 When prisoners are to be transferred, the Superintendent shall apply to the
Superintendent of Police of the district where the Central Prison is located,
sufficiently in advance for the requisite guard, intimating the number of
prisoners and the date and hour of their intended dispatch and the station
they are being transferred to.
Precautionary measures
9.22 Full details of the following types of prisoners shall always be supplied to the
escorting party before they are handed over to the police by the
Superintendent of the transferring prison, namely:
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prisoners likely to attract public attention and cause a stir are being
transferred.
9.25 The Superintendent shall, before transferring a prisoner, verify all the
entries regarding him/her and certify on the back of the warrant, the
number and date of the order directing the transfer and the date of transfer.
9.28 If it is found that there is any discrepancy in the cash, jewellery or property,
immediate notice of the same shall be given to the Superintendent of the
dispatching prison who shall begin an enquiry into the matter.
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9.29 The following documents relating to each transferred prisoner shall be given
to the officer in charge of the escort to be delivered to the Superintendent of
the receiving prison namely:
(vii) Duplicate and triplicate lists of all private property belonging to the
prisoner
(viii) A list of clothing, bedding and other government property sent with
the prisoner.
9.30 The total amount of remission earned by every transferred prisoner up to the
end of the preceding month shall be endorsed on his/her History Ticket,
remission sheet and on the warrant, and the entries shall be signed by the
Superintendent. The Jailor of the transferring prison shall be responsible
that the above information is duly and correctly supplied and that all
documents to accompany the prisoners are correctly sent.
9.32 Every prisoner, during transit, shall be allowed to wear his private clothing.
Whenever the private clothing of a prisoner has been destroyed or sold,
he/she shall, on transfer, be provided with civilians clothing at government
cost.
9.33 Subsistence allowance shall be paid to all remand and under-trial prisoners,
at rates as fixed by government from time to time.
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Duty of the escorting officer
9.34 The officer in charge of escort shall see that prisoners do not communicate
with outsiders and have no opportunity of obtaining forbidden articles,
including cash, from their friends or relatives while in transit. During the
transit period, the prisoner shall not be allowed to handle any cash,
jewellery or other private property, except his/her private clothing.
9.35 If any breach or neglect of duty on the part of the officer in charge of escort
is noticed, the Superintendent of the receiving prison shall send a report to
the Director/ Inspector General of Prisons.
9.36 Prisoners in transit shall not be admitted into Central Prisons. They may
however be admitted to a transit yard if such a facility is attached to Central
Prisons for the purpose.
9.37 During transit, female and young offenders shall be separated from
adult male prisoners.
9.38 Male prisoners shall be searched by the officer in charge of the escort
daily during transit.
9.39 Prisoners shall ordinarily be transferred by rail where facilities for travel by
rail exist. The fares of prisoners and of the warder, if any in charge, shall be
included in the railway warrant prepared by the Police Department. The
accommodation to be provided shall be of the lowest class.
9.40 When prisoners are to be transferred by rail, timely notice shall be given to
the police of the intended date and hour of dispatch with a view to make
suitable arrangements with the railway authorities for their safe custody in
transit, and for the provision of necessary accommodation.
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Transfer by road
9.41 The police escort party, which is transporting prisoners by road, shall
provide necessary conveyance even for a shorter distance. Taking into
consideration the safety and security of the prisoners, the police shall chalk
out the routes and places of halt, in advance. Any accident on transit should
be promptly intimated to the Superintendent of the Prison from where the
prisoner has been moved.
9.42 If, during such transfer by road, a prisoner becomes so ill as to be unable to
continue his/her journey, he/she shall be taken to the nearest hospital, or to
any place where there is a public dispensary, for treatment by a Medical
Officer. A report of the circumstances shall immediately be made to the
Superintendent of the dispatching prison and of the prison to which the
prisoner was being moved.
9.43 When a prisoner dies in transit, the officer in charge of the escort shall at
once report the circumstances to the nearest police station, which in turn
will inform the judicial Magistrate. The Executive Magistrate shall enquire
into the case and submit his/her report directly to the Director / Inspector
General and shall arrange for the disposal of the dead body. The officer in
charge of the escort shall also intimate the death of a prisoner to the
Superintendent of the prison to which the prisoner was being transferred,
and the Superintendent of the transferring prison immediately. The latter
shall inform the deceased prisoner's relatives, the Government, and the
National Human Rights Commission, of the death of the prisoner.
Procedure if prisoner escapes
9.44 If, during transit, a prisoner escapes, intimation shall at once be given by the
officer in charge of the escort to the nearest police station to enable them to
take steps for recapture of the prisoner. The Superintendent of the prison to
which the convict was being taken and of the transferring prison, shall also
be informed of the escape, and the latter shall take the prescribed measures
for the prisoner's re-apprehension. On recapture such a prisoner shall be
sent to the prison from where he was originally being transferred.
Admission of transferred prisoners
9.45 On arrival at the receiving prison, the usual procedure for the admission of
prisoners shall be followed. The Superintendent shall satisfy himself that the
correct number of prisoners has been received and that they have been
properly fed and cared for during transit.
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Verification of lists accompanying prisoners
9.46 When the authorized prison officer of the receiving prison has satisfied
himself that the prisoner's documents and property have been correctly
received, he shall countersign the memorandum and the triplicate copy of
the list of property and shall return them, together with any clothing and
item issued at government cost, to the transferring prison.
9.47 Special facilities for writing letters to family, before and after transfer, may
be extended to prisoners at the discretion of the Superintendent of Prison.
Stationery for the same shall be provided by the prison authorities.
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Chapter X
REPATRIATION OF PRISONERS
10.02 Presently, India has entered into bilateral agreements with 27 countries
(listed below) and has also acceded to one multilateral treaty i.e. the Inter-
American Convention on Serving Criminal Sentences Abroad (IAC), which is
signed by the Member States of the Organisation of American States (OAS)
but is also open to accession by non-OAS countries. Currently, India has
functional arrangements with 36 countries (20 countries under bilateral
agreement and 16 countries under Inter-American Convention on Serving
Criminal Sentences Abroad) for transfer of sentenced persons. These
countries are United Kingdom, Mauritius, France, Bulgaria, Egypt, South
Korea, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Israel, UAE, Iran,
Italy, Maldives, Turkey, Thailand, Russian Federation, Kuwait, Hong Kong
Special Administrative Region and Argentina, Belize, Canada, Czech
Republic, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico,
Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela.
10.03 Out of these, India has operational agreements with the following 20
countries: United Kingdom, Mauritius, Bulgaria, France, Egypt, Sri Lanka,
Cambodia, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Bangladesh, Israel, UAE, Italy,
Turkey, Maldives, Thailand, Russian Federation, Kuwait and HKSAR. Indian
prisoners undergoing a sentence in the prisons of these countries may be
brought back in terms of these agreements, and nationals of such countries
can be repatriated to their native countries in accordance with the
agreements.
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Convention on Transfer of Sentenced Persons came into being on 12th April,
1983 and is effective since 1 July 1985. So far, the total 64 countries have
ratified the convention. Out of these, 45 countries are the member States of
the Council of Europe – Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan,
Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece,
Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia,
Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia,
Turkey, Ukraine and United Kingdom. The rest 19 countries namely,
Australia, Bahamas, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Honduras,
Israel, Japan, Korea, Mauritius, Mexico, Panama, Philippines, Tonga,
Trinidad and Tobago and United States of America, Venezuela are non-
member states of the Council of Europe (CoE).
10.05 The procedure for processing such repatriation requests is briefly described
below and is detailed in guidelines issued by way of Advisory by MHA on
10th August, 2015:
(i) The request for transfer should be made by the prisoner or anyone
acting on his/her behalf voluntarily.
(iv) There should not be any other cases pending in a court of law at the
time of making such a request and the prisoner should not be wanted
in any other proceedings by any investigating agency.
(v) At least 6 months period of his sentence should remain for such
request to be considered.
(vi) On transfer the prisoner would undergo either the remaining period
of his sentence or his sentence would be adapted in terms of existing
provisions of law in the Receiving country without aggravating the
period of his sentence. The period of sentence so adapted should
closely be in line with the sentence awarded to him in the court of
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law in the country where convicted and can be modified to bring it
in line with similar provisions in the Receiving country.
10.06 All the Missions of the country abroad and the prison administrations in the
States/UTs have been apprised about the guidelines for repatriation of
eligible inmates who can be considered for such repatriations.
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Chapter XI
EXECUTION OF SENTENCES
Serving of sentences
11.03 In whatever order the sentences are served, a prisoner is liable to serve the
aggregate of the terms of all the sentences, provided that under no
circumstances shall a prisoner be detained in prison beyond the period
indicated by the terms of the warrant of commitment.
11.04 In case of doubt, as to the order in which the sentences shall take effect,
instructions shall be taken from the court imposing the last sentence.
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Example 2: A prisoner sentenced on 28th February to one month's
imprisonment shall be released on 27th March at the time of every roll call.
11.07 If the month in which the sentence of a prisoner expires has no date
corresponding to the date of sentence, the last day of the said month shall be
taken as the day of expiry of sentence. The same principle shall apply when
the sentence is reduced due to reduction in sentence or payment of fine or
grant or remission.
11.08.1 Regarding the manner in which two or more sentences inflicted at the same
time or at different times on the same person are to take effect, provisions of
Section 31, 426 and 427 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, shall be
followed.
11.08.2 In case of doubt to the order in which sentences shall take effect, the
instructions of the court imposing the latest sentence shall be taken
11.08.3 In case of doubt to the order in which sentences shall take effect, the
instructions of the court imposing the latest sentence shall be taken
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Example 2: A prisoner is sentenced on 1st January to two months
imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 200 or, in default, to one month's
imprisonment. If the fine is not paid, he shall be released on 31 st March, but
if the fine is paid, then on the last day of February.
11.10 The imprisonment for life technically means imprisonment for the whole
life. The sentence of all prisoners sentenced to imprisonment for life or to
more than twenty years imprisonment in the aggregate, shall, for
administrative purposes of calculation of the normal date of release, be
deemed to be sentences of imprisonment for twenty years.
(i) If the new sentence is severer in its kind than the sentence which
such convict was undergoing when he escaped, the new sentence
shall take effect immediately, and the unexpired portion of sentence
he was undergoing when he escaped, shall be served subsequently.
When the new sentence is not more severe, it shall take effect after
he has served the portion of his original sentence which at the time
of his escape remained unexpired.
11.15 If a prisoner receives a sentence for escape from prison the date of release
shall be re-calculated in accordance with Section 426 of the Code of
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Criminal Procedure, 1973 and entered in the Register of Prisoners to be
released in place of the original date of release.
11.16 In the following cases, the period spent by prisoners outside the prison,
known as at large period, shall not count towards sentence:
(i) Escape.
(ii) Bail.
(iii) Suspended period of sentence, including emergency leave.
(iv) Unauthorized extension of temporary release.
(v) Suspended period of sentence if directed by the court.
(vi) Suspension of sentence for police investigation.
(vii) Violation of conditional release.
(viii) Extradition.
11.21 In cases where there are more than one "at large" periods, the aggregate total
of all such periods shall be worked out in terms of days and added to the
substantive sentence. The date on which the sum of these periods elapses,
counting from the date of conviction, shall be the date of expiry of sentence.
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11.22 In the case of a convict who has to attend the court on the very day of
his/her release, for a case for which he is not on bail, he shall be treated as
released in the morning and sent to court as an under-trial prisoner. If the
prisoner is sentenced to further imprisonment, on that very date, the
sentence shall be calculated from the following day.
11.23 When a period has been excluded from a sentence under the preceding rule,
the mode to be adopted in calculating the date of release is to take the full
term of sentence as commencing from the date of readmission and deduct
from it the number of days already passed in jail; the date so arrived at will
be the date on which the sentence expires.
11.24 In calculating the day on which any prisoner is entitled to be released, the
day on which the sentence is passed and the day on which the prisoner is
released, respectively , shall be deemed to be days of imprisonment.
11.24.1 Provided that if, in the case of any prisoners, two or more sentences are to be
undergone otherwise than concurrently, no day shall be counted as a day
of imprisonment in respect of more than one such sentence, and that a
sentence of imprisonment for one day or twenty four hours shall be deemed
to expire on the morning of the day following that on which the sentence
was passed.
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February of the same year he is sentenced on another account to an
additional imprisonment for four months. The fine is paid in full on
28th February. The sentence of four months of imprisonment shall
begin from 28th February and not from 31st January.
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(vii) When a prisoner is sentenced to fine and the fine is paid in
installments, the period of sentence to be remitted shall not be
calculated on the individual payments but on the aggregate of the
several previous payments.
11.28 When a prisoner has been committed to jail at one trial under two separate
warrants, the sentence in the one to take effect from the expiry of the
sentence in the other, the date of such second sentence shall, in the event of
first sentence being set aside on appeal, be presumed to take effect from the
date on which he was committed to jail under the first or original sentence.
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(b) “When separate sentences have been passed in separate trials and the
sentences are to run consecutively under section 427 of the Code of
Criminal Procedure, 1973, the operation of second sentence will, in the
event of first sentence being set aside on appeal, commence from the date of
conviction in the second case.
11.29 The following method shall be adopted in calculating the date of release of a
prisoner who, after conviction, is released on bail but is afterwards
recommitted to prison to serve his sentence, or who escapes and is
subsequently recaptured.
11.30 Add the number of days for which the prisoner was on bail, or was at large,
to the term of the sentence, exclusive of the day of release and re-arrest, or
of escape and re-capture. The date on which the sum of these periods will
elapse, counting from the date of conviction, shall be the date of expiry of
sentence.
11.31 If a convicted prisoner, who has been released on bail, commits an offence
during his bail period and is readmitted to the prison, the at large period
shall be counted up to his date of readmission.
11.33 If an offender, who has undergone the full term of imprisonment to which
he was sentenced in default of payment of fine, is still liable to have the fine
levied by distress and sale, the Superintendent of Prison shall accept the
whole fine, if tendered, even though a part of the alternative imprisonment
has been undergone.
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11.34 When fines imposed on prisoners are recovered by a court, intimation of the
same will be received by the Superintendent from the Court. If the convict
has been transferred elsewhere, the Superintendent shall forward such
intimation by registered post to the prison in which the convict is confined.
All fine intimations shall be acknowledged.
11.35 No action shall be taken on fine intimations which do not bear the seal of the
court. Such intimation shall be returned to the court for proper
authentication and affixing seal of the court. Telegrams shall not be accepted
as intimations of recovery of fine. When intimation of payment of fine by a
prisoner is received from a Police Officer, it shall be returned to that officer
with a request that it may be forwarded through the court awarding the
sentence.
Prisoners to be informed
11.36 When the fine has been paid, the prisoner concerned shall be informed and
the payment shall be duly noted in the register, on the warrant and on the
prisoner's History Ticket. The entries in the register and the warrants and
History Tickets shall be signed by the Superintendent or the Additional
Superintendent and the Dy. Supdt. A separate Inward Register for the receipt
of the fine intimation shall be maintained.
Illustration
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Criminal Procedure, 1973 for keeping peace for a term of six months and
execute a bond in a sum of Rs.25 with one surety for a like amount, fails to
give security on or before the date on which the three months substantive
imprisonment expires, he/ she shall be detained in prison until he furnishes
the required security, or until the term for which such security is to be given
is completed, but no formal warrant is necessary for such detention.
11.40 Sentences awarded under section 52 of the Prisons Act, 1894 shall
commence on the expiry of imprisonment in default of furnishing security
or from the date of receipt in the prison of an intimation that the security
has been furnished.
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11.44 When an Appellate Court directs that the execution of a sentence, or order
appealed against, be suspended, the appellant shall, if detained in prison
pending further orders of such Courts, be treated in all respects as an under
trial prisoner.
11.45 Should the appellant be ultimately sentenced to imprisonment or
imprisonment for life, the period during which the original sentence was
suspended shall-
a. if passed while the prisoner in prison, be included, and
b. if passed when the prisoner was at large be excluded, in computing
the term for which he is sentenced by the Appellate Court.
11.46 When a court passes a sentence after a retrial, or after original sentence is
reversed and retrial (fresh trial) is ordered on appeal, the previous sentence,
or portion thereof, already undergone by the prisoner before the fresh trial,
should also count, unless otherwise specifically directed, towards the
sentence imposed after the fresh trial, excluding any period during which
the prisoner was at large.
11.49 Provided that when the Appellate Court orders the retrial, or committal for
trial, of a prisoner under section 386 of the Code of Criminal Procedure,
1973 it shall communicate its order to the Court whose decision has been
reversed and that court shall thereupon make such orders as are
conformable to the judgement of the appellate Court.
11.50 When a case is decided on appeal or revision by the High Court, the Court
or Magistrate to which the High Court certifies its order will proceed, under
the provisions of section 388 or 405 of the Code of Criminal Procedure,
1973 to issue, when necessary, fresh warrant or order to the prison officer.
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Procedure when a sentence is confirmed
11.53 When the rejection by the High Court of an appeal or revision application
from a prisoner is communicated to the court by which such prisoner was
convicted, such court shall at once to cause the intimation of such decision
to be given to the prisoner.
11.54 In cases referred by the Court of Sessions for the confirmation of a sentence
of death by the High Court, the High Court will send a copy of its order to
the Court of sessions which will then issue warrant to the Officer in charge
of the prison.
11.55 In all cases the Superintendent of Prison shall acknowledge by a letter the
receipt of any warrant or order or intimation, and shall also inform the
prisoner of the result of his appeal or application.
11.57 When a prisoner has been committed to prison at one trial under two
separate warrants, and the sentence in one warrant is to take effect from the
expiry of the sentence in the other warrant, the date of the second sentence
shall, in the event of the first sentence being set aside in appeal, be presumed
to take effect from the date on which he was committed to prison under the
first or original sentence;
11.58 When separate sentences have been passed in separate trial and the
sentences run consecutively under section 427 of the Code of Criminal
Procedure Code, 1973, the operation of the second sentence will, in the
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event of the first sentence being set aside on appeal, shall commence from
the date of conviction in the second case.
Illustration:
11.60 A prisoner is sentenced on 1st July to six months imprisonment and on 1st
August to another period of six months imprisonment. On appeal the first
sentence is quashed on 31st August. The prisoner will be entitled to release
on 31st January.
11.61 If however an appeal is also filed in the second case, it will be within the
powers of the court hearing the second appeal to direct that credit shall be
given for such period as is covered between the date of the second
conviction and the date on which the first appeal was accepted.
11.62 No credit, however, shall be given in the second case for any period passed
in prison under the first sentence prior to the date of the conviction in the
second case by the court of original jurisdiction.
11.63 When an Appellate Court annuals a sentence and directs that the prisoner be
retried, and a warrant for the prisoner's release on bail is not received, the
prisoner shall be remanded to the under trial yard (unless he be undergoing
some other sentence), and the Superintendent shall apply to the committing
court for warrant for his custody pending trial if such warrant is not at the
same time furnished. Such warrant should set forth the Court by which the
prisoner is to be tried and the date on which he is to be produced before the
Court.
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Chapter XII
INTRODUCTION:
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12.04 Subject to the provisions of Section 30, all private property shall be removed
from the convict.
Cell to be examined
12.05 Every cell in which a convict under sentence of death is to be confined, shall,
before such convict is lodged in it, be examined by the Deputy
Superintendent, or by an officer appointed in that behalf, who shall satisfy
himself that it is secure and contains no article of any kind which the
prisoner could, by any possibility, use as a weapon of offence or as an
instrument with which to commit suicide, or which is, in the opinion of that
officer, it is inexpedient to be permitted to remain in such cell.
12.06 When there are two or more condemned prisoners confined in a prison at
the same time, in cells situated at some distance from one another, a separate
guard shall be posted for each cell. However, if the cells are contiguous one
Warder shall be posted to guard a maximum of four such prisoners. For any
number of cells in excess of four, an extra guard shall be posted even when
the cells are contiguous.
12.07 With two rows of cells facing and within a reasonable distance of each
other, one Sentry may be given charge of up to four cells on one side and
four on the other.
12.08 When two or more cells are occupied, the Sentry shall walk up and down
past them, so that each prisoner guarded by him comes into his view at short
intervals.
12.09 The Sentry guarding these cells shall be relieved every two hours.
Guarding
12.10 Every prisoner sentenced to death shall be under observation of the guarding
staff on a twenty four hour basis. Convict officers shall not be employed on
this duty.
12.11 A guard shall in no case be given more than two hours duty at a
stretch.
12.12 Every guard shall be equipped with a regulation baton and shall be so posted
that the convict shall be under continuous watch. He should not be armed
with a fire-arm, bayonet or any sharp weapon. The Sentry shall be posted in
front of the grated door of the cell. The key of the cell lock shall be kept with
the Sentry/prison guard on duty so as to be immediately available in case of
emergency. The lock must be such which cannot be opened by any other key
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in use in the prison. The Sentry/Woman prison guard shall be so posted that
the prisoner sentenced to death is under continuous watch. A prisoner
sentenced to death shall not be taken out of his cell unless the requisite
numbers of guards are present.
12.13 If the guard on duty notices a prisoner attempting to commit suicide he shall
raise alarm for help and enter the cell.
12.14 The special guard in whose charge prisoners sentenced to death is put shall
allow no one to approach the cell or communicate with the prisoners in any
manner except the Superintendent of Prison and any other officer
authorized by the Superintendent in that behalf.
12.15 A prisoner under sentence of death shall not be handcuffed or placed in any
form of restraint unless he is so violent as to be dangerous to the guard or to
himself. If it is deemed necessary to put on handcuffs, the reason for such
action shall be reported to the Director General/ Inspector General and the
Regional D.I.G.
12.16 Every convict shall (whether or not the sentence of death has been
confirmed by the High Court), from the date of his admission to a prison, be
confined in a cell in a special yard, apart from all other prisoners as required
by section 30 of the Prisons Act. The cell or room in which a convict is
confined shall before he is placed in it, be always examined by the Senior
Jailor who shall satisfy himself about its fitness and safety. No prisoners
except convicts under sentence of death shall be kept in the special yard.
12.17 Where there is more than one such cell in the special yard, the prisoner
sentenced to death shall be changed daily from one cell to another.
12.18 The Senior Jailor shall ensure that the following articles are issued to a
convict; on his admission to a prison:—
i) a pant without cord;
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ii) two all wool blankets or two cotton wool blankets, one for spreading
and another for coverage;
iii) a pot, plate and a mug of thin light aluminium.
iv) A thin Kasti may be issued to a Parsee convict.
12.19 Two cotton sarees/ salwar kameez and bodices may be issued to female
convicts. However, if it is considered unsafe to issue sarees to any such
convicts; pyjamas without cord and a Kurta may be issued to her.
12.20 A sheet in Appendix – 8 shall be maintained by the Superintendent for every
convict.
12.21 The date fixed for the execution the periods within which petitions must be
dispatched and the result of the petition in each case, shall be intimated to
the condemned prisoner by the Deputy Superintendent.
Observation
12.22 The prison officer incharge should carefully observe the behaviour of
prisoners sentences to death with special focus on his mental status.
12.23 The notes of psychological observation kept by the Jailor should be checked
daily by the Superintendent who should ensure that the data required for the
compilation of the notes is collected by the Jailor in an intelligent manner
and that the same have a factual base. Two copies of the case history of the
prisoner and the notes shall be sent by the Superintendent to the Director
General/ Inspector General immediately after the final disposal of the case.
12.24 A copy of the case history and psychological notes shall be sent by the
Director General/ Inspector General to State Government immediately on
receipt together with his own remarks thereon if any. Such record may
prove useful for psychological study and research purposes.
Search
Restriction on removal
12.26 Prisoners sentenced to death shall not be removed to the prison hospital for
treatment without the special sanction of the Deputy Inspector General of
Prisons.
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Provided that the Superintendent may, however, order the removal of a
prisoner to the prison hospital, in anticipation of sanction, if the Medical
Officer of the prison certifies that the prisoner is in danger of dying and
requires immediate treatment in the prison hospital. If a prisoner, who is
sentenced to death, is removed to a prison hospital, he shall be segregated
from all other prisoners in the hospital and a special guard should be posted
according to requirements.
Special Treatment
12.27 A prisoner sentenced to death shall not be put in fetters or handcuffed unless
he is so violent as to be dangerous to the guard or to himself. If it is deemed
necessary to put on fetters or handcuffs, the reasons for such action shall be
reported to the Director General/Inspector General.
Interviews
12.29 The Superintendent may permit prisoners under sentence of death to have
interviews with their relatives, friends or legal advisors, once a week, or
more often when the Superintendent is of the opinion that such interviews
may be granted for good reason.
12.30 The Jailor shall before granting interviews, ensure that all precautionary and
security measures are taken before hand.
12.31 The prisoner shall be brought from the cell to the interview room under
proper escort at the time of interview and the interviewers and the prisoner
shall be separated by expanded metal barriers.
12.31.01 Confidentiality of communication during meetings/interviews with their
lawyers must be maintained i.e. the meetings/interviews should be
conducted within sight but not hearing of prison authorities.
Social workers and mental health professionals engaged by
the lawyer of the prisoner should also be allowed to meet the prisoner. Such
professionals can collect mitigating circumstances, necessary for the
sentencing process in death penalty cases.
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Advocates, social workers and mental health professional
should be allowed to meet the prisoner up to thrice a week. It is submitted
that looking at the complications in cases of prisoners sentenced to death, it
should be extended to 3 meetings/ interviews.
The duration of each interview should be permitted up to 30
minutes, but may be extended by the Superintendent at his discretion
12.32 A religious priest or a faith-based head (of the religion/ faith to which a
prisoner belongs) may be summoned once a week at the cost of State
Government, if the prisoner so desires. The Superintendent may permit a
Minister to be summoned more often for adequate reasons to be recorded in
the History Ticket of the convict.
Facilities
12.33 A prisoner sentenced to death may be allowed the following facilities with
the approval of the Superintendent of Prison:-
i) Religious books;
ii) Religious pictures;
iii) Rosary and essential religious emblems subject to security
requirements;
iv) Newspapers and books.
12.35 The DG/ IG may allow further expenditure on a prisoner sentenced to death
in urgent, compassionate and deserving cases.
Observation
12.37 Should any delay occur in executing a sentence of death, other than that
arising from the submission of a petition for mercy, the Superintendent shall
forthwith report the circumstances to the sessions judge and return the
original warrant either for the issue of a new one or for the endorsement
upon the same warrant of an order fixing another date for the execution.
Insanity
12.38 If any prisoner awaiting sentence of death shows signs of mental illness
which, in the opinion of the Medical Officer, are not feigned, or which
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require observation to determine whether they are feigned or not, the
circumstance shall at once be reported to Government, through the Director
General/Inspector General of Prisons under intimation to the Regional
Deputy Inspector General for orders along with the following documents:-
i) The Nominal Roll of the prisoner;
ii) A copy of the warrant under which he is confined (in duplicate);
iii) The Medical Officer’s certificate in the prescribed form; and
iv) The medical history sheet (in duplicate).
12.39 If Government orders the appointment of a Special Medical Board, for the
purpose of examining the mental condition of a convict sentenced to death,
he shall be kept under observation in the prison by the psychiatrist in charge
of the nearest psychiatric or similar institution or the Civil Surgeon for a
period of ten days or longer if considered necessary prior to an examination
by the Medical Board.
12.40 The Superintendent and the Chief Medical Officer of the prison, in which
the convict may be confined, shall give all facilities to the psychiatrist or the
Civil Surgeon for a physical examination of the convict including serological
tests and for observation of the convict without his knowledge.
12.41 As soon as possible, after the Medical Board is appointed and the convict is
placed under observation, the Superintendent of the prison shall collect
information about the convict through the police or other sources and place
it at the disposal of the psychiatrist or Civil Surgeon.
12.42 Where State Government orders appointment of Special Medical Board for
examining the mental condition of a convict under sentence of death under
any relevant state rules, the Superintendent shall obtain the history of such
convict from institutions or individuals with whom he has had contacts. The
psychiatrist under whose observation the convict is kept pending
examination by the Special Medical Board, shall furnish the Superintendent
with a questionnaire for collecting the information. Factual material
concerning the mental condition of the convict shall be obtained either from
records or from eye-witnesses including the officer who arrested him. For
the purpose of an estimation of the convicts state of mind just prior to, at the
time of and soon after the commission of the offence, reports shall be
obtained from eye-witnesses including relatives of the convict.
Note:- Evidence regarding the behaviour of the prisoner at the time of the
trial and especially during examination in court will be available from the
proceedings of the court including the evidence and the summing up and
judgment. Reports on the convict shall be obtained from individuals who
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have been in contact with him during his remand and subsequent detention
in the prison. While collecting this information, utmost care shall be taken to
see that the object within which it is collected is not divulged. It should also
be remembered that the relatives of the convict are likely to be specially
interested and the information supplied by them shall be used with the
greatest care.
12.43 As soon as the Medical Specialist or Chief Medical Officer is ready with his
report, he shall request the Director of Health Services to fix a date for the
meeting of the Special Medical Board.
12.44 The Medical Specialist or Chief Medical Officer shall place all the records
before the Medical Board. The President of the Board shall forward the
proceedings of the Medical Board together with their own opinion to the
Secretary, Home Department, through the Director General /Inspector
General of Prisons.
Pregnancy
Appeal facilities
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the Superintendent shall inform the convict that if he wishes to appeal to the
Supreme Court or to make an application for special leave to appeal to the
Supreme Court under any of the relevant provisions of the Constitution of
India (hereinafter referred to as “appeal and application” respectively), he
may do so within the period prescribed by the Supreme Court Rules.
12.50 Whenever a sentence of death has been passed by any Court or Tribunal, the
sentence shall not be executed until after the dismissal of the appeal or of the
application or, in case no such appeal has been preferred, or no such
application has been made, until after the expiry of the period allowed for
an appeal or for making of such application:
Provided further that, if the sentence of death has been passed on more than
one person in the same case, and if an appeal or an application is made by or
on behalf of only one or more but not all of them, the execution of the
sentence shall be postponed in the case of all such persons (convicts) and not
only in the case of the person or persons by whom, or on whose behalf, the
appeal or the application is made.
Petition for mercy - Role of prison authority.
12.52 A convict under sentence of death shall be allowed, if he has not already
submitted a petition for mercy, for the preparation and submission of a
petition for mercy, seven days after, and exclusive of, the date on which the
Superintendent of Jail informs him of the dismissal by the Supreme Court of
his appeal or of his application for special leave to appeal to the Supreme
Court.
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Note- In cases where no appeal to the Supreme Court or no application for
special leave to it, has been lodged by or on behalf of the convict, the said
period of seven days shall be counted from the date next after the date on
which the time allowed for an appeal to the Supreme Court or for lodging
an application for special leave to appeal to it, expires. On expiry of such
time, if the convict has made no previous petition for mercy, it shall be the
duty of the Jail Superintendent to inform the convict concerned that if he
desires to submit a petition for mercy he should do so in writing within
seven days of the date of such intimation.
12.53 If the convict submits a petition within the period of seven days prescribed
by 12.51, it should be addressed to the Governor of the State and the
President of India. The Superintendent of the Jail shall forthwith dispatch it
to the Secretary to the State Government in the Department concerned,
together with a covering letter reporting the date fixed for the execution and
shall certify that the execution has been stayed pending receipt of the orders
of the Government on the petition. If no reply is received within 15 days
from the date of the dispatch of the petition, the Superintendent shall by
express letter (fax/email/special messenger) to the Secretary to the State
Government in the Department concerned, drawing attention to the fact, but
he shall in no case carry out the execution before the receipt of the State
Government's reply.
12.54 If the convict submits a petition after the period prescribed by 12.51, the
Superintendent of the Jail shall at once forward it to the State Government
by fax letter and at the same time the substance of it, requesting orders
whether the execution should be postponed and stating that, pending a
reply, the sentence will not be carried out. If such petition is received by the
Superintendent later than noon on the day preceding that fixed for the
execution, he shall at once forward it to the State Government and at the
same time by fax/email/special messenger letter inform the substance of it,
giving the date of execution and stating that the sentence will be carried out
unless orders to the contrary are received.
12.55 In the event of it coming to the knowledge of the Superintendent at any time
before the execution of the sentence that altogether exceptional
circumstances have arisen which plainly demand a reconsideration of the
sentence, he is at liberty, notwithstanding anything in the foregoing clauses,
to report the circumstances by fax letter to the State Government and ask for
its orders and to defer execution till they are received. In such instances,
assistance of the District Legal Services Authority should be sought.
12.56 The Superintendent shall at once repeat back to the Secretary to the State
Government in the Department concerned all correspondence
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communicating orders to him regarding petitions for mercy, by way of
acknowledgment of their receipt.
12.57 Legal aid should be provided to the convict at all stages even after the
rejection of a mercy petition. Hence, Superintendents of Jails are directed to
intimate the rejection of mercy petitions to the nearest Legal Aid Centre
apart from intimating the convicts.
12.58 Death convicts are entitled as a rights to receive a copy of the rejection of the
mercy petition by the President and the Governor.
12.59 Mental Health Evaluation: As it is quite possible that some death row
convicts might lose their mental balance, there should be regular mental
health evaluation and appropriate medical care should be given to those in
need.
12.60 Physical and Mental Health Reports: After the execution warrant is issued,
the Prison Superintendent should satisfy himself on the basis of medical
reports by Government doctors and psychiatrists that the prisoner is in a fit
physical and mental condition to be executed. If the Superintendent is of the
opinion that the prisoner is not fit, he should forthwith stop the execution,
and produce the prisoner before a Medical Board for a comprehensive
evaluation and shall forward the report of the same to the State Government
for further action.
12.61 Furnishing documents to the convict: Death row convicts should be provided
with copies of relevant documents within a week of conviction by the prison
authorities to assist in making mercy petition and petitioning the courts.
12.62 Final Meeting between convict and his family: It would be mandatory for
prison authorities to facilitate and allow a final meeting between the
prisoner and his family and friends prior to the execution.
12.64 If the convict submits a petition within the above period, it shall be
addressed to the Governor of the State and the President of India. The
execution of sentence shall in all cases be postponed pending receipt of their
orders.
12.65 The petition shall in the first instance be sent to the State Government for
consideration and orders of the Governor. If after consideration it is rejected
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it shall be forwarded to the Secretary to the Government of India, Ministry of
Home Affairs.
Note- The Petition made in case where the sentence of death is for an
offence against any law exclusively relatable to a matter to which the
executive power of the Union extends, shall not be considered by the State
Government but shall forthwith be forwarded to the Secretary to the
Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs.
12.67 If the convict submits the petition after the period prescribed by 12.52
above, it will be within the discretion of the State Government to consider
the petition and to postpone execution pending such consideration and also
to withhold or not to withhold the petition addressed to the President. In the
following circumstances, however, the petition shall be forwarded to the
Secretary to the Government of India, Ministry the Home Affairs.
ii) when there are any circumstances about the case, which, in the
opinion of the State Government, render it desirable that the
President should have an opportunity of considering it, as in cases of
a political character and those in which for any special reason
considerable public interest has been aroused. When the petition is
forwarded to the Secretary to the Government of India, Ministry of
Home Affairs, the execution shall simultaneously be postponed
pending receipt of orders of the President thereon.
12.68 In all cases in which a petition for mercy from a convict under sentence of
death is to be forwarded to the Secretary to the Government of India,
Ministry of Home Affairs, or the State Government, the petition shall
forward such petition as expeditiously as possible along with the records of
the case and his or its observations in respect of any of the grounds urged in
the petition. In the case of other States, the Government of the State
concerned shall, if it had previously rejected any petition addressed to it or
the Governor, also forward a brief statement of the reasons for the rejection
of the previous petition or petitions.
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12.69 Upon the receipt of the orders of the President, an acknowledgment shall be
sent to the Secretary to the Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs,
immediately in the manner hereinafter provided. In the case of, if the
petition is rejected, the orders will be communicated by express letter and
receipt thereof shall be acknowledged by express letter. Orders commuting
the death sentence will be communicated by express letter receipt thereof
shall be acknowledged by express letter.
12.71 Petitions for mercy submitted on behalf of a convict under sentence of death
shall be dealt with mutatis mutandis, in the manner provided herein for
dealing with a petition from the convict himself. The petitioners on behalf of
a concerned convict shall be informed of the orders passed in the case. If the
petition is signed by more than one person, it shall be sufficient to inform
the first signatory, the convict himself shall also be informed of the
submission of any petition on his behalf and of the orders passed thereon.
12.72 Whenever a sentence of death has been passed by any Court or Tribunal, the
sentence shall not be executed until after the dismissal of the appeal to the
Supreme Court or of the application for special leave to appeal to the
Supreme Court or, in case no such appeal has been preferred or no such
application has been lodged, until after the expiry of the period allowed for
an appeal to the Supreme Court or for lodging of an application for special
leave to appeal to the Supreme Court. Provided that if a petition for mercy
has been submitted by or on behalf of the convict, execution of the sentence
shall further be postponed pending the orders of the President thereon.
Note- If the sentence of death has been passed on more than one person in
the same case and if an appeal to a higher Court or an application for special
leave to appeal to the Supreme Court is lodged by, or on behalf of, only one
or more but not all of them, the execution of the sentence shall be postponed
in the case of all such persons and not only in the case of the person or
persons by whom, or on whose behalf, the appeal or the application is
lodged.
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i) the name of the convict under sentence of death, and
ii) particulars relating to the appeal or the application.
12.74 If it is desired to oppose the appeal or the application, three copies of the
paper book and of the judgment of the High Court or the Judicial
Commissioners Court or the Tribunal, as the case may be, (one copy of each
being a certified copy) a power of attorney in the form prescribed by the
Supreme Court and instructions, if any, for the purpose of opposing the
appeal or the application shall be immediately sent to the Government
Advocate, Ministry of Law. Notice of the intended appeal or application, if
and when served by or on behalf of the convict, shall also be transmitted to
him without delay. If the intended appeal or application is not lodged within
the period prescribed by the Supreme Court Rules, the Government Advocate
shall intimate the fact by express letter to State Government. The execution
of the sentence shall not thereafter be postponed, unless a petition for mercy
has been submitted by or on behalf of the convict.
12.75 If an appeal or an application for special leave to appeal has been lodged in
the Supreme Court on behalf of the convict, the Government Advocate,
Ministry of Law will intimate the fact to the State Government and also to
the Secretary to the Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs. The
Government Advocate will keep the aforesaid authorities informed of all
developments in the Supreme Court, in those cases which present unusual
features. In all cases, however, he will communicate the result of the appeal
or application for special leave to appeal, he will communicate the result of
the appeal or application for special leave to appeal, to the State Government
of the State concerned, by express letter, endorsing a copy of his
communication to the Secretary to the Government of India, Ministry of
Home Affairs. The State Government of the State concerned, as the case may
be, shall forthwith acknowledge the receipt of the communication received
from the Government Court in each case will be supplied by the
Government Advocate, Ministry of Law, in due course to the State
Government, who shall acknowledge the receipt thereof. The execution of
the sentence of death shall not be carried until after the receipt of the
certified copy of the judgment of the Supreme Court dismissing the appeal
or the application for special leave to appeal and until an intimation has
been received from the Ministry of Home Affairs about the rejection by the
President of India, of the petition for mercy submitted, if any, by or on behalf
of the convict.
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affairs and meet his family members for one last time or to avail any judicial
remedy.
12.77 The State Government shall fix the date of the execution of a convict if his
Mercy Petition is rejected.
12.78 On receipt from the State Government of the final confirmation and the date
of execution of a convict,
i) the convict and his relatives shall be informed about the date of execution
by the Superintendent;
ii) the convict, if he so desires, be permitted to prepare his will in his
will, his statement to that effect shall be recorded by the Senior Jailor.
12.79 All executions shall take place at the prison to which the warrant is directed,
unless expressly ordered otherwise in the warrant. They shall usually be
carried out in a special enclosure attached to, or within the walls of the
prison. No convict shall be executed on a day which has been notified as a
public holiday.
12.80 The execution of a convict shall not be carried out on the date fixed if he is
physically unfit to receive the punishment, but in determining the degree of
physical disability sufficient to justify postponement of the execution, the
illness shall be both serious and acute (not chronic) before postponement is
considered.
12.82 Prisoners shall never be made to attend an execution. In such cases, it shall
rest with the Superintendent with the prior sanction of the DG/IG to
determine what prisoners shall be selected to witness the execution.
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12.83 On receipt of the date of execution of the prisoner, the Superintendent shall
be authorized to fix the time of execution sufficiently in advance. A report
intimating the time of the execution shall be sent to the Director General/
Inspector General, the Sessions Judge and the Government.
Note:- The execution shall take place early in the morning before it gets
bright. The latest time of the day for different seasons will be in accordance
with orders passed separately by the Government.
12.84 The Executive Engineer (PWD) shall arrange the inspection of the gallows
every quarter and before the date of a hanging as and when intimated by the
Superintendent. The gallows shall be inspected and the rope tested in the
presence of the Superintendent the evening before the execution, he being
personally responsible that these arrangements are properly made. A new
rope need not necessarily be used for every execution, but the
Superintendent shall see that the rope is carefully tested. As a rule, a bag of
sand weighing 1½ times the weight of the prisoner to be hanged and
dropped between 1.830 and 2.440 metres will afford a safe test of the rope.
Two spare ropes for each prisoner sentenced to death shall be kept ready in
reserve on the scaffold in the event of accidents.
12.85 The Medical Officer shall report in the medical report about the drop to be
given to the prisoner at least four days before the date on which the prisoner
is to be executed. The Medical Officer of the prison shall work out the details
of the length of the drop to be given to a prisoner on principles shown
below:-
(i) If the prisoner weighs less than 45.360 kgs, he should be given a drop of
2.440 meters.;
(ii) If the prisoner weighs from 45.330 to 60.330 kgs, he should be given a drop
of 2.290 meters.
(iii) If the prisoner weighs more than 60.330 kgs, but not more than 75.330
kgs, he should be given a drop of 2.130 meters;
(iv) If the prisoner weighs more than 75.330 kgs. but not more than 90.720 kgs,
he should be given a drop of 1.980 meters.;
v) If the prisoner weighs more than 90.720 kgs, he should be given a drop of
1.830 meters.
12.86 Provided that so long as the extreme limits of 1.830 meters on the one hand
and 2.440 meters on the other hand are adhered to if, owing to physical
peculiarity of the prisoner, the Medical Officer is of opinion that the drop
should be increased or decreased, effect should be given to the Medical
Officer’s opinion.
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Note:- The above calculations are based on the assumption that the
execution rope will be made of cotton yarn / manila of 2.59 to 3.81 cms
Diameter.
12.87 The following measures shall be adopted regarding the fixing of the length
of the rope to permit the required drop:
i) The height of the prisoner to the angle of the jaw immediately below
the left ear shall be accurately measured, as well as,
ii) The height from the drop shutter, when fixed in position, to the
lower portion of the ring in the beam to which the rope will be
affixed.
12.88 These two measurements will determine the distance when the prisoner is
standing in position on the drop, from the point of the latter’s jaw to the ring
in the beam. The measurement of the prisoners neck shall also be carefully
taken, the neck measurement and the height measurement to angle of jaw
being carried out immediately after the prisoner has been sentenced to
death. The length of rope for any given drop shall be the length of the drop
plus the distance from the angle of the prisoner’s jaw to the ring in the
beam.
12.89 That is to say, that assuming the distance between the angle of the jaw and
the iron ring to be 1.220 metres and the desired drop to be 2.130 metres,
the amount of free hanging from the ring shall be 3.350 metres from the
ring to the leather washer maintaining the loop in position on a pillow of
gunny cloth, filled with sand, of the same thickness as the neck of the
prisoner.
12.90 Wax or butter shall be applied to the loop of the rope. After testing, the rope
and other equipment shall be securely locked and sealed in steel box and
shall be kept in charge of Deputy Superintendent.
12.91 The gallows shall be inspected and the rope tested in the presence of the
Superintendent the evening before the execution; he being personally
responsible that these arrangements are properly made. A new rope need
not necessarily be used for every execution but the Superintendent shall see
that the rope is carefully tested. As a rule, a dummy or a bag of sand
weighing 1½ times the weight of the prisoner, hung and dropped between 6
and 8 feet or 1.83 and 2.50 mtrs. will afford a safe test of the rope. Two
spare ropes for each prisoner shall always be kept ready in reserve on the
scaffold to meet any contingency.
12.92 Wax / butter shall be applied to the loop of the rope. After testing, the ropes
and other equipment shall be securely locked and sealed in a steel box and
shall be kept in charge of the Deputy Superintendent.
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Presence of officers at execution of prisoner
12.93 The Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent, Senior Jailor and Chief Medical
Officer shall be present at all executions. An Executive Magistrate deputed
by the District Magistrate shall attend the execution and countersign the
warrant. If the prisoner so desires, a priest of his faith may be allowed, at the
discretion of the Superintendent, to be present at the place of execution,
subject to the requirements of security and prison discipline.
12.94 Relatives of the prisoner and other prisoners shall not be allowed to witness
the execution. The Superintendent may, however, permit social scientists,
psychologists, psychiatrists, etc. who are conducting research to be present.
The Superintendent’s discretion shall prevail in the matters relating to grant
of permission to witness execution. As a matter of general policy, other
persons shall not be permitted to be present.
12.95 A police guard of not less than ten constables and two Head Constables or an
equal number from the prison Armed Guards, shall be present at every
execution. The Superintendent of Police will supply the guard on
application, where no armed guard of the prison exists.
12.96 Prisoners of all categories shall be kept locked up until the execution is over
and the body removed from the prison.
Execution
12.97 The Superintendent, the Executive Magistrate, The Medical Officer and the
Deputy Superintendent will visit the prisoner in his cell before the hour
fixed for execution. The Superintendent and the Executive Magistrate shall
then identify the prisoner as the person named in the warrant and read over
to him a translation of the warrant in his mother tongue. Any other
documents requiring attestation by the prisoner such as his will etc. shall be
signed and attested in the presence of Superintendent and the Executive
Magistrate. The hands of the convict shall be pinioned behind his back.
12.98 A cotton cap with flap shall be put on the prisoners face just before he enters
the gallows-enclosures. The prisoner should not be allowed to see the
gallows. The Superintendent shall invariably see that the rope round the
neck of the prisoner is adjusted properly and the knot is placed in the proper
position.
12.99 The operations mentioned above should be done simultaneously and quickly
as possible. On completion of all these operations the Superintendent shall
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give a signal, on seeing which the executioner in charge shall push the lever
to release the trap-door.
12.100 The body shall remain suspended for half an hour before being taken down
or until the Chief Medical Officer has certified that the life is extinct.
Hangman’s fees
12.101 The hangman shall be paid at the rates fixed by the State Government for the
execution of each convict.
Disposal of body
12.102 Subject to the provisions of this paragraph, the body of the executed prisoner
shall be disposed of according to the requirements of the religion to which
the executed convict belonged.
12.104 Except as provided in this chapter, the body of the executed prisoner shall be
taken out of the prison with all solemnity. A municipal hearse or ambulance
shall be used for the transportation of the body to the cremation or burial
ground. The Superintendent is authorized to incur all reasonable
expenditure required for the transportation and disposal of the dead body.
12.105 The Superintendent shall, immediately after each execution, send a report
thereof to the DG/IG in Appendix –10 and he shall return the warrant duly
endorsed to the Court which issued it.
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Chapter XIII
EMERGENCIES
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Disaster Management Act, 2005 and any other Act, that may be relevant and
all other instructions/orders issued by the competent authority from time to
time, it. These measures may inter alia include:
i. demarcation of an out-of-bound area around the perimeter wall of
the prison,
ii. adequate guarding and security measures and periodical inspections,
iii. system of thorough searches,
iv. proper maintenance of the prison building and premises,
v. proper custody of tools and equipment,
vi. proper control of movement of prisoners ;
vii. timely segregation of prisoners who are instigators, or of bad
character, and are potential risks to prison discipline,
viii. prompt and strong but considerate handling of all discipline
problems,
ix. attending to care and welfare requirements of prisoners,
x. system of good discipline,
xi. careful handling of plant and equipment,
xii. periodical inspection of plant equipment and emergency operation,
xiii. accident preventive measures,
xiv. fire preventive measures,
xv. fire fighting equipment at all vulnerable points,
xvi. good environmental and institutional sanitation and hygiene,
xvii. proper procedure of quarantine for newly admitted prisoners,
xviii. segregation of prisoners suffering from contagious diseases,
xix. proper storage and inspection of articles of food,
xx. observance of the required minimum standards in kitchen and
canteen operations, service of food and eatables,
xxi. wire guards on trees to discourage prisoners climbing them for
escape,
xxii. standby arrangements for water storage, power plant, and
emergency lighting,
xxiii. concealing all drainage and water pipes in the buildings.
xxiv. Delegation of powers to prison officers (Assistant Superintendent,
Deputy Superintendent and Superintendent of Prisons) to use force in
emergent situations as is given to the police.
13.03 Each prison shall be properly equipped with the following to meet various
types of emergencies:
13.04 The Superintendent shall obtain the necessary sanction of the HOD,
Department of Prisons & Correctional Services for the purchase of articles
listed above.
13.07 Each central and district prison should have a Quick Reaction Team as
provided in Chapter V (Custodial Management).The personnel of this squad
should be given special training in handling various emergencies or
unforeseen situations and should also be properly equipped and ready for
action.
13.08 Drills for handling emergencies should be held at fixed intervals and a
report should be submitted to the Director General/Inspector General of
Prisons in the prescribed form.
General instructions for handling emergencies
13.09 The general instructions to be followed in handling emergencies:
i. Giving immediate first aid to the injured
ii. Preventing entry into the affected area,
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iii. Immediate action to counter the spread of trouble to other areas
iv. Quick intimation to all authorities concerned
v. Reporting to authorities concerned for help, if necessary
vi. If the Superintendent is not present in the prison when the problem
occurs, he shall reach there as soon as he gets its information of such
emergency and take suitable measures for controlling it. Information
should also be sent to the Additional or Deputy Superintendent who
shall reach the prison immediately and either assists the
Superintendent or take charge of the situation.
ESCAPE
Sounding an alarm
13.10 A siren or an alarm bell (which may be electronic, electric or manual) that
can be easily heard at the quarters of the subordinate officials shall be kept
near the main gate of every prison, and in places where prisoners are
employed in large numbers. In the latter case the alarm should be loud
enough to be heard at the main gate.
13.11 The sequence of alarms starting with the blowing of a whistle, followed by
the sounding of the bugle and then striking of the alarm gong shall indicate
the need for urgent help because of an escape or its attempt.
Escape attempts
13.12 Should any prisoner attempt to escape, the guard or sentry shall at once
raise the alarm if the help of other guards is essential to prevent the
prisoner's escape. He shall at the same time take all necessary steps to
prevent the prisoner's escape. The armed guard shall be ready at a moment's
notice to prevent any group attempt to escape from the prison.
13.13 On the alarm being sounded because of an escape from a work site from
outside the prison, the officer in charge of the standing guard at the main
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gate shall dispatch as many warders as he can spare for assistance. The
remaining warders shall wait for orders from the senior officer present.
13.14 The warder in charge of the outside group, from which a prisoner has
escaped, shall, after sounding the alarm, send one of his escorts to
apprehend the prisoner and after collecting the remaining prisoners shall
march them back to the main gate of the prison where he shall report the
escape to the senior officer on duty.
13.16 If the escape takes place during night and there is possibility of the prisoner
still being inside the prison, search shall be made with torch lights inside the
prison.
Duty of Superintendent
13.17 The Superintendent shall give prompt notice of the escape to the nearest
police station, the Executive Magistrate of the area and the District
Magistrate such information shall be accompanied by a nominal roll giving
a description of the escaped prisoner. He shall also send immediate
intimation, by telegraph, to the police station near the prisoner's home. If the
prisoner belongs to a district other than that in which he was in prison,
intimation shall be sent to the Magistrate of his district or to the
Commissioner of Police of that area.
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Publication of escapes
13.19 Notice of escape of prisoners and of the rewards offered for their recapture
shall be published in the District Gazette, if so ordered by the Director
General/Inspector General.
Procedure on recapture
13.23 The recapture of the prisoner shall be informed to all those who were
informed of the escape originally.
13.24 A recaptured prisoner may be received back into prison on his original
warrant.
Disposal of warrants of escaped prisoners
13.25 The warrant of a prisoner who escapes from prison shall be retained in the
prison for 10 years from the date of his escape. If he is not recaptured within
that period, it shall be returned to the committing court with an
endorsement giving the reasons.
OUTBREAKS
Alarm to be sounded on outbreak
13.26 Whenever there is a jail outbreak, or and agitation inside a prison, the
concerned Superintendent / Addl. Superintendent of Prison should inform
the District Police who will take necessary action to control the situation and
bring order inside the prison. However, till the arrival of the District Police,
the prison guards and security personnel guarding the prison shall initiate
steps to control the situation and prevent further untoward incidents.
13.27 In the event of an outbreak or disturbance, the prison official present at the
scene of occurrence shall raise an alarm by blowing his whistle hearing
which the warder staff shall blow their own whistles. It will be followed by
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sounding of gong or siren at the main gate. Every prison official outside the
prison shall proceed at once to the guard room and arm himself with a
baton. A messenger shall be sent by the senior officer present to the
Superintendent, Additional Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent who
shall summon every available man.
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13.32 Prison officials shall not attempt to disperse a mob outside the prison unless
the prison staff is threatened.
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any prisoner, a report shall forthwith be made to the Police who are
empowered to take action under section 176 of the Criminal Procedure
Code.
13.39 The Superintendent shall, in every instance in which an inquest may be held
on the body of any prisoners confined in the jail, submit a full report of the
circumstances of each case to the Director General / Inspector General,
together with a copy of the finding of the Magistrate who conducted the
enquiry.
13.41 The following officers are empowered under section 174 (3) of the Criminal
Procedure Code to conduct post mortem examination-
13.43 If there are chances that the person is still alive, measures shall be taken at
once for the prisoner's first-aid and treatment and revival.
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Precautions against the prisoners with apparently suicidal tendencies
13.46 Prisoners with apparently suicidal tendencies shall be carefully watched and
not left alone in a cell. Such prisoners should also be referred to counselors
and psychiatrists and should be supervised closely.
Custody of poisons
13.48 Poisonous drugs and drugs inducing drowsiness, surgical instruments and
other similar things shall not be left within the reach of prisoners. Every
receptacle containing any poisonous drug shall be labelled "Poison" in large
printed characters. All these shall be kept under lock and key. Under no
circumstances such key shall be entrusted to a prisoner.
FIRE
Prevention of fire
13.50 Special care shall be taken while using kerosene and gas lights in any office
or store room. Even in the maintenance of electric lights, any leakage shall
be immediately brought to the notice of the Deputy Superintendent and
rectified without delay.
13.51 All staff in charge of offices and stores shall take a round of the offices and
store rooms before they are closed for the night and satisfy themselves that
everything is safe.
13.52 Fire shall be used in the workshops in properly constructed fireplaces and
the senior officer, who locks up the prison, shall satisfy himself before
leaving that these fires are properly extinguished. The concerned senior
technical staff of the section shall also be responsible in this regard.
13.53 No burning coal, wood or other fuel used in kitchen shall be allowed to be
taken out. Those in charge of the kitchen shall be responsible for any
violation. If liquefied petroleum gas is used in kitchen it shall be ensured
that gas cylinders are stored in a secured room in accordance with the safety
rules for storage of LPG cylinders and that no prisoner has access to such
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place. If any fire occurs nobody should be allowed near the gas room until
the fire is completely quelled.
13.54 No fire in the form of a lamp, kerosene lantern, matchsticks etc. which can
cause fire or arson shall be allowed inside the barracks.
13.55 There shall be fire hydrants and firefighting equipment (sand and water
buckets) in all parts of the prison, and especially at all vulnerable points
decided in consultation with the District Fire Officer.
13.58 Each Superintendent shall draw up instructions on fire safety and the drill to
be adopted in his prison, showing the respective duties of all members of the
prison establishment on an alarm of fire being given. He shall make the staff
rehearse the fire drill at least once in six months. This would include fire
fighting safety measure and evacuation techniques.
13.59 In the event of a fire immediate information to fire brigade shall also be sent.
Till help from the fire brigade is received, every attempt to quell the fire
shall be made. In the event of fire breaking out in the prison by day or night,
the alarm shall be sounded.
13.60 Steps shall be taken to ensure that fire does not spread to other parts of the
prison and the lives of prisoners and of members of the staff are not
endangered.
EPIDEMICS
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prevented and special care shall be taken that all arrangements to meet an
outbreak are completed.
Vaccination or inoculation
13.67 Whenever a case of an epidemic occurs, the Medical Officer shall at once
arrange for vaccination or inoculation, as the case may be, of all prisoners,
prison personnel and members of their families.
Accommodation of patient
13.68 Overcrowding must be strictly avoided both in the hospital as well as in
every cell and ward. If the epidemic is severe then it may be desirable use of
the entire hospital for treatment of epidemic cases, removing all other cases
to a temporary hospital that can be set-up in a ward or workshed, (if no
better place is available). Minor cases of colic or ordinary diarrhoea shall
also be treated separately and not admitted to the hospital until the
characteristic symptoms of cholera and diarrhoea have disappeared.
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13.69 On the recommendation of the Medical Officer drinking water shall be
thoroughly boiled. Gas or Firewood shall be made available for this purpose
to the minimum extent necessary as decided by the Director General of
Prisons. Care shall also be taken to ensure that sufficient appliances for
boiling of water are also provided. As far as possible, reverse osmosis plants
should be in place in prisons to prevent water borne diseases.
Observation of prisoners
13.70 The general condition of prisoners shall be carefully watched to detect
incipient cases. Any person attacked by premonitory symptoms shall be
removed for treatment at once. Convict officers shall be required to report
any sign of sickness at once. A prisoner visiting the latrine more often than
usual shall be placed under observation.
Disposal of dejecta
13.72 The dejecta shall be placed in a vessel with a close fitting cover containing
an equal part of 4% cresol or izal lotion for two hours and then buried. The
dejecta can also be incinerated with saw dust, paddy husk or kerosene.
Cleanliness of prisoners
13.73 Special attention shall be given to the cleanliness of prisoners and their
clothing. The water used for washing shall not be allowed to remain within
the prison walls.
Treatment of clothing and bedding
13.74 The clothing and bedding of the inmates of an infected ward shall be either
immersed for 30 minutes in boiling water or kept in 20% carbolic or cresol
lotion and then aired and returned to them after they have bathed. Hospital
clothing and bedding used by infected patients shall be burnt.
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13.77 The next two cases too shall likewise be reported to the Dy. Inspector
General. On the occurrence of the second case, the Superintendent shall
submit a report stating whether he proposes a large scale segregation of
prisoners within the prison premises. If he does then he shall elaborate the
measures he is taking for it. If he does not plan segregation, he shall reasons
for that as well. If the Director Geneal/Inspector General is absent from the
Headquarters, the report shall be telegraphed to him.
HUNGER STRIKES
13.83 After sufficient warning, and before the refusal to take food has adversely
affected them, and if any other punishment appears unlikely to deter them,
they may be prosecuted under Section 52 of the Prisons Act, 1894. The usual
concession in the matter of interviews and letters of such prisoner shall be
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restricted to members of the legal profession only. If any such prisoner
proposes to engage a member of the legal profession to represent him, a
vakalatnama shall be executed by the prisoners in favour of the member of
the legal profession and only that member shall be permitted to interview
the prisoner in this regard.
13.84 In the event of mass hunger strike by the prisoners, the Superintendent shall
permit reasonable number of members of the legal profession to interview
the prisoners. For easy identification, the members of the legal profession
should be in their formal lawyers' dress and give requisition for interview on
their letter-heads. If a mass hunger strike amounts to mutiny, the prisoners
shall be isolated from each other, and from other prisoners, as far as
possible.
13.85 When prosecutions are instituted under Section 52 of the Prisons Act of
1894, the proceedings shall be held within the prison and shall be started
and completed with as little delay as possible.
Forcible feeding of prisoners on hunger strike
13.86 It is the duty of the prison authorities to do what they reasonably can to keep
prisoners in their charge in good health and to save them from death. Therefore, if
a prisoner is likely to cause his own death by continuously refusing to take food, the
Medical Officer may direct that the prisoner be forcibly fed to keep him alive.
Forcible feeding shall not be attempted with unnecessary violence. But till such a
stage is reached, food approved by the Medical Officer shall be regularly placed
beside the prisoner on hunger strike for his consumption.
OVERCROWDING
Overcrowding shall be reported to the Director General/ Inspector General
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13.89 As soon as prisoners in excess of the available accommodation are received
in any prison or hospital, the Superintendent shall submit a report to the
Director General with a statement of the measures which he proposes to
adopt to relieve the overcrowding, and such temporary arrangements, as he
thinks best, shall at once be adopted for this purpose.
Earth Quake
13.91 In the event of an earthquake the following action shall be taken:
(i) The prisoner shall be asked to take cover (kneel down, and cover
head with arms)
(ii) The prisoners shall be asked to remain in the same position for a few
minutes, due to after-shocks.
(iii) The prisoners shall be kept at least 14 feet away from windows,
mirrors, chimneys, tall book cases, furniture, old and high buildings,
poles, trees and electric wires.
(iv) The prisoners shall be asked to walk towards an open place, in a calm
and composed manner
(v) Evacuation and rescue measures should be undertaken on
instructions from an evacuation team and unnecessary crowding of
affected area should be avoided.
Other emergencies
13.92 Suitable action shall be taken according to the requirements in cases of other
emergencies as well. The Superintendent shall report the circumstances to
the Director General. A Contingency plan be in place at every jail to tackle
any emergency situation such as attacks and similar. Senior officers should
review such contingency plans during their visits/inspections.
13.94 The body of any prisoner dying or executed in jail, shall be made over to the
friends or relatives of the deceased, if claimed by them before the body has
been disposed of by cremation or burial, unless there are special reasons to
the contrary, e.g., the prisoner has died of any infectious disease, or if there
are grounds for supposing that the prisoner’s funeral will be made an
occasion for a demonstration.
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13.95 The friends or relatives of a deceased prisoner making application for the
body after burial, should be referred to the Magistrate of the District, who
should be informed whether the deceased prisoner died of any infectious
disease, how long has been dead and whether, in the opinion of the Medical
Officer of the jail, the body can be exhumed and removed with safety or
without becoming a nuisance to the public.
13.96 The body of any prisoner dying or executed in jail, not made to the friends
or relatives of the deceased, shall, if the deceased was-
13.97 All bodies prior or removal from the jail shall be wrapped in a new cloth.
13.98 There shall be a burial ground, distinctly marked off from the surrounding
ground by a wall, ramp or hedge, attached to every jail and it shall be used
for the disposal of the bodies of prisoners only. Portion of the burial
ground shall be set apart for the cremation of the bodies of Hindus and the
other portion for the burial of Mohammedans.
13.99 The land selected for a burial ground should not be in the immediate vicinity
of the jail or near centre of population and not near the source of any
drinking water supply, it should be seen that prevailing wind does not blow
from it towards the jail and that sufficient ground is secured to answer all
requirements for at least fifteen years.
13.100 The burial ground shall be kept clean and tidy free from jungle and the
graves disposed in regular rows, so as to economise space. Each grave should
be marked with the name and the Register number of the prisoner.
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13.101 The growth of grass about the graves should be encouraged, but it should be
kept trimmed; quick growing tree should be planted about the ground.
13.102 The Superintendent and the Medical Officer shall visit the burial ground
from time to time and satisfy themselves that it is properly kept and cared
for.
13.103 No grave shall be less than five feet deep one or more grave shall be always
kept ready for occupation.
13.104 In filling in a grave the earth should be well pressed down so as to protect
the body from the depredations of animals, the earth should be heaped up
one foot above the surface of the surrounding ground.
13.105 Special care shall be taken that bodies of those disposed of by cremation are
completely consumed. Ashes of the body of a Hindu prisoner should be
disposed of 24 hours after cremation by burial or, in place where it is
possible, by consigning them to the water of a neighbouring river.
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Chapter XIV
EDUCATION OF PRISONERS
Objective
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(v) assisting the development of good social and ethical habits and
attitudes so that the inmates may properly adjust their lives
when they are released,
(vi) helping them to improve their personalities and ability for
social adjustment through individual and group guidance in
social living, planning,
(vii) developing a point of view which will make the futility of a
criminal way of life apparent to the inmates, making them
aware of the advantages of a law abiding life
(viii) stimulating sustained interest and effort towards self-
improvement, and
(ix) developing social consciousness and a sense of social
responsibility and obligations.
Planning
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(a) For the illiterate inmates
(b) For the intermediates
(c) For advanced education.
14.07 On admission to the prison, the criteria for initial classification of prisoners
should be done on the basis of their educational background, their aptitude
to follow further studies, their social background and vocational education.
14.09 If a prisoner, who was pursuing studies before his imprisonment, expresses
his intention to continue his studies and appear for an examination of any
Board/University or institution, he should be given due facilities for it. He
should be allowed to receive books and writing material from his friends
and relatives from outside and purchase books and such materials out of his
personal cash kept in the custody of the prison, or at government expense.
Such facilities should also be extended to a prisoner who has given up his
studies before his imprisonment, but expresses his intention to proceed with
it with a view to appear in an examination conducted by any university or
other statutory body or a recognized institution.
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Classification of Prisoners
14.12 The help of educated prisoners should be liberally obtained for carrying out
educational programmes, in addition to the help taken from regularly
employed teachers, and utilising similar facilities offered by N.G.Os.
Language Classes
14.13 Language classes should be encouraged. These classes could be run by the
educated prisoners, regular teachers and NGOs. This will help the prison
administration harmonise relations between prisoners of different cultures
and communities and would improve discipline in the prison.
14.14 Keeping in view the special needs of prisoners, a booklet should be prepared
which would enlist various educational programmes being carried out in
the prison.
Schools for Young offenders
14.15 Every prison should have a regular school where young offenders can attend
regular classes in shifts. This school could be a branch of any government
school being run by the Education Department of the State, with the
Education Department providing teachers, equipment and material for
teaching young offenders. The school should provide education for primary,
secondary and senior secondary levels. It should be mandatory for each
young offender to attend classes. The staff posted in the prison should be
paid special incentive for maintaining prisoners' interest in attending school.
14.16 The prisoners who pass various examinations should be given certificates as
are given to students studying in regular schools. Care should be taken to
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ensure that there is no mention of the young offender’s imprisonment on
such certificates.
14.18 Following personnel and equipment for the educational programme for
prisoners should be provided:
14.19 Teachers should be provided for running and guiding the adult educational
programmes in prisons. Teachers from the Education Department could be
posted to the prison on transfer/deputation basis. Inmates, who are educated
and whose conduct has been good, should be given training in imparting
education to others. These trained inmates should assist the regular teachers
in organizing diversified educational programmes. The services of retired
teachers or NGOs. could also be obtained in running the educational
programmes.
14.20 Necessary equipment for education like books, stationery, writing material,
furniture, etc., should be provided at Government cost. In each prison, a
building should be earmarked/constructed as a school for carrying out
educational activities. Buildings and areas for educational programmes
should be earmarked in accordance with the minimum standards as fixed by
the Education Department for similar purposes.
14.22 The educated prisoners, who help the prison administration in conducting
educational programmes, should be given wages/honorarium by the Prison
Authorities.
14.26 Following concessions shall be given to prisoners for pursuing their higher
education.
14.27 At the end of each educational project, inmates should be given tests and
examinations. These tests/examinations should be conducted inside the
prison by the Education Department/National Open School/Indira Gandhi
National Open University.
14.29 The institution should establish liaison with the Department of Education/
NOS/IGNOU and other approved educational institutions for obtaining
educational material and other help.
Library
(i) Books in the library should cater to the needs of different educational
standards, satisfaction of intellectual needs, and development of
knowledge of the inmates.
(ii) The prison library shall be properly equipped with books, magazines,
and newspapers. These shall be issued to the prisoners. Prisoners
should be encouraged to develop reading habits.
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(iii) A librarian should be employed for the management of books and
other reading material. Help of educated prisoners could also be
obtained, under the supervision of the librarian, to run the library.
The librarian shall arrange for and make available books on various
subjects for satisfying the needs of prisoners. The librarian should
keep details of books and periodicals available in the library
subject/title wise for use by prisoners and for the information of the
Superintendent of Prison.
(iv) Donation of books by NGOs. should be encouraged and welcomed.
Public and Government schools should be encouraged to adopt the
educational programmes being run inside the prison for prisoners.
(v) A digitalized library with e-learning materials may also be provided,
to the extent possible.
Prison Publication
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Chapter XV
15.01 Vocational training and skill development programmes should be treated as essential
features of prison correctional programmes. The objectives of such programmes should be:
(i) Imparting discipline and work culture among inmates.
(ii) Developing right attitudes towards work and dignity of labour.
(iii) Promoting:
(a) physical and mental well-being of inmates;
(b) proper development of mind through intelligent manual labour;
(c) spirit of fellowship and a cooperative way of living; and
(d) a sense of group adjustment
(iv) Developing the capacity for sustained hard work,
(v) Building habits of concentration, steadiness, regularity and exactness
in work.
(vi) Imparting and improving work-skills,
(vii) Awakening the self-confidence and self-reliance of inmates,
(viii) Training and preparing inmates for achieving lasting social re-adjustment
and rehabilitation.
(ix) Imparting an occupational status and thus creating a sense of economic
security among inmates.
(x) Keeping inmates usefully employed in meaningful and productive work.
(xi) Preventing idleness, indiscipline and disorder amongst them.
(xii) Maintaining a good level of morale amongst them and thus promoting a sense
of self, as well as institutional discipline among them.
15.02 A "Board of Skill Development Programme and Vocational Training", under the
chairmanship of Director General of Prisons & Correctional Services, should be set up at the
Prison Headquarters and vested with full fiscal and administrative powers. The function of
the Board should be to:
(i) plan and implement programmes of skill development and vocational training,
(ii) arrange funds required to run such programmes,
(iii) fix a policy of production,
(iv) examine the economic aspects of the skill development programmes,
(v) put prison skill development programmes on a sound commercial footing,
(vi) ensure coordination at all levels,
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(vii) evaluate the performance of the skill development programme of each institution,
(viii) introduce practices and procedures of modern management of production,
(ix) guide, supervise, direct and control all matters relating to institutional skill
development programmes and vocational training,
(x) organize workshops in after-care homes for discharged prisoners, and
(xi) promote marketing of prison products.
(xii) In consultation with the Skill Development Agency of the state may identify certain
trades as suitable for the inmates to be trained in so that once they are released,
they may be gainfully employed.
Vocational Training
15.06 Vocational training programmes, in self-employing trades and occupations, should be
organized in every central and district prison for employable convicts.
(i) Such programmes should be open to under-trial prisoners who volunteer to
undergo such training after testing their vocational ability.
(ii) Wherever possible in larger prisons, an Industrial Training Institute should be
established and where it is not possible to establish one, the help of local Industrial
Training Institutes could be obtained in training the prisoners.
(iii) The prison should have adequate staff for efficient organisation of various training
projects. It should be properly equipped with training aids and classrooms for
conducting multifarious projects to suit the training needs of its inmates.
(iv) The prison should have a properly defined organisation for training projects in
terms of formation of homogeneous groups and setting down routine and time
schedule of projects.
(v) The cost incurred in the training projects, expenditure on staff, equipment and
material, should be treated as essential investment for the purpose of training and
resettlement of offenders.
(vi) Special emphasis should be given to vocational training of young offenders, young
adult offenders, and others who may derive benefit from the training projects.
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15.08 Vocational training programmes should be designed to suit the needs of prisoners
sentenced to short, medium and long term imprisonment.
15.09 Active linkages should be established with the department of Technical Education,
Directorate of Industries (including Cottage Industries), Industrial Training Institutes,
Polytechnics and Vocational Training Institutions as well as approved NGOs to develop
vocational training programmes on a practical and pragmatic basis.
15.10 On the completion of vocational training courses, inmates should be examined by the
Department of Technical Education of the State/Union Territory concerned and on passing
the examination they should be awarded a regular Certificate/ Diploma by that
department.
15.11 The prison industry should be given preferential treatment in the matter of granting
permission to run various industrial/production units by the State Government.
15.12 The executive and supervisory personnel should be given training in modern methods of
management.
Employment of Prisoners
15.13 Apart from convicts, under-trial prisoners, who volunteer to work, should also be employed
on skill development programmes and be given vocational training in their enclosures. The
under-trial prisoners employed in the prison industry, or agriculture, should be given fair
and equitable remuneration on the same scale as prescribed for convicts. They should also
be given labouring diet and other facilities. Under no circumstances should undertrials and
remand prisoners be allowed to interact with convicted prisoners.
15.14 No criminal prisoner sentenced to labour, or employed on labour at his own desire, or
under-trial doing labour, shall, except in an emergency, and with the sanction in writing of
the Superintendent, be made to labour for more than nine hours in a day.
15.15 The Medical Officer shall, from time to time, examine the prisoners while they are
employed, and shall, at least once in every fortnight, get their weights recorded in their
history tickets.
15.16 When the Medical Officer is of the opinion that the health of a prisoner is suffering due to
employment on any kind or class of labour, he shall not be employed on that labour but
shall be placed on such other kind or class of work as the Medical Officer may consider
suitable for him.
15.17 Prisoners sentenced to medium and long terms of imprisonment should be given training in
multiple skills so that they are able to compete with the conditions in the labour market
outside the prisons.
15.18 For planned employment of inmates the following factors should be taken into
consideration while organizing skill development programmes:
(i) Mental and physical health
(ii) Requirements of security, custody and discipline
(iii) Age
(iv) Length of sentence
(v) Inmates' skills and abilities and also potential for acquiring skills
(vi) Urban and rural background of the inmate.
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15.19 Prisoners sentenced to less than one year of imprisonment should be employed in prison
maintenance services, gardening, work-centres and work camps and paid suitable wages
for their work.
15.20 Prisoners sentenced to imprisonment for one year or more should be employed in
production units in closed or open prisons.
Prison Industries and Skill development Programmes
15.21 Prison industries should be organized on business-cum-commercial basis. Preference to
prison products, while purchasing articles for office use, should be given by the various
government departments.
15.22 The skill development programmes should also include essential institutional maintenance
services like culinary, sanitary and hygienic services, prison hospital, other prison services,
repairs and maintenance services. Prisoners may also be employed in the service of
maintenance and construction of prison buildings, for which they will receive adequate
remuneration or wages in accordance with the rules of the Public Works Department.
15.23 Prison skill development programmes should consist of services required by the community
such as construction work, masonry, carpentry, plumbing, electric fitting, tailoring,
fabrication of ready-made garments, leather work, driving, prison servicing, agriculture,
horticulture, dairy, poultry, floriculture, maintenance of diesel engines, maintenance of
electric pumps, tractor repairing, automobile servicing and repairing, cane work, basket
making, pottery, book binding, typing, computer-operating, handicrafts, stenography, cloth
printing, embroidery, hosiery, bakery, namkeen making, paper making, printing, tailoring,
weaving, soap making, candle making, toy making, sewing machine repair, food
processing, etc.
15.24 Every prisoner sentenced to undergo simple imprisonment who opts to do labour shall
ordinarily be employed on hard labour of a kind that is most suitable for him and for which
he/she is, for the time being, fit. No convict shall be put on medium labour if he/she is fit to
perform hard labour, or on light labour as long as he is fit to perform either hard or
medium labour.
15.25 No consideration of profit or convenience shall be permitted to influence the class or form,
of labour which any convict sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment is at any time
required to perform. It shall be fixed with reference solely to the health of the convict and
the regulations of the prison regarding the employment of prisoners.
15.26 A standard list of equipments, tools, accessories and spare parts, which each production
unit must always have, should be prepared and maintained.
15.27 In every institution there should be a separate and properly organized maintenance
workshop to repair the machinery and equipment in time and to prevent breakdown.
15.28 The organization of accounts and inventory should be modernised on business lines.
Standardization of Products
15.29 Various products of prison industries should be standardized. A handbook containing
details of standardization, and the manufacturing process of various production units,
should be prepared for the guidance of personnel.
15.30 Catalogues of standardized products of prison industries should be prepared for securing
orders from the market for various production units.
15.31 Technical supervision should be improved and a system of quality control introduced at
every stage of production, so that market competitiveness can be maintained. The
percentage of profit should not be the motive behind production by prison industries.
15.32 Showrooms should be opened outside the prison gates, and at other places, for promoting
sale of products of prison industry. A brochure should also be kept in which information is
provided to the public about the products being sold along with their rates.
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15.33 Prisoners who have been discharged and are found suitable shall be employed in show
rooms and prison product outlets, as far as possible.
Wages
15.37 Wages should be fair and equitable and not merely nominal and paltry. These rates should
be standardised keeping in view the minimum wages given as notified by the government from
time to time.
15.38 With a view to keep the wage system in prisons in harmony with that in the free
community, the wages should be reviewed every three years and revised whenever
necessary.
15.39 A portion of wages payable to the convicts should be deducted towards his general
maintenance in prison (including diet, clothing and bedding) along with a portion towards
victim compensation fund and other amounts in accordance with rules to be framed for
this purpose by the State Government.
15.40 The wages should be deposited in the prisoner's saving bank account on a fixed date every
month and the passbook shall be kept with prisoner concerned.
15.42 Female prisoners may be deployed to work in open prisons exclusively established for
women prisoners subject to the condition that adequate security measures are taken and no
male staff is deployed.
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15.45 The accounts of the production/work unit will be systematically audited by the government
auditors for each financial year.
Agriculture
15.46 Following infrastructural facilities in terms of agriculture should be made available to the
prisoners:
(i) Agriculture, agro-based industries and other allied activities should be given high
priority in the planned development of skill development programmes and
vocational training in correctional institutions.
(ii) The land available with an institution should be thoroughly surveyed in terms of
soil analysis, availability, fertility, salinity, and requirement of drainage, so that it is
put to optimum use. The help of Block Development Officers, officers of the State
Agriculture Department and other allied agencies should be taken in this regard.
(iii) Each new prison building in rural areas should have a properly fenced farm
wherever land for this purpose is available.
(iv) It should be ensured that proper irrigation facilities are available at the farmland.
(v) The required building structure should be constructed on each farm and internal
roads should be laid.
(vi) All required farming equipment and spare parts should be made available at each
farm. A maintenance shop should also be set up in large farms.
(vii) Prisoners detailed for labour at agricultural farms should be distributed at various
places in the farm by forming groups, with a leader nominated for each group.
(viii) Guidelines should be issued by the Prison Headquarters stating the eligibility
criteria of an inmate who may be deployed on open agricultural farms.
(ix) The subsidy available to the farmers for purchasing fertiliser, equipment and
electricity should also be made available to prison farms.
(x) Adequate funds should be provided for the development of agriculture and allied
activities and its accounts should be maintained separately.
(xi) Requisite security personnel should be provided at each agricultural unit and their
duties and responsibilities should be clearly laid down.
(xii) The farm products should be first consumed in the prison and the remaining
should be sold to the government departments and in the open market.
(xiii) The efficiency of each unit should be evaluated annually in terms of the targets
fixed and achieved.
(xiv) The number of prisoners employed in farming activities in closed prisons shall be
decided by the Prison authorities as per the requirement.
(xv) Prison personnel should be imparted training in various aspects of agricultural and
allied activities.
(xvi) Bio-gas plants, windmills, solar-cooking ranges, etc., should be introduced in the
prison farms.
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(xvii) Costing of agricultural and other produce should be done on strict commercial
basis.
(xviii) Open agricultural institutions, and institutions having attached agricultural farms,
should diversify skill development programmes according to cropping schemes
such as mixed farming, irrigated crops, dry farming, etc. In some open prisons
work can be diversified into agricultural activity, industrial units and agro based
production units.
(xix) Measures shall be taken to develop horticulture, floriculture and cultivation of
medicinal plants and similar activities wherever feasible.
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CHAPTER XVI
LEGAL AID
Introduction
16.01 Article 39A of the Constitution of India provides for free legal aid to the poor and
weaker sections of the society and ensures justice for all. Articles 14 and 22(1) of
the Constitution also make it obligatory for the State to ensure equality before law
and a legal system which promotes justice on the basis of equal opportunity to all.
In furtherance of these, the Legal Services Authorities Act was enacted by the
Parliament in 1987 to establish a nationwide uniform network for providing free
and competent legal services to the weaker sections of the society on the basis of
equal opportunity.
16.02 In every State, a State Legal Services Authority (SLSA) and in every High Court, a
High Court Legal Services Committee has been constituted. District Legal Services
Authorities and Taluk Legal Services Committees have been constituted in the
Districts and most of the Taluks to give effect to the policies and directions of the
NALSA and to provide free legal services to the people and conduct Lok Adalats in
the State.
16.03 Supreme Court Legal Services Committee has been constituted to administer and
implement the legal services programme insofar as it relates to the Supreme Court
of India.
16.04 The Chief Justice of India is the Patron-in Chief of NALSA and the senior-most
Judge of the Supreme Court is the Executive Chairman. The Central Government in
consultation with Chief Justice of India has also appointed an officer of the Higher
Judicial Services as the Member Secretary of the NALSA.
16.05 Similarly, at the State level the Chief Justice of the High Court is the Patron-in-Chief
of State Legal Services Authority and Senior Most Judge of the High Court is the
Executive Chairman. There is a Member Secretary for each SLSA.
16.06 At the District level, District Judge is the chairman of District Legal Services
Authority and chief Judicial Magistrate or equivalent judicial officer is the Secretary
of District Legal Services Authority.
16.07 NALSA lays down policies, principles, guidelines and frames effective and
economical schemes for the State Legal Services Authorities to implement
throughout the country.
16.08 The State Legal Services Authorities, District Legal Services Authorities, Taluk Legal
Services Committees, etc. have been entrusted the following primary functions:
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II. To organize Lok Adalats for amicable settlement of disputes;
III. To organize legal awareness camps; and
IV. To implement the Schemes and policy directions of the NALSA through
strategic and preventive Legal Services Programmes.
16.10 Himachal Pradesh Government shall adopt the practice of nominating Jail Visiting
Advocates to visit different prisons regularly on fixed days of the week to help the
poor and unrepresented inmates. Any inmate should be able to seek aid and advice,
file any bail/parole application, appeal(s) etc. through these advocates.
16.11 Legal services clinic shall be set up in every prison across the State, with sufficient
number of panel lawyers and paralegal volunteers deputed to such clinics for
providing free legal services to inmates on all working days. Director General of
Prisons & Correctional Services may train certain inmates as para legal volunteers
(PLVs) for assisting the Legal Aid Clinics established at prisons.
16.12 Legal literacy classes may be conducted in prisons in order to educate prisoners
about their rights and duties as well as about the availability of free legal aid
services. Services of law students, Para Legal Volunteers and Legal Aid Lawyers
could be taken to ascertain legal aid needs of inmates.
Maximum period for which under-trials can be detained
16.13 According to Section 436A Cr.P.C., under-trial prisoners who have undergone
detention in prison for a period extending up to half of the maximum sentence
specified for that offence under law (except offences attracting death sentence and
life imprisonment), shall be released on their personal bond, with or without
sureties. In order words, it means pending investigation, inquiry or trial, no person
shall be detained in the prison for a period more than half of the prescribed
maximum sentence under that offence. However, courts, for special reasons to be
recorded in writing, may extend the detention in prison or release on bail instead of
personal bond with or without sureties.
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16.14 A committee consisting of the District Judge, as Chairperson, the District
Magistrate, the District Superintendent of Police and Secretary, District Legal
Service Authority as members, should be constituted to identify under-trial
prisoners who have completed half of the maximum period or maximum period of
imprisonment provided for the said offence under the law.
States/UTs may hence consider taking the following actions:-
1. Constitute a Review Committee in every district with the District Judge, as
Chairperson, the District Magistrate, the District Superintendent of Police
and Secretary, District Legal Service Authority as members to meet every
three months and review the cases.
2. Jail Superintendent should conduct a survey of all cases where the UTPs
have completed more than one-fourth of the maximum sentence. He should
prepare a survey list and send the same to the District Legal Service
Authority (DLSA), as well as, the Undertrial Review Committee.
3. Prison authorities may educate undertrial prisoners on their rights to bail.
4. Provide legal aid – may be provided through empanelled lawyers of DLSA
to cases presented for release on bail and reduction of bail amount.
5. The list should be made available to the non-official visitors as well as
District Magistrate/Judges who conduct periodic inspections of the jails.
6. Home Department may also develop management information system to
ascertain the progress made jail-wise in this regard.
16.15 The State Legal Services Authorities should ensure that for offences which are
compoundable, appropriate steps are taken for compounding, and where the
offences cannot be compounded, efforts should be made to expedite the disposal of
those cases or at least efforts made to have the persons in custody released
therefrom at the earliest.
16.17 Even if the accused does not ask for a lawyer or he remains silent, it is the
Constitutional duty of the court to provide him with a lawyer before commencing
the trial. The obligation to provide him with a lawyer at the commencement of trial
is absolute and failure to do so would vitiate the trial and resultant conviction and
sentence, if any given to the accused.
16.18 To ensure that arrested persons have free legal representation, panel lawyers have
been deputed as remand /duty advocate in every court dealing with criminal cases.
Such advocates are available in the court even on holidays. When an accused is
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produced before the court and does not have a legal counsel, the court shall provide
the counsel free of cost.
16.19 The Superintendent should inform convicts of their right of appeal against
conviction.
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Chapter XVII
WELFARE OF PRISONERS
Object:
17.02 The starting point of all welfare programmes shall be the initial classification of the
prisoner and the study of individual inmates. The welfare programme should
include periodical review of progress and re-classification of prisoners, review of
sentence and pre-mature release, planning for release, pre-release preparation and
after-care. Positive influence of institutional personnel will play an important role
in this process. Community participation will be an important feature of welfare
programmes.
Counseling
17.03 Counseling facilities should be extended to the prisoners as follows:
(i) The mental health status of a prisoner should be studied before his
classification at the time of admission in the prison. Prisoners certified as
mentally ill should not be confined in prisons and instead appropriate
measures should be taken for their transfer to special institutions.
(ii) Professionally qualified counselors should be engaged by the prison dept. to
provide counseling to the needy prisoners, particularly those suffering from
substance-related addictive disorders and victims of abuse.
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(iii) Proper and regular evaluation of prisoner’s mental health should be done to
enable the requisite psycho social support services by the prison
department.
17.04 In Re: Illegal Detention of Machang Lalung (WP No. 296 of 2005), the Supreme
Court issued the following directions to avoid mentally ill persons languishing in
psychiatric hospitals for long periods:
(ii) Wherever any undertrial prisoner is in jail for more than the maximum
period of imprisonment prescribed for the offence for which he is charged
(other than those charged for offences for which life imprisonment or
death is the punishment), the Magistrate/Court shall treat the case as
closed and report the matter to the medical officer Incharge of the
psychiatric hospital, so that the Medical Officer Incharge of the hospital
can consider his discharge as per Section 40 of the Mental Health Act.
(iii) In cases where, the under trial prisoners (who are not being charged with
offence for which the punishment is imprisonment for life or death
penalty), their cases may be considered for release on bail in accordance
with sub-section (1) of Section 330 of the CrPC, if they have completed
five or more years as inpatients.
(iv) As regards the undertrial prisoners who have been charged with grave
offences for which life imprisonment or death penalty is the punishment,
such persons shall be subjected to examination periodically so as to
ascertain whether the under trial prisoner is fit enough to face the trial to
defend the charge. The Sessions Judge shall commence the trial of such
cases as soon as it is found that such mentally ill person has been found fit
to face trial.
Psychotherapy
17.05 Psychotherapy and cognitive behavior therapies may also be used in prisons as they
have been recognized as effective for the treatment of prisoners suffering from
mental disorders.
Guidance
17.06 Pamphlets containing the rights, duties, entitlement, discipline and daily routine of
a prisoner (including a handbook on Rights and Duties as provided in Appendix –
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1) should be printed and distributed so that a prisoner may follow the 'dos' and
'don'ts' and maintain discipline during his confinement.
17.07 The above literature should also be kept in the prison library and issued to
prisoners who can read.
17.08 Illiterate prisoners should be made to understand the contents of the literature by
the prison staff themselves or with the help of other literate prisoners engaged for
educational programmes.
17.09 Cultural and recreational activities should be organized in all institutions for
maintaining the mental and physical health of prisoners. These activities are the
basic elements of rehabilitation programmes for prisoners. These should form the
integral part of an institutional regime.
17.10 Recreational and cultural activities should be organized depending upon various
conditions such as availability of space, the climate and weather, composition of
inmates and arrangements for security. Such activities can include:
(i) Outdoor games like cricket, kabaddi, wrestling, volley ball, badminton,
football and basket-ball.
(ii) Indoor games like chess, ludo and carrom.
(iii) Film Shows: Historical, patriotic, biographical, scientific and educational
films, travelogues, documentaries, newsreel, and films dealing with social
themes should be shown. Films depicting crime, sex, violence, suspense,
and such other subjects that may have a damaging effect on the minds of
inmates and should not be shown to them. Each Central and District prison,
should have facilities for showing films to the prisoners/ inmates. A library
of good films should be developed at the headquarters of the Director
General/Inspector General of Prisons of Correctional Services and these
films should be circulated to various institutions. Close liaison should be
established between the Department of Prisons and Correctional Services
and the Films Division, Department of Information and Broadcasting, Film
and T.V. Institutions, Film Societies and other organizations which can
supply good films for the inmates.
(iv) Music: Music has a special significance in the confined atmosphere of a
prison. It can bring relief to lonely, distressed and unhappy inmates. It can
relieve boredom and promote interest in institutional programmes. Music
programmes could consist of radio music, recorded music, group singing,
folk music, instrumental music and orchestra.
(v) Community and folk dances: Group and Folk dances could be performed on
festivals and social occasions.
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(vi) Drama: Useful social values and models of behavior can be presented
before the inmates through dramatic performances. Dramas dealing with
social problems, pageants, musical dramas, tableau, soliloquies, dialogues,
radio plays and humorous skits could be performed for the benefit of
inmates. Inmates themselves can be encouraged to take part, and organize
these activities.
(vii) Arts and crafts: Arts and crafts can play an important role in imparting
useful values to prisoners. The prisoners can maintain their individuality
through these activities. Such activities can also serve as supportive
therapeutic measures in the monotonous life of a prison.
(viii) Handicrafts and art work: Prisoners can be provided with necessary
facilities for pottery, basket making, wood carving, carpentary, marquetry
and veneers, wood turning, fret-work, leather-work, home decoration,
lamp-shade making, metal-craft, plastics, toy-making, artificial flower
making, horn-craft, clay-modelling, lacquer-work, drawing, painting,
stenciling, paper-craft, papier-mache, rug making, felt-work, knitting,
embroidery, needle-work, crochet, etc.
(ix) Reading: Inmates can be encouraged to read books, newspapers and
magazines. Group reading and guided reading can also be useful for them.
(x) Television: This is the biggest entertainer for prisoners. The channels to be
shown, and their timings, should be carefully selected by the
Superintendent of Prison.
17.11 Every prison and allied institution should have an annual sports/cultural meet.
Inter-Institution and Inter-State sports meets of inmates may also be organized. The
sports groups from outside could be invited into the prison for playing various
games with the prisoners.
17.12 Yoga and meditation should be practised daily for which the hours should be fixed.
Meditation centres may be opened and NGO support may be availed for this
purpose. It should be ensured that discourses during meditation sessions are secular
in nature.
17.13 Well known personalities in the fields of art, sports, literature, culture and music
should be invited to the prison as guests on various occasions to inspire the
prisoners and be role-models for them.
17.14 There shall be a play ground for outdoor games and a community hall for cultural
programmes in every prison.
Role of N.G.Os.
17.15 Approved N.G.Os. should be extensively involved in organizing sports and cultural
meets and other welfare activities.
17.16 Care shall be exercised in the selection of welfare agencies/N.G.Os. for carrying out
welfare programmes. Approved N.G.O.s/welfare agencies which have a proven
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track record, and which are known for their dedication and selfless service, should
be selected for associating in prison programmes.
17.18 The good work done by welfare organizations and N.G.O. in prisons should be
publicly appreciated.
Prisoners' Committees
17.19 Every prison and allied institution should have prisoners' Committees. These
Committees should consist of very carefully selected inmates, who are of good
conduct and who have the potential and ability to organize events and activities.
These Committees should plan and execute daily recreational programmes for
inmates. This will give the prisoners a sense of participation in the prison
management, which is an important component of any policy of welfare and
reformation. These Committees should also be used for giving the prisoners an
opportunity to express their problems and seek redressal.
17.20 The working of these Committees should be continuously monitored by the prison
administration. The Superintendent or Dy. Superintendent of Prison should as far as
possible should personally participate in the Committees meetings.
17.21 A meeting of all the Committees should be held in the presence of the
Superintendent at least once in a quarter for the redressal of prisoners' grievances
and implementation of their suggestions. The Director General of Prisons may also
participate in such meeting in different prisons in the State from time to time.
Celebration of Festivals
17.22 Independence Day, Republic Day, Himachal Day and Mahatma Gandhi's birthday
should be celebrated in each prison to inculcate a feeling of the patriotism among
the prisoners. Cultural programmes could also be organized on such occasions and
special food can be served to the prisoners.
17.23 The main festivals of all religions should be celebrated. In these every prisoner
should be encouraged to participate. Any special treatment to a group of prisoners
belonging to a particular caste or religion is strictly prohibited.
Spiritual Development
17.24 Well known personalities from all religions should be invited to deliver lectures to
prisoners for their moral upliftment. Assistance from approved N.G.Os. and
welfare agencies may be sought in this regard. It should be ensured beforehand that
the content and tenor of such lectures is not such as would cause resentment
among people of other religions.
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17.25 Every prisoner should be allowed to perform his devotions in a quiet and orderly
manner.
17.26 The Superintendent shall be responsible for the smooth and orderly implementation
of welfare activities in the prison.
17.27 The Superintendent shall submit quarterly reports of welfare activities being
conducted in his prison to the Director General/ Inspector General of Prisons.
17.28 Prison administration shall endeavour to access funds available under Corporate
Social Responsibility for conducting various welfare activities for inmates and
prison staff.
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Chapter XVIII
REMISSION
INTRODUCTION:
Note: The Rules in this chapter therefore apply only on remission to be granted by Prison
authorities under sub-paragraph (a), that is, the provisions of the Prisons Act, 1894
or respective Prisons Act of the State and the Rules made thereunder.
Purpose
Life Convicts
18.02 Life sentence shall be taken as imprisonment for twenty years for the purpose of
calculation of remission (as per the logic given in Section 57 of the Indian Penal
Code, 1860). In the case of a prisoner serving more than one life sentence, twenty
years shall be treated as the total of all his sentences for calculating remission.
Grant of remission to a life convict shall not mean actual remission in his sentence.
When his case will be examined by the Review Board for pre-mature release, the
remission to his credit will be one of the factors on the basis of which the review of
his sentence will be considered.
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18.04 The Superintendent of Prison, or an officer nominated by him on his behalf,
is authorized to grant ordinary remission . Ordinary remission shall be
awarded by the Superintendent, or, subject to his control and supervision by
the Deputy Superintendent or any other officer specially empowered in that
behalf by him.
Eligibility:
18.05 The following types of convicted prisoners shall be eligible for ordinary remission:
i) Prisoners having substantive sentences of two months and more,
ii) Prisoners, sentenced to simple imprisonment for two months or more, who
volunteer to work,
iii) Prisoners employed on prison maintenance services requiring them to work on
Sundays and Holidays, e.g. sweeping, cooking etc., irrespective of the length &
nature of their sentence i.e., simple or rigorous imprisonment,
iv) Prisoners admitted for less than one month in hospital for treatment or
convalescence after an ailment or injury not caused wilfully. (Those admitted for
such purpose for more than one month should be entitled to remission for good
conduct only).
Note: It will be the responsibility of the prison administration to provide work to all
eligible prisoners. If for any reason the prison administration fails to do so the
prisoners who are otherwise eligible for remission for work should be granted it as
per their normal entitlement under the orders of the Director General/ Inspector
General of Prisons.
Non-Eligibility:
18.06 The following types of prisoners should not be eligible for ordinary remission:
i) Prisoners having substantive sentence of less than two months,
ii) Prisoners sentenced in default of payment of fine only,
iii) Prisoners whose sentence is reduced to less than two months (in such cases
remission already earned, if any, should stand forfeited),
iv) In the case of prisoners who are convicted of an offence committed after admission
to the prison under Sections 147/ 148/ 152/ 224/ 302/ 304/ 304A/ 306/ 307/
308/ 323/ 324/ 325/ 326/ 332/ 333/ 352/ 353 or 377 of IPC or of an assault
committed after admission to the prison on a warder or other officer or under any
other law for misusing the concession of parole/furlough granted under that law.
The remissions of whatever kind earned by him under these rules up to the date of
the said conviction may, with the sanction of Head of the Prison Department, be
cancelled.
v) Prisoners debarred from remission as punishment for committing prescribed prison
offences;
vi) Prisoners specifically debarred from remission under any law or rule, and
vii) Prisoners out on special leave like medical leave, temporary release on parole,
release on bail etc. for the duration of such leave.
viii) The total remission to any prisoner under all these rules shall not, without
the special sanction of the State Government, exceed one fourth of his
sentence.
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Provided that in very exceptional and suitable cases the Director
General/Inspector General may grant remissions amounting to not more
than one-third of the total sentence.
Scale of award of Ordinary Remission:
18.07 Scale of remission for convicted prisoners: Ordinary remission may be granted to
prisoners who are eligible for it at the scale shown below:
i) Three days per calendar month for good behaviour, discipline and participation in
institutional activities,
ii) Three days per calendar month for performance of work according to the
prescribed standards,
iii) Two days per calendar month for prisoners employed on prison maintenance
services requiring them to work even on Sundays and holidays e.g. sweeping,
cooking etc.,
iv) Eight days per calendar month for those working as night watchmen. Night
watchmen will not be eligible for remission mentioned in (a), (b) and (c) above,
v) One day for each month’s stay in open institutions to prisoners sentenced to
imprisonment of one year or more and transferred to such institutions,
vi) Any prisoner eligible for ordinary remission, who for a period of one year from the
date of his sentence, or the date on which he was last punished (except by way of
warning) for a prison offence, has not committed any prison offence, should be
awarded 30 days annual good conduct remission in addition to any other
remission.
vii) No prisoner shall receive ordinary remission for the calendar month in
which he is released.
viii) Prisoners who volunteer for sweeper’s work in the Himachal Pradesh Jails
shall, in addition to the existing scale of remissions, be granted a special
remission of three days per month.
ix) Any prisoner eligible for remission under these rules who, for a period of
one year reckoned from the first day of the month following the date of his
sentence or the date on which he was last punished for a prison offence, has
committed no prison offence whatever shall be awarded fifteen day’s
ordinary remission in addition to any other remission earned under these
rules. If however the prisoner completes three years of his sentence and is
not punished for any prison offence he shall be granted 60 days remission
for good conduct at the end of third year.
Special Remission
Eligibility:
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i) Saving the life of a government employee, a prison visitor or an inmate,
ii) Protecting a government employee or prison
visitor or inmate from physical violence or danger,
iii) Preventing or assisting in prevention of escape of prisoners, apprehending
prisoners attempting to escape, or giving material information about any plan or
attempt by a prisoner, or a group of prisoners, to escape,
iv) Assisting prison officials in handling emergencies like fire, outbreak of riots and
strike,
v) Reporting of, or assisting in, prevention of serious breach of prison regulations,
vi) Outstanding contribution in cultural activities or education or acquiring an
additional education qualification (such as a degree or diploma) or teaching art &
craft and special skills to fellow inmates,
vii) Specially good work in industry, agriculture or any other skill development
programme, or in vocational training.
viii) donating blood to the Blood Bank, provided that the scale of special
remission for this service shall be fifteen days for each occasion on which
blood is donated, and this shall be considered special remission of the State
Government.
NOTE : No prisoner will be permitted to donate blood until the Medical Officer
certifies that he can donate blood without any danger to his health or life.
Non-eligibility:
18.10 Special remission may be given to any prisoner except such prisoners who
are deprived of remission by way of punishments whether entitled to
ordinary remission or not for special reasons.
(1) Special remission may also be given to any prisoner released under the
Himachal Pradesh Good Conduct Prisoners, Probational Release Act, 1968,
for special services as:
ii) by the District Probation Officer in the case of prisoner released under the
Provisions of the HP Good Conduct Prisoners Probational Release Act,
1968, to an amount not exceeding thirty days in one year;
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Explanation: For the purpose of this rule, years shall be reckoned from the date of
sentence and any fraction of a year shall be reckoned as a complete year.
(3) An award of special remission shall be entered on the history-ticket of the
prisoner as soon as possible after it is made, and the reasons for every award
of special remission by a Superintendent shall be briefly recorded, and in
case of prisoners released under the HP Good Conduct Prisoners, Probational
Release Act, 1968, such entries and reasons thereof, shall be recorded by the
District Probation Officer.
18.11 Subject to the fulfillment of any one or more of the conditions aforementioned,
special remission not exceeding 60 days in a calendar year completed by the
prisoner in a Jail may be granted by the Head of the Prison Department on the
recommendation of Superintendent of Prison to those prisoners who are eligible for
ordinary remission.
Note: Total Remission not to exceed one-fourth portion of sentence.
18.12.2 The remission by Head of the State can be awarded to such prisoners, or categories
of prisoners, as the Head of the State may decide.
18.12.3 In case of prisoners who, at the time of general grant of remission by Head of the
State, are released on temporary or emergency release like on parole or furlough
etc., specific orders of the Head of the State about the award of this remission to
such prisoners are necessary.
18.13.1 when a life convict or a prisoner in whose case the State Government has
passed an order forbidding his release without reference has earned such
remission as would entitle him to release but for the provisions of this
paragraph, the Superintendent shall report accordingly to the State
Government in order that his case may be considered with reference to
section 432 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.
18.13.2 Save as provided by clause (1) when a prisoner has earned such remission as
entitles him to release.
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18.13.3 When a prisoner is released the total amount of remission earned by him
shall be endorsed on his warrant and the endorsement shall be signed by the
Superintendent.
18.15. 1 Remission earned by a prisoner may be forfeited by the Head of the Prisons
Department on the recommendation of Superintendent of Prison;
i) If the prisoner is convicted of an offence committed after admission to prison,
under sections 147, 148, 152, 224, 302, 304, 304-A, 306. 307, 308, 232, 324,
325, 326, 327, 332, 333,352, 353 or 377 of the India Penal Code or convicted of
an assault committed on a prison official, a prison visitor, a prisoner, or any other
government employee or on conviction for any offence committed in violation of
the law providing for temporary release of the prisoner on parole/ furlough etc.
after admission to prison. All the ordinary and special remission, of whatever kind,
earned by him under these rules up to the date of the said conviction may be
forfeited in part, or in whole.
ii) For prison offences Superintendent is empowered to forfeit earned remission up to
30 days for one offence. Earned remission beyond 30 days may be forfeited with the
sanction the Head of the Prisons Department.
Note:
All entries about forfeiture of remission shall be promptly made in the history ticket
or remission sheet and in the Remission Register or in any other relevant
document/ record.
18.15.2 The Superintendent may with the previous sanction of the Director General,
readmit to the remission system any prisoner who has been removed
therefrom under these rules. Such a prisoner shall earn remission under
these rules from the commencement of the month following such
readmission.
Remission Committee
18.16.1 Remission by Head of the State may be granted at such scale, or in such quantum,
as may be decided by the Head of the State.
18.16.2 The Remission Committee for remissions to be granted by the Jail authorities – The
Remission Committee of each institution will consist of:
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i) Superintendent-in charge of the institution – Chairman,
ii) Deputy Superintendent or senior most prison officer available in the institution,
iii) Assistant Superintendent/Deputy Jailor/Assistant Jailor in charge of remission
section,
iv) Officer in charge of Industries/ Vocational Training.
Procedure
18.18 The members of the committee should assist the Superintendent in all matters
pertaining to the award of remission. The decision of the Superintendent should be
treated as final. The Remission Committee should meet every Monday in the first
week of every month or as and when required. Monday means Monday or next
working day, if Monday is a Jail holiday.
Notes: (i) In view of the importance of remission work, it is essential that the
committee meets as per fixed schedule so that remission may be granted in time.
Special remission should be granted leaving a margin of at least seven days prior to
a prisoner’s release.
(ii) Entries regarding remission should be made, under proper attestation of the
Superintendent, in the Remission Register and the History Ticket of the prisoner
concerned as soon as it is granted.
(iii) Prisoners with substantive sentences from two months to five years should be
sanctioned remission each month while those sentenced to more than five years
(including life convicts) should be granted remission once in a quarter.
(iv) Ordinary remission should be calculated for full calendar months. It should not
be granted for a fraction of a calendar month.
(v) Special remission may be granted for any fraction of a year accordingly
(vii) Grant of remission to prisoners sentenced by court martial should be on the
same principles as those applicable to other prisoners.
Record
18.19 Following records will be maintained by the prison authority:
i) Assistant Superintendent, or any other official in charge of yards or
sections, shall maintain sheets for prisoners eligible to earn remission. On
the appointed days, these sheets shall be forwarded to the officer dealing
with remission work and to the Deputy Superintendent, or to any other
officer in charge of admission and release of prisoners for inspection. These
sheets shall be attached to the remission sheet of the prisoners.
ii) A Remission Register shall be maintained in a prescribed Form (Appendix
11) in which all entries about grant and forfeiture, if any, of remission shall
be promptly made and duly attested by the officers concerned.
iii) Entries in the Remission Register shall be made at the end of each quarter.
In case a prisoner is due for release before the completion of a quarter,
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these entries shall be made during relevant months, and action regarding
his/her release may be taken accordingly.
iv) At the end of each quarter, prisoners should be informed about the
remission they have earned during the quarter and also the total of their
remission.
v) Grant or forfeiture, if any, of all types of remission should be recorded in
the remission sheet.
vi) The Deputy Superintendent, or officer in charge of admission and release,
shall inspect the Remission Register or Remission Sheets at fixed intervals.
vii) Except for the communication mentioned in Rule 18.19 (iv), remission
record shall be treated as confidential. It shall not be allowed to be handled
by the prisoners.
viii) Prisoners should be released on such dates, as would be worked out, after
allowing for the remission granted.
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Chapter XIX
PAROLE AND FURLOUGH
INTRODUCTION:
Parole and furlough to inmates are progressive measures of correctional services.
The provisions relating to release of the prisoner on parole and furlough should be
liberalized to help a prisoner maintain a harmonious relationship with his family
and the society and to be of good conduct during the period of incarceration. The
privilege of release on parole and furlough should, of course, be allowed to selective
prisoners on the basis of well-defined norms of eligibility and propriety. The parole
and furlough in the State of Himachal Pradesh shall be governed by the H.P. Good
Conduct Prisoners (Temporary Release) Act, 1968 and rules thereunder, However,
for clarity the following provisions are made.
Purpose
19.03.1 Emergency parole under police protection: to cater to the familial and social
responsibilities of emergent nature like death/ serious illness/ marriage of a family
member or other close relative.
19.03.2 Regular parole: to take care of the familial and social obligations and
responsibilities of regular nature as well as for the psychological and other needs of
the prisoner to maintain contact with the outside world like house repair,
admission of children to school/ college, delivery of wife, sowing and harvesting of
crops, etc.
Emergency Parole
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19.04 Emergency parole may be granted to a convict by the competent authorities as well
as to the under trial prisoners by the trial court concerned, under adequate police
protection, for a period extending up to 48 hours, in the following eventualities:
i) Death or serious illness of father/ mother/ brother/s/ sister/s/ spouse/
children.
ii) Marriage of brother/s/ sister/s/ children/ children of sister/s.
Furlough
19.05 Furlough means release of a prisoner for a short period of time after a gap of 05
years of incarceration by way of motivation for him maintaining good conduct and
remaining disciplined in the prison. This is purely an incentive for good conduct in
the prison. Therefore the period spent by the prisoner outside the prison on
furlough shall be counted towards his sentence.
Eligibility
19.06 Convicts are entitled to emergency parole, regular parole and furlough, subject to
the fulfillment of eligibility criteria and other conditions prescribed in this regard
by the State Government under any local and special law or instructions etc.
19.07 The following categories of prisoners may not be eligible for release on parole or
furlough:
i) Prisoners whose immediate presence in the society may be considered
dangerous or otherwise prejudicial to public peace and order by the
District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police,
ii) Prisoners who are considered dangerous or have been involved in serious
prison violence like assault, outbreak of riot, mutiny or escape, or who have
been found to be instigating serious violation of prison discipline as per the
reports in his/ her annual good conduct report,
iii) Prisoners convicted for dacoity with murder, terrorist crimes, sedition
charges and in the opinion of the District Magistrate/ District
Superintendent of Police, there are such prisoners they may not report back
to the Prison after the completion of the parole or furlough period,
iv) Convicted foreigners,
v) Prisoners committed for failure to give security for maintaining peace or
good behaviour
vi) Prisoners suffering from mental illness, if not certified by the Medical
Officer to have recovered
vii) Prisoners whose work and conduct have not been good during the
preceding 12 months.
19.08 Undertrial prisoners are not eligible for regular parole and furlough, and may be
released only on emergency Parole, that too by the order of the concerned trial
court.
19.09 The respective State Government/ Union Territory may enact a local and special
law or issue instructions providing for temporary release of prisoners on parole and
furlough. The eligibility criteria, competent authority to sanction parole/ furlough,
liability for not surrendering at due time and date after availing parole/ furlough,
grounds and frequency for release on parole/ furlough, procedures, duration of
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release on parole/ furlough, eligibility for release on furlough along with its
duration and frequency and conditions relating to other connected matters etc.
shall be properly laid down in the law/ instructions so provided.
19.10 Release on parole is not an absolute right, though, it is a legal right of every eligible
prisoner as per the conditions laid down. This concession is subject to cancellation.
The State Government/ Head of the Prison Department/ the Competent Authority
reserves the right to debar/ withdraw any prisoner, or category of prisoners, from
the concession of parole and furlough if the prisoner becomes ineligible or violates
of the prescribed conditions in this regard.
19.11 A female prisoner ordered to be temporarily released under the Act shall be
transferred to the Jail which is nearest to the place which she intends to visit
during her temporary release. She shall be released from that Jail and shall return
to that Jail. If she so desires, the Superintendent of the Jail from which she is
transferred shall intimate to such member of her family as she may specify in that
behalf the date of her release and the Jail from which she is to be released.
19.12 Subject to the above, eligibility for parole and furlough should be regulated as
follows:
When due for When due for second When due for subsequent
first release on release releases.
parole
On completion After completion of six After completion of six
of one year of months of actual months of actual
actual imprisonment -- to be imprisonment -to be
imprisonment-- counted from the date his counted from the date his
to be counted last return from parole. last return from leave.
from the date of
admission to
prison.
19.13 A register shall be maintained in the prison in the prescribed form in which all the
details relating to release of prisoners on parole and furlough shall be maintained.
This record shall also be maintained on computers wherever the computerization of
record has taken place. The prisoners shall be kept informed of his eligibility and
right to release on parole and furlough on regular basis by updating the record in
the history ticket of the prisoner.
19.14 The period for which a prisoner may be released shall be determined by the
Government so as not to exceed,-
(a) where the prisoner is to be released on the ground specified in clause (a)of sub-
section (1) of section 3 of the HP Good Conduct Prisoners (Temporary Release) Act
1968, two weeks;
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(b) where the prisoner is to be released on the ground specified in clause (b) or clause
(d) of sub-section (1) of section 3 of the HP Good Conduct Prisoners (Temporary
Release) Act 1968,, four weeks; and
(c) where the prisoner is to be released on the ground specified in clause (c) of sub-
section (1) of section 3 of the HP Good Conduct Prisoners (Temporary Release) Act
1968, six weeks.
19.15 The Head of the Prisons Department or any other competent authority as mentioned
in the law/ instructions on the subject should be the competent authority for grant
of regular parole or furlough to convict prisoners. Under-trial prisoners are not
eligible for regular parole and furlough.
19.16.1 The Superintendent of Prisons shall be the competent authority to grant emergency
parole to convict prisoners under police protection.
19.16.2 Only the trial court concerned shall be competent to grant emergency parole to
under trial prisoners.
Procedure
19.17 A prisoner desiring to avail parole or furlough will submit his application to the
Superintendent of the prison. The Superintendent will examine each case carefully
with regard to the eligibility for leave with particular reference to conduct, work,
attitude towards family and community, and the manner in which the previous
period of leave, if any, was utilized.
19.18 The Superintendent of Jail shall forward the application so received to the
Superintendent of police of the concerned district within 3 days of receipt of the
application along with recommendation of Superintendent of Prison for his report
through the District Magistrate concerned. The Superintendent of Police shall send
his report to the competent authority through the District Magistrate within 14
days from the date of receipt of the reference of the competent authority. The
District Magistrate is allowed a period of 3 days to forward the report of the
Superintendent of Police so received to the competent authority. In case the police
disagree with the proposed release of a prisoner on leave, reasons for such
disagreement should be specified. The competent authority is allowed a period of 7
days to decide on the application from the date of receipt of the report of District
Magistrate was received by him.
19.19 The prisoner shall be kept informed of all the decision on his application. If his
request for release on parole or furlough is rejected, he shall be informed of the
grounds of such rejection.
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19.20 The opinion of the district authorities should be obtained every time a prisoner is
released on parole or furlough. The Probation Officer may be asked to submit a
report about the conduct of a prisoner during the release on parole or furlough.
19.21 Prisoners whose conduct is found unsatisfactory during his/ her release on parole
or furlough may be debarred for this concession for a specified period of time by
Head of the Prison Department on a report/ recommendation received from the
Superintendent of Prison concerned. However, the concession so barred may be
reviewed by the Head of Prison Department after 6 months from the date of the bar
coming in to force, on a representation from the affected prisoner.
19.22 The prisoner shall be informed of the ground of the bar for the period for which
he/ she shall not be eligible for release on parole/ furlough.
19.23 The competent authority authorized to sanction parole/ furlough may make an
order for the release of a prisoner subject to the following conditions:
i) That the prisoner shall furnish cash security for the amount fixed by the competent
authority and execute a personal recognizance bond, or execute a bond with one
or more sureties according to the directions of the competent authority,
ii) That the prisoner shall reside at the place designated by the competent authority
and will not go beyond the specified limits,
iii) That the prisoner will keep good behaviour and will not commit any offence during
the period of release,
iv) That the prisoner will report to the Probation Officer, if any, of the area of his stay
during the period of release,
v) That the prisoner will neither associate with bad characters nor lead a dissolute life,
vi) That the prisoner will be liable to be recalled immediately to prison in case he
violates any of the conditions,
vii) That the prisoner will surrender himself to the Superintendent of the prison on
expiry of the release period as granted, or on recall.
19.24 On receipt of an order from the competent authority, the prisoner should be
released on Parole/ furlough after he has executed the necessary bond and has
signed the conditions of release. At the time of release the prisoner should be
supplied with an identity card and certificate of release on parole/ furlough.
Authorities to be informed
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iii) Probation Officer in whose jurisdiction the prisoner proposes to spend the period of
parole/furlough.
Sureties
19.26 For release of prisoners surety should be secured in one of the following ways:
i) On executing a personal bond,
ii) The wages earned by the prisoners may be taken as cash security,
iii) The Probation Officer may be asked to arrange necessary surety,
iv) Panchayat of the home village of the prisoner may stand surety for him,
v) Family members/relatives/friends of the prisoners, if of good antecedents, may
stand surety for him.
19.27 On the expiry of the period for which a prisoner is released under this Act, he shall
surrender himself to the Superintendent of the Jail from which he was released.
(2) If a prisoner does not surrender himself as required by sub-section (1) within a
period of ten days from the date on which he should have so surrendered, he may
be arrested by any police officer without a warrant and shall be remanded to
undergo the unexpired portion of his sentence.
(3) If a prisoner surrenders himself to the Superintendent of the jail from which he
was released within a period of ten days of the date on which he should have so
surrendered, but fails to satisfy the Superintendent of the jail that he was prevented
by any sufficient cause from surrendering himself immediately on the expiry of the
period for which he was released, all or any of the following penalties shall, after
affording the prisoner a reasonable opportunity of being heard, be awarded to him
by the Superintendent of the jail, namely,-
(a) a maximum cut of five days' remission for each day of overstay;
(d) the period of temporary release on furlough of the prisoner under section 4 of the
H.P. Good Conduct Prisoners (Temporary Release) Act, 1968 shall not be counted
towards his sentence;
(f) reduction from the status and grade of "Convict Watchman" or "Convict
Overseer".
Penalty
19.28 Any prisoner who is liable to be arrested under sub-section (2) of section 8 of the
H.P. Good Conduct Prisoners (Temporary Release) Act, 1968 shall be punishable
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with imprisonment of either description which may extend to two years or with
fine or with both.
Explanation. - The punishment in this section is in addition to the punishment
awarded to the prisoner for the offence for which he was convicted.
Travel Expenses
19.29 The prisoner will himself meet all expenses, including those on journey to
and from the place of his stay, after his release on parole/ furlough from
prison. However, if, on the report of the District Magistrate, the
Government is satisfied that a prisoner’s family cannot bear the expenses of
his journey from and to the prison after his temporary release under this
Act, the expenses may be borne by the Government to such extent and in
such manner as may be prescribed.
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Chapter XX
PREMATURE RELEASE
20.2 There shall be a State Sentence Review Board to review the sentences awarded to
prisoners and for recommending premature release in appropriate cases. This shall
be a permanent body having the following members:
Quorum
20.3 The cases put up to the Sentence Review Board shall be reviewed even when one or
more members of the Board are not able to attend the meeting or when there is a
vacancy on the Board. The quorum shall be of 4 members and the Board shall not
take any decisions when the quorum is not complete.
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20.04.1 The State Sentence Review Board shall meet at least once in three months on a date
to be notified to its members at least 7 days in advance by the Member Secretary.
The notice of such meeting shall be accompanied by complete agenda papers.
20.04.2 The Chairman of the Board can convene a meeting of the board more frequently,
even at short notices, if necessary.
20.05.1 Every convicted prisoner whether male of female undergoing sentence of life
imprisonment and covered by the provisions of Section 433 A Cr. P.C. shall be
eligible to be considered for premature release from the prison immediately after
serving out the sentence of 14 years of actual imprisonment i.e. without the
remissions. It is, however, clarified that completion of 14 years in prison by itself
would not entitle a convict to automatic release from the prison and the Sentence
Review Board shall have the discretion to release a convict, it an appropriate time in
all cases considering the circumstances in which the crime was committed and
other relevant factor like:
(a) Whether the convict has lost his potential for committing crime considering
his overall conduct in Jail during the 14-year’s incarceration.
(b) The possibility of reclaiming the convict as a useful member of the society;
and
(c) Socio-economic condition of the convict’s family.
20.05.2 The following categories of life convict prisoners shall be eligible to be considered
for premature release by the State Sentence Review Board:
(iv) Old and infirm offenders of 65 years of age on the day of the commission of
offence, sentenced to life imprisonment on completion of 07 years of
sentence or 75 years of age including remission, whichever is earlier
subject to the condition that they shall not be actually released unless they
have undergone at least five years of imprisonment including remission.
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The life convicts covered under Section 433-A Cr.P.C. are required to
undergo 14 years of actual imprisonment before release. The total period of
incarceration including remissions in such cases should ordinarily not exceed 20
years. The magnitude, brutality and gravity of offence for which the convict was
sentenced to life imprisonment will be kept in view.
Certain categories of convicted prisoners undergoing life sentence would be
entitled to be considered for premature release only after undergoing
imprisonment for 20 years including remission.
20.05.3 Following categories are mentioned in this connection by way of illustration and
are not to be taken as an exhaustive list of such categories: -
a) Convicts who have been imprisoned for life for murder in heinous cases
such as murder with rape, terrorist crime, murder with dacoity, murder
involving an offence under the protection of Civil Right Act, 1955, murder
committed after conviction while inside the Jail, murder during parole,
murder in terrorist incident, murder in smuggling operation, murder of a
public servant on duty.
b) Gangsters, contract killers, smugglers, drug traffickers, racketeers awarded
life imprisonment for committing murder as also the perpetrators of murder
committed with per-meditation and with exceptional violence or perversity.
c) Convicts whose death sentence has been commuted to life imprisonment.
20.05.4 All other convicted male prisoners not covered by Section 433 A Cr. P.C.
undergoing the sentence of life imprisonment would be entitled to be considered
for premature release after they have served at least 14 years of imprisonment
inclusive of remission but only after completion of 10 years actual imprisonment
i.e. without remission.
20.05.5 The female prisoners not covered by Section 433-A Cr.P.C. undergoing the sentence
of life imprisonment would be entitled to be considered for premature release after
they have served a minimum of 12 years of sentence inclusive of remission but
after undergoing seven years actual imprisonment exclusive remission.
20.05.6 Cases of premature release of prisoners undergoing life imprisonment before
completion of 14 years of actual imprisonment on grounds of terminal illness or
old age etc. may be dealt with under the provisions of Article 161 of the
constitution.
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20.09 If the unexpired period of the prisoner’s sentence exceeds six months, the Director
General/ Inspector General of Prisons shall immediately report the facts of the case,
along with his recommendations, to the Government.
20.10 No prisoner, without any friends or relatives willing to take charge of him/her,
shall be released under this rule.
20.11 This rule shall not apply to a prisoner who goes on a hunger strike. A prisoner on
hunger strike shall in no circumstances be released.
20.12 If a Medical Board considers that a convicted prisoner is in danger of dying from
illness (not due to an infectious disease), and that there is a probability of his/her
recovery when released, he shall furnish a certificate to that effect. On receipt of
the certificate the Superintendent shall immediately report the fact to the Director
General/ Inspector General of Prisons. He shall also at the same time send for the
prisoner’s relatives or friends and ascertain whether they are willing to look after
him. If so, he shall take from them a security bond to the effect that in the event of
the prisoner being prematurely released on account of illness, they will give
him/her up at any time they may be required to do.
20.13 If a prisoner detained solely under a sentence of Imprisonment in default of
furnishing security to maintain peace or for good behaviour, is so seriously ill that
he/ she is likely to die, whatever be the term of his unexpired sentence, the
Superintendent shall refer the case to the District Magistrate of the District, in case
the order is passed by an Executive Magistrate, or to the Court of Sessions, in case
the order has been passed by a Judicial Magistrate, for necessary orders of release
under Section 123 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.
20.14 Every case of release under these rules shall immediately be reported to the Head of
the Prison Department by the Superintendent of Prison. The District Magistrate and
Superintendent of Police of the district of the convict so released shall also be
informed accordingly by the Superintendent of Prisons.
20.15 If the friends or relatives of a sick or dying prisoner, whose release has been
sanctioned under above rules, express their inability to meet the expenses of a
journey to the prison, the prisoner may be transferred, if fit to travel, in anticipation
of sanction of the Head of Prisons Department/ Inspector General, to the prison of
the district where he/she shall stay, provided that no prisoner shall be so
transferred to any district beyond the jurisdiction of the State without the special
sanction of the State Government concerned.
20.16 In the event of such a prisoner dying before he/she can be released, the death shall
be recorded in the records of the prison from which he/she was transferred.
Procedure:
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his physical/mental health or any serious ailment with which the prisoner is
suffering entitling his case special consideration for his premature release. The note
shall also contain recommendation of the jail Superintendent whether he favours
the premature release of the prisoner or not and in either case it shall be supported
by adequate reasons.
20.17.3 The Superintendent of Jail shall make reference to the District
Magistrate/Superintendent of Police of the District where the prisoner was
ordinarily residing at the time of the commission of the offence for which he was
convicted and sentenced or where he is likely to resettle after his release from the
Jail. However, in case the place where the prisoner was ordinarily residing at the
time of the commission of the offence is different from the place where he
committed the offence, a reference shall also be made to the District.
Magistrate/Superintendent of Police of the District in which the offence was
commissioned. In either case, he shall forward a copy of the note prepared by him
to enable the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police to express their
views in regard to the desirability of the premature release of the prisoner.
20.17.4 On receipt of the reference, the concerned District Magistrate/ Superintendent of
Police shall cause an Inquiry to be made in the matter through a Senior Police
officer of appropriate rank and based on their own assessment shall make their
recommendations. While making the recommendation the District Magistrate/
Superintendent of Police shall not act mechanically and oppose the premature
release of the prisoner on untenable and hypothetical grounds or apprehensions. In
case of District Magistrate/Superintendent of Police are not in the favour of
premature release of the prisoner, they shall justify the same with cogent reasons
and material and return the reference to the Superintendent of the concerned Jail
not later than 30 days of the receipt of the reference.
20.17.5 The Superintendent of Police of Jail will also make a reference to the Chief
Probation Officer of the State and forward to him a copy of his note. On receipt of
the reference, the Chief Probation Officer shall either hold or cause to be held an
inquiry through a Probation Officer in regard to the desirability of premature
release of the prisoner having regard to his family members and society, prospects
of the prisoner for rehabilitation and leading a meaningful life as a good citizen. He
will not act mechanically and recommend each and every case for premature
release, in either case he should justify his recommendation by reasons material.
The Chief Probation Officer shall furnish his report/recommendations to the
Superintendent of Jail not later than 30 days from the receipt of the reference.
20.17.6 On receipt of the report/recommendations of the District Magistrate/
Superintendent of Police and Chief Probation Officer, the Superintendent of Jail
shall put up the case to the DG/IG-Cum-Member Secretary. DG/IG Prisons shall
make a reference to the Registrar General of High Court of Himachal Pradesh to get
the opinion of the Presiding Judge of convicting or the confirming Court in the
light of judgement of the Supreme Court of India in Sangeet Vs State of Haryana &
Union of India Vs V. Sriharan @ Murugan. On receipt of the opinion, the DG/IG
Prisons shall call a meeting of the State Sentence Review Board after availability of
the Chairman and other Members.
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Procedure and Guidelines for the Review Board:
20.18.1 The DG/IG Prisons shall convene a meeting of the Sentence Review Board on a date
and time at the State Headquarters, an advance notice of which shall be given to
the Chairman and members of the Board at least ten days in advance of the
scheduled meeting and it shall accompany the complete agenda papers i.e. the note
of Superintendent of Jail, recommendation of District Magistrate/Superintendent of
Police Chief Probation Officer and that of DG/IG Prisons alongwith the copies of
documents, if any.
20.18.2 A meeting shall ordinarily be chaired by the chairman and if for some reasons he is
unable to be present in the meeting it shall be chaired by the Secretary (Law)-cum-
Legal Remembrancer. The Member Secretary (DG/IG Prisons) shall present the
case of each prisoner under consideration before the Sentence Review Board. The
Board shall consider the case and take a view. As far as practicable, the Sentence
Review Board shall endeavour to make unanimous recommendation. However, in
case of a dissent, the majority view shall prevail and will be deemed to be the
decision of the Board.
20.18.3 While considering the case of premature release of a particular prisoner, the Board
shall keep in view the general principles of amnesty/remission of the sentences as
laid down by the State Government or by Courts as also the earlier precedents in
the matter. The paramount consideration before the Sentence Review Board being
the Welfare of the prisoner and society at large. The Board shall not ordinarily
decline a premature release of prisoner merely on ground that the police have not
recommended his release on certain farfetched and hypothetical premises. The
Board shall take into account the circumstances in which the offence was
committed by the prisoner and whether he has the propensity and is likely to
commit similar or other offence again.
20.18.4 Rejection of the case of a prisoner or premature release on one or more occasions
by the Sentence Review Board will not be a bar for reconsideration of his case.
However, the reconsiderations of the case of a convict already rejected shall be
done only after the expiry of a period of one-year from the date of last
consideration of his case.
20.18.5 The recommendation of the Sentence Review Board shall be placed before the
competent authority without delay for consideration. The competent authority may
either accept recommendations of the Sentence Review Board or reject the same on
the grounds to be stated or may ask the Sentence Review Board to reconsider a
particular case. The decision of the competent authority shall be communicated to
the concerned prisoner and in case the competent authority has ordered to grant
remission and order his premature release, the prisoner shall be released forthwith
with or without conditions.
20.19 Immediately on admission of a life convict, eligible for being considered for
premature release, the Superintendent of the institution should get a copy of the
judgement in his/her case from the court and open a file. This file should contain:
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(i) Copies of the judgements of the original court and the appellate court.
(ii) A data sheet containing information, viz. name of the convict, his/her
number, age at the time of the sentence, previous occupation, offences,
sentences, date of sentence, sentencing court, sentence undergone,
unexpired sentence and remission earned.
(iii) Report of the Superintendent giving particulars about the educational
progress, performance at work and vocational training, interest in
recreational and cultural activities, discipline, group adjustability, conduct,
attitude towards society and family members, conduct during release on
leave, need for an after-care programme, and the manner in which the
convict proposes to resettle after his/her premature release.
(iv) Medical report about the physical and mental condition of the offender,
serious illness, if any, suffered by him/her, and his/her fitness for
premature release.
(v) Rejection of his pre mature release case by the SLC on previous occasions, if
any.
(vi) Order of the government.
(vii) Bond furnished by the prisoner.
(viii) Conditions of release duly signed by the prisoner.
Note: The Apex Court in the case of Sangeet and Others Vs State of Haryana
(2013) in para 77.7, the Court concluded:-
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Chapter XXI
PRISON DISCIPLINE
21.1 Prison discipline is the prime mover of a dynamic and interactive human
mechanism called the correctional process, which an offender undergoes to
get reformed into a law-abiding and dignified citizen, who can become self-
reliant after his/ her release and deserve a rightful place in the mainstream
of the society.
21.2 An offender, after release, always faces cold treatment and rejection from the
society at large. On account of such rejection and dislike, the gap between
an offender and the society becomes wider. This sends the offender back into
the world of crime, and from there again to custody, making a vicious circle.
This is how crime recurs. Correctional work aims to bridge the gulf between
the offender and the mainstream society.
21.3 Prison discipline should not be retributive but reformative; not repressive
but curative; and should be carried on with a view to foster the basic values
and virtues of life and humanity.
21.4 Prison discipline is the collective responsibility of all the prison personnel
who are actually supposed to usher in reformation to the offender.
21.5 Prison discipline should also ensure impeccable security in the prison so that
the safe custody and well-being of the prisoners is not in jeopardy.
21.6 Prison discipline shall also envisage a tidy ambience in the premises, which
is conducive to creative work in the field of culture, literacy and vocational
training.
21.7 Prison discipline shall be supported and given a human face by:
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Scope
21.8 Prison discipline shall cover all aspects of Institutional life such as:
21.10 Endangering the security of the prison in any way, by a wilful or negligent
act and shall include tampering in any way with prison walls, building,
bars, locks and keys, lamps or lights or with any other security and custody
measure.
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(i) Doing any act calculated to create unnecessary alarm in the minds of
other prisoners.
(ii) Doing or omitting to do any act with intent to cause to oneself any
illness, injury or disability.
(iii) Omitting to report the commission of any prison offence.
(iv) Breaking law and order and prison discipline.
(v) Planning, instigating and abetting, directly or indirectly, the commission
of any prison offence.
(vi) Refusing, omitting to abide by standards of behaviour, rules and
regulations and lawful instructions and orders.
(vii) Failing to assist in the maintenance of prison discipline.
(viii) Failing to give assistance to a prison official when called to do so.
(ix) Making false, malicious and groundless, written or verbal, complaints
against prison officials.
(x) Committing nuisance or mischief of any sort.
(xi) Quarrelling with other prisoners.
(xii) Smoking at places, or at times, other than appointed places.
(xiii) Attacking, assaulting, and causing injuries to others.
(xiv) Participating in a riot or mutiny, abetting another prisoner to do the
same.
(xv) Escaping or attempting to escape from prison or legal custody or failing
to report to prison officials about attempted escapes.
(xvi) Possessing, hiding, smuggling, attempting to smuggle, obtaining, giving
or receiving and bartering contraband articles.
(xvii) Failing to report to prison officials about contraband articles.
(xviii) Stealing/damaging/destroying/disfiguring/misappropriating any
government property or another prisoners' articles and property.
(xix) Failing to report at once any loss, breakage or injury, which the
prisoner may accidentally have caused, to prison property or
implements.
(xx) Tampering with or defacing identity cards, records or documents.
(xxi) Breach of the conditions of leave and emergency release.
(xxii) Refusing to eat food or going on a hunger-strike.
(xxiii) Eating or apportioning any food not assigned to him or taking from or
adding to the portions assigned to another prisoner.
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(xxiv) Wilfully or negligently destroying or spoiling food, or throwing it
away without orders.
(xxv) Introducing into food or drink anything likely to render it
unpalatable, unwholesome, or dangerous for human consumption.
(xxvi) Cooking unauthorisedly.
(xxvii) Violating rules and regulations framed for the systematic running of
the canteen.
(xxviii) Bartering canteen articles.
(xxix) Being idle, careless or negligent at work, refusing to work,
malingering, disturbing other prisoners at work, or in barracks.
(xxx) Manufacturing any article without the knowledge or permission of a
prison officer.
(xxxi) Performing any portion of the task allotted to another prisoner or
obtaining unauthorized assistance of another prisoner in the
performance of one's own task.
(xxxii) Apportioning to any prisoner any part of the task to be performed by
him/her.
(xxxiii) Mixing or adding a foreign substance to the materials issued for
work.
(xxxiv) Willfully disabling himself from labour.
(xxxv) Converting, or attempting to convert, a prisoner to a different
religious faith.
(xxxvi) Willfully hurting other's religious feelings, beliefs and faiths.
(xxxvii) Agitating or acting on the basis of caste or religious prejudices.
(xxxviii) Having any communication, in writing or by word or by signs,
without permission, with any outsider, an under trial prisoner,
detenus, civil prisoners, and approvers.
(xxxix) Sending messages surreptitiously by writing or verbally.
(xl) Participating in, or organizing, unauthorized activities like
gambling and betting.
(xli) Using indecent, abusive, insolent, threatening or improper
language; being disrespectful, making indecent or vulgar acts or
gestures.
(xlii) Soiling or befouling any place or article.
(xliii) Loitering or lingering, leaving the appointed area or work-group
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without permission.
(xliv) Failing to assist, or preventing another person from assisting,
prison officials in suppressing violence, assault, riot, mutiny, attack,
gross personal violence or any other emergencies.
Minor Punishments
Major Punishments
21.13 Loss of privileges given to the prisoners in detention from one month to
three months
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21.17 Postponement of privileges of leave for a period not exceeding one year
starting from the date of the inmate's next eligibility for release on leave
21.19 In case of any damage to Government property, recovery of cost for such
damage after proper enquiry effective with judicial appraisal.
21.20 In case of a minor offence which is committed more than twice, the same
will be treated as a major offence and punishment shall be awarded
accordingly.
21.21 For award of major punishment the prisoner should be given notice in
writing, calling him to show cause with reference to the alleged violation of
the jail rule. The order of punishment should also be communicated to the
concerned prisoner.
21.22 Principle laid down by the Supreme Court in Sunil Batra v. Delhi
Administration (1978) 4 SCC 494; Also, see Charles Sobhraj v.
Superintendent of Tihar Jail (supra) and Kishore Singh v. State of Rajasthan,
1981 Cr LJ 17 where the Supreme Court vehemently condemned solitary
confinement and putting cross-bar fetters and declared that flimsy grounds,
such as behaving insolently and in an uncivilized manner, tearing off the
history ticket, etc. cannot be the foundation for solitary confinement and
cross bar fetters.
21.23 In respect of offence committed by the prisoners which are punishable both
under the existing criminal laws and prison offences, it should be the
discretion of the Superintendent either to use his own powers of
punishments or to prosecute the offender before a court of law.
Duties of Prisoners
(vii) Help the officers of prison in the event of any attack upon
them.
(viii) Keep their clothes, blankets, beddings, and utensils clean and
in proper order.
(x) Perform their assigned tasks willingly and carefully and take
proper care of any property of government entrusted to them
for any purpose.
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(xii) Not to remove provisions from the kitchen or food servicing
platforms without authority, or conceal any article of food in
the wards or cells.
(xiii) Not to remove any unconsumed food from the place where
the meal is taken.
(xiv) Stick to the bed, ward, yard, and the seat assigned to them
while at meals or at work.
(xv) Not to loiter in the yards/wards, after the doors have been
opened, or bathe beyond the specified hours.
(xvi) Not commit any nuisance or urinate in any part of the prison
which has not been assigned for that purpose, or spoil any
part of the prison or any article in the prison in any way.
(xix) Wear the clothing given to them and not to exchange clothing
or any part of their prison kit, with any other prisoner.
21.28 The system will also act as a safety valve against any possibility of sudden
outbursts of suppressed grievances.
21.29 There shall be one or more complaint boxes in every prison installed in
centrally located and convenient places, within easy reach of the inmates.
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Such complaint box shall also be installed in an easily accessible place in the
female ward.
21.30 The inmates may drop their complaints in the form of written petitions
addressed to the Superintendent, or to the higher authorities, into such
boxes.
21.31 The box shall remain under lock and key and the key shall remain in the
custody of the Deputy Superintendent, who shall unlock the complaint box
at least twice a week on the days fixed and approved by the Superintendent.
21.32 The complaint box shall be opened at appointed time before the evening
locking up of the prison.
21.34 The committee shall meet as and when necessary, but at least twice a week
to look into all the complaints of the inmates.
21.35 The Superintendent shall preside over the committee which shall enquire
into all the complaints at the earliest.
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21.39 The District Judge should visit each prison in his jurisdiction once a month
and give an opportunity to all the prisoners to present their grievances or
requests, if they so desire, in the absence of prison officers. This should be a
statutory function of the District Judge.
21.41 The Board of Visitors should be activated. The visitors should receive and
enquire into prisoners' complaints and grievances and send their
suggestions to appropriate authorities.
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Chapter XXII
INTRODUCTION:
The process of after-care and rehabilitation of offenders is an integral part of
institutional care and treatment. These two should never be de-linked. The
after-care of a prisoner is an extension of the institutional treatment
programme; hence the administrative machinery for carrying out these
programmes should be effectively integrated with the department of prisons.
22.01 It is clear that after-care, and follow-up service is not required by each and
every inmate leaving the prison. A large number of prisoners coming from
the rural areas and agrarian and business communities are generally
accepted back into their family. They are re-assimilated in the social milieu
without much difficulty. They require only some continued contact with
their kin and some pre-release counseling to bridge the gap between their
life in the prison and that in the free society.
22.02 There are other prisoners who resist follow-up action as they consider it a
kind of surveillance on them. But majority of the inmates would welcome
such programmes which help them settle in the society after their release,
and get themselves rehabilitated beyond the possibility of reverting to crime.
Objectives
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22.04 After-care services should be extended to all needy persons released from
prisons, conditionally or unconditionally or on license. While after-care
services should be provided to all needy prisoners, at the very least, prisoners
having served a minimum of five years of imprisonment shall necessarily be
entitled to after-care services.
22.07 There should be full coordination between the Correctional Services and the
after- care services.
22.08 It is the responsibility of the States to devise and develop mechanisms for
rehabilitation of released convicts. For this purpose, Discharged Prisoners’
After Care and Rehabilitation Committees will be set up at the district or
State level. Such committees will inter alia devise the mechanism for
rehabilitation and after-care assistance for released prisoners. While
devising the mechanism and extending help, special attention will be paid to
the protection and post-release care and help of children, adolescents,
women, sick, old, infirm and handicapped persons. Special emphasis should
be laid on the after-care of habitual offenders, if they so request.
Planning
22.10 After-care should be in the interest of the individual, and based on his needs.
While planning post-release assistance, factors like the inmate's personality,
his weaknesses and strengths, limitations and capabilities, and his
rehabilitation needs should be taken into consideration. The inmate's desires
for post-release help should be considered on a practical and realistic basis.
22.11 The inmate should be told what type of assistance would best suited to his
needs. He should be encouraged to plan his post-release life, as this would be
helpful in his willing acceptance of the after-care plan. He should be
prepared for his post-release life.
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22.12 From the time of a prisoner's admission into prison, consideration should be
given to his post-release needs and he should be encouraged and assisted to
maintain or establish such relations (with persons or agencies outside the
institution) as may promote the best interests of his family and his/her own
social rehabilitation. Special attention should be paid to the maintenance and
improvement of such relations between a prisoner and his family, as are
desirable in the best interest of both.
22.14 The Probation/ Welfare/ Rehabilitation Officer should extend all possible
assistance in maintaining the inmate's continued relationship with his
family, employer and community. The welfare of the family members and
dependants of offenders, as well as of their victims, should be looked after.
22.17 The public should be educated about the need for rehabilitation of ex-
prisoners through print and audio-visual media.
22.19 Companies that are required to spend 2% of their net profit on CSR activities
under the Companies Act, 2013 should be encouraged to contribute funds
towards rehabilitation of prisoners. Appropriate steps may also be taken by
the State Government to facilitate tax-deductibility of donations made for
this purpose in terms of Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
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Scope of after-care assistance
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the cooperation and help of the Panchayat, Community Development
Officer, National Extension Service Worker, and Gram Sevak, in the
resettlement of a prisoner.
(iii) Reference to a Social Service Organization in the neighboring area where
the prisoner is likely to settle after release.
(iv) Assistance in continuation of education and vocational training.
(v) Creating interest in education and study. Motivating them to acquisition and
improvement of skills, healthy recreation, and constructive use of leisure.
(vi) Encouragement in building good habits.
(vii) Help in planning and balancing his budget.
(viii) Encouraging thrift and savings. Making them leave costly habits.
(ix) Medical treatment on long-term basis for tuberculosis, venereal diseases,
leprosy and cancer, in an outside hospital.
(x) Posting the released person under the care of a person or family interested in
his welfare and resettlement.
(xi) Protection from getting associated with anti-social groups, agencies of moral
hazards (like gambling dens, drinking places and brothels) and with
demoralized and deprived persons. Help in establishing contacts,
acquaintance and friendship with reliable neighbors, co-residents or co-
workers.
22.24 The Probation/ Welfare/ Rehabilitation Officer should intensify his work
during the pre-release period. He should maintain all the prescribed records
under the direction of the Superintendent.
22.25 After release from the institution, the case of a released person should be
followed up for a period ranging from one to five years according to the
requirements of each case.
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22.26 The Probation/ Welfare/ Rehabilitation Officer shall establish follow-up
study through interviews or correspondence. A six monthly report
evaluating the released person's adjustments and resettlement should be
prepared by him and copies of it should be sent to the correctional
institution where the individual had undergone treatment and to the record
branch in the headquarters organization.
22.27 The record branch in the headquarters should maintain all the case files and
follow-up reports according to the central indexing system.
Formulation of Schemes
22.28 The Industries Department of the government should formulate schemes for
the employment of released convicts in small scale industrial units.
22.29 Big industrial houses should be motivated at the level of the Prisons
Headquarters to give preference in jobs to released prisoners in the interest
of their rehabilitation and social adjustment.
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Chapter XXIII
OPEN INSTITUTIONS
23.01 All Open and Semi-open institutions are intended to put into practice the
contemporary ideology of reformation, correction and rehabilitation of
convicted prisoners so that they may lead a self-disciplined and cultured life
after their release. These institutions provide the prisoners opportunities of
employment and living a life in the open. This restores dignity of the
individual and develops in him/her self-reliance, self-confidence and social
responsibility, which are necessary for his/her rehabilitation in the society.
GENERAL PROVISIONS
23.02 The below mentioned categories of prisoners shall not be eligible for transfer
to any of the open institutions:
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k) The prisoner should have contributed in maintaining discipline in the
jail.
(i) If there is no Semi-open Training Institution or Semi- open Institution in the State,
prisoners may be transferred directly to Open Institutions as per directions laid down
by the State Government. The State Government may also lay down directions for
direct admission to other institutions.
(ii) Only such prisoners, whose behaviour and progress in the institution
has been good, and who are fit for a regime based on trust, responsibility
and self-discipline, should be considered for transfer to a semi-open or
Open Institution. Prisoners who are dangerous to society, who are
members of professional and organized criminal gangs, who are
habitual offenders, or who are suffering from mental unsoundness or
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physical diseases, and those who are an escape or discipline risks, should
not be transferred to Semi-open or Open Institutions.
23.04 The Superintendent of Jail should thoroughly screen the case of each casual
prisoner on the following points before recommending them for transfer to
an open institution:
23.05 The Superintendent of Jail will, in the first instant, forward the cases of the
convicts to the District Magistrate of the District to which the convict,
belong through the Superintendent of Police of that district, subject to the
physical fitness and willingness of the eligible convicts for admission to the
Open Air Jail, viz if they work properly, they would not only earn wages but
also earn special remissions. The Superintendent of Police of the district to
which the convict belongs will then collect the report of the Police
functionaries within ten days after the receipt of the case from the
Superintendent Jail and will forward the same to the District Magistrate
concerned after recording his specific recommendations. The District
Magistrate will then recommend these cases to the Director General of
Prisons who will make the final selection of the prisoners to Open Air Jail.
The Director General of Prisons may as a special case, select any prisoner
who does not satisfy the prescribed conditions for reasons to be recorded in
writing by him. The Superintendent of Jail may also submit separately the
cases of the prisoners, who though do not satisfy the prescribed conditions
but in his opinion are suitable for employment in the Camp.
Transfer
Procedure for Transfer to an Open Training Institution/Open Work Camp
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23.06 On receipt of sanction of the Director General, the inmate should be
oriented for his life in the open institution. He should be made to understand
that any failure in maintaining satisfactory behaviour at the open institution
would entail his re-transfer to the Semi-open or Closed Institution.
23.07 On admission to the Open Institution, the inmate should be kept in the
reception yard of the Institution for at least three months. During this period
he should be further educated to the requirements of living under open
conditions and a regime based on self-discipline.
23.08 A Programme suitable for the inmate’s needs should be organized at the
open institution. He should be given necessary facilities to further improve
his educational and cultural levels and vocational skills. Suitable work
should be given to him so that he further may improve his work habits and
skills.
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institutional standards of behaviour and other requirements of institutional
life.
23.12 The conditions which an inmate shall have to observe at these places should
be laid down. Before being transferred to these institutions the inmate will be
required to sign a bond prescribed by the Director General.
23.15 The programmes at these institutions should be very carefully planned so that
the inmates remain occupied in useful activities. Special attention should be
devoted to:
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may be made in a family hutment in a suitable place outside the Semi-open
or Open Training Institution. These huts may be so located that the inmate
and his family members get the required privacy while at the same time the
requirements of discipline and security are also fulfilled. The period of stay
in the family hutments should be treated as leave period and should count
towards the sentence.
Note: Such a periodical stay with his family will be helpful in keeping the
inmate close to his family group. This concession should, however, be granted
on a selective basis and after a thorough study of each inmate’s case. Initially
this concession should be tried on an experimental basis. In due course, and
after having gained enough experience, it may be further developed to suit local
conditions in each State. The State Government should issue detailed
instructions in the respect.
23.20 The Superintendent should examine the case of every inmate at least once in
three months.
Personnel
23.21 Only personnel who have the capacity for handling inmates under semi-
open or open conditions and have the requisite calibre and leadership for
imparting training and treatment in these conditions should be posted at
these institutions.
23.23 The open air prisoner will be provided wage of unskilled class as prescribed
by the Government from time to time.
23.24 The Superintendent Jail shall ensure that the wages earned by the open air
prisoners are deposited in their P.P. account.
23.25 Every prisoner lodged in Open Air Jail should work minimum for 20 day in
a month.
23.26 The Superintendent Jail, should provide wages equal to prescribed minimum
wages to every prisoner in open air jail as fixed by the Govt. time to time.
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23.27 Unless they volunteer to do so, personnel should not be required to remain
at these institutions for more than two years at a time. The staff posted at
these institutions may be given an additional allowance of about 25% of the
basic salary to be as fixed by the government.
23.28 Open Work Camps should be started in places where nation building
activities, like digging canals, water channels, construction of dams, roads,
government buildings and prison buildings, projects of land reclamation,
land development and bringing uncultivated land under cultivation, soil
conservation and forestation, can be organized. Open Training Institutions
should be situated in place where land and vocational training facilities are
available for inmates’ training and after that for work either in collaboration
of some Industry/ Organization/ Department or by Prison Department.
23.29 Prisoners who do not respond properly to the standard of discipline in these
camps should be transferred back to Closed Institutions.
23.31 Inmates will be gradually relaxed from the condition of closed prison in the
beginning to that of an Open Institution in the final stage.
Open Colonies
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Chapter XXIV
UNDERTRIAL PRISONERS
24.01 The classification of undertrial prisoners should be done only on the basis of
security, discipline and institutional programme. No classification on the
basis of social status should be attempted. The entitlement of diet, clothing,
bedding and interview will be the same as applicable to other categories of
prison.
24.02 The classification of undertrial prisoners should be done only on the basis of
security, discipline and institutional programme. No classification on the
basis of social status should be attempted. The entitlement of diet, clothing,
bedding and interview will be the same as applicable to other categories of
prison. Undertrial prisoners should be classified as under:
Note: (i) Persons suffering from mental ailments and young offenders shall be lodged
separately.
(ii) Courts will send intimation to prison authorities about under trial prisoners
who have turned approvers or have made confessions. Such prisoners
should be kept separate from others concerned in the same case.
Any special direction as to the separation of an undertrial prisoner
given by the Judge or Magistrate should be carried out. Such separation
should be unaccompanied by any irksome condition beyond those necessary
to secure the object in view, namely, to prevent him from communicating
directly or indirectly with other prisoners concerned in the same or other
case.
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(iii) An accused person detained under section 122 (2) of the Criminal
Procedure Code, must be treated as an undertrial prisoner until his case has
been decided by the Sessions Court or High Court.
Admission
24.03 An Assistant Superintendent in Central & District Jails and a Head Warder in
other Jails should be in charge of all work pertaining to undertrial prisoners.
24.04 No person shall be admitted into a prison as an undertrial prisoner unless
accompanied by the following documents: -
(a) A remand warrant in the prescribed form, signed dated and sealed by the
competent authority. There should be separate writ, warrant or order for
every prisoner, even if two or more prisoners have been jointly accused;
(b) Identification roll containing at least two specific permanent identification
marks like deep scars, birth marks, moles indicating their exact location on
the body.
Children
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undertrial prisoner is admitted after the prison meals have been served, or
after lock-up, food stuff like parched rice, parched gram, groundnuts, etc.,
should be issued to him as per prescribed scale.
24.06 Undertrial prisoners shall not be allowed to cut or shave their hair on their
heads or faces or in any way to alter their personal appearance, so as to
make it difficult to recognize them. They shall not, however, be prevented
from changing their clothes, provided that their appearance is not materially
altered when they are presented for identification in the prison or sub-
prison, or when sent to court for trial;
24.07 The police shall give intimation to prison authorities of cases in which
identification of under trial prisoners is to be carried out and shall give full
description of growth of hair, moustache, beard, etc., which the undertrial
prisoners had at the time of arrest;
24.08 Test identification should be held as per rules framed for this purpose.
Police interrogation
24.09 Only such police officers as have been authorized by the Judge or
Magistrate, should be allowed to interrogate an undertrial prisoner while in
prison custody. Such interviews should be held in the presence and within
the hearing of a prison officer.
Facilities
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(h) Application to Legal Aid Societies for free legal aid.
24.11 Such facilities as are sanctioned by the State Government should be extended
to undertrial prisoners.
Food
Clothing
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24.17 Undertrial prisoners may be allowed to purchase from the prison canteen, a
reasonable supply of stationery and writing material which should be
marked and serially numbered by the prison authorities.
Interviews
24.19 An undertrial prisoner shall be allowed to make purchases from the canteen
up to amounts as may be fixed by the State Government.
24.20 An undertrial prisoner shall be produced before the court, on the due date of
hearing, in person. However, for extension of detention in custody, the
prisoner may be produced before the court either in person or through
electronic media like, video-linkage. For this purpose a court diary shall be
maintained in which all relevant entries of production before various court
shall be made. These entries should be made daily by the officials concerned
and should be daily supervised by the officer in charge of undertrial work.
Requisition of escort
24.21 On the basis of the court diary, requisition for police escort should be sent
sufficiently in advance. Information about women, adolescent, juvenile
undertrial prisoners and as far as possible about violent, dangerous and
notorious undertrial prisoners should be sent to the police authorities while
requisitioning the escort.
Sick prisoners
24.22 If an undertrial prisoner is sick and the Medical Officer certifies the
prisoners inability to attend the court, he should not be produced before the
court. In such an event, the medical certificate should be forwarded to the
court.
Feeding
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24.23 Before undertrial prisoners are sent to the court, the usual morning meals
should be served.
24.24 While going to the court, the undertrial prisoner should return all prison
articles issued to him. Excepting clothes on his person and papers pertaining
to his case, the undertrial prisoner shall not be allowed to carry any other
articles with him. In case the undertrial prisoner wants to take his cash for
legal purposes, the same should be forwarded to the court through the
police escort. This amount may be utilized by the undertrial prisoner under
orders of the court for purpose like legal defence, cost of copies, etc. The
disposal of this amount should be certified by the police and the prisoner in
the appropriate column of the register prescribed for such purpose. Under
no circumstances, should the undertrial prisoner be allowed to carry cash or
valuable, if any, on his person.
Search
24.25 Before being sent to the court, and after having been received back from the
court, all undertrial prisoners shall be thoroughly searched.
Transport
24.26 For transporting undertrial prisoners to and from the court and other
destinations, necessary arrangements for conveyance should be made by the
police authorities. If not a separate conveyance, the common conveyance
should at least have separate compartments for women undertrial prisoners
and young undertrial offenders.
Handcuffing
24.28 Handcuffing of undertrial prisoners may be done in the court premises with
the permission of the court.
Court Premises
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24.29 The police escort shall not allow any eatables or prohibited articles to
undertrial prisoners during their journey between the court and the prison
or on the court premises.
24.30 Undertrial prisoners should be thoroughly searched before being taken into
the court-room.
24.31 As soon as the court work is over, such undertrial prisoners as have been
remanded to prison custody should be brought back to the prison
immediately.
24.32 On return of an undertrial prisoner from the court to the prison gate, if any
unauthorized article is found or a special circumstance or an irregularity is
noted by the prison officer on duty, he shall forthwith report the matter to
the senior officer on duty and if necessary, to the District Superintendent to
Police for action. Such cash as is brought by the police escort should be
recorded in the register and deposited in the prison office under intimation
to the undertrial prisoner.
24.33 When an undertrial prisoner is required to be sent to another State for trial,
the State from where the undertrial prisoner is sent should arrange for the
escort. Travel and other incidental expenses of the escort and of the
undertrial prisoner should be borne by the dispatching State.
Additional Cases
24.37 When additional case/cases are pending against a prisoner, the following
action should be taken:-
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(a) Entries of additional cases in red ink on the remand warrant in appropriate
columns of undertrial register and court diary should be made;
(b) Intimation to the court/courts concerned about pending cases stating
whether the prisoner is on bail or not in connection with that case or those
cases should be sent;
(c) Intimation to police escort in the prescribed form should be sent;
24.38 When an undertrial prisoner is wanted for trial in another case/cases for
which he is not on bail, the court concerned will issue separate remand
warrants. In the event of grant of bail in the second case or other cases, due
intimation shall be sent by the courts to the prison authorities;
24.39 When an undertrial prisoner confined in a prison or sub-prison is required
for another case/cases for which he is on bail, the court concerned will duly
intimate the prison authorities;
24.40 In the case of an undertrial prisoner having two cases pending against him,
for which he is not on bail, an endorsement in red ink should be made each
time he is sent to the court.
Discipline
24.41 No convicted prisoner shall be kept in the same area in which undertrial
prisoners are kept, or be allowed to have contact with undertrial prisoners.
Except prisoners working in essential prison services like conservancy, etc.
no convicted prisoner shall be allowed to enter the under-trial yard or block.
As soon as the work is over, these prisoners should be withdrawn from the
yard or block. In all matters where undertrial prisoners are concerned, no
convicted prisoner shall be used for supervision or similar purpose. All such
matters should be handled by staff members.
Work
24.42 Undertrial prisoners shall clean the yards, barracks and cells where they are
kept. Undertrial prisoners should be detailed for this work. Such work may
be allotted on a group basis, so that through the cumulative work of all the
undertrial prisoners, the yards, barracks, cells will get cleaned up. It will
also be incumbent on all undertrial prisoners to keep their own clothing,
bedding and equipment properly washed, cleaned, and disinfected;
24.43 If undertrial prisoners volunteer to work, suitable work, if possible, be given
to them. Wages may be paid to them according to schedules of standard
tasks and wages, as fixed by the State Government. Employment of under
trial prisoners on extramural work is strictly prohibited. In no case, should
undertrial prisoners be employed outside their own enclosure or in work-
sheds and areas where other convicted prisoners are working.
Transfer
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24.44 During an emergency or on administrative grounds, the Director General/
Inspector-General is authorized to transfer undertrial prisoners from one
prison to another within the State, provided that if a prisoner is transferred
to a place outside the jurisdiction of the court concerned, prompt intimation
should be sent to the court. The prisoner shall be produced before the court
on the due date.
Serious Illness
24.45 When an undertrial prisoner is seriously ill, the Superintendent shall send a
report, along with a medical report, to the court concerned in order that if
the law permits and the court thinks fit, the prisoner may be released on
bail.
24.46 When the prison Medical Officer recommends that in the interest of the
health of the undertrial prisoner, he should be transferred to a hospital
outside the prison, immediate action should be taken and the matter
reported to the court concerned.
Death
24.47 The death of an undertrial prisoner shall be promptly reported to the court
and other concerned agencies as required for inquiry proceedings as per
Cr.P.C. and NHRC guidelines.
Conviction
Release
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24.50 If the undertrial prisoner is released from the court he should claim his
personal property if any from the prison authorities within three months,
failing which the same should be forwarded to the police for disposal.
24.51 Release orders and bail bonds will be sent through post or through the peon
of the court. If any private person brings such documents, the same should
not be accepted at the prison office;
24.52 On receipt of a bail bond or release order prompt action should be taken. In
a Central or a large District prison, an undertrial prisoner should normally
be released within four hours of the receipt of the bail bond or release order.
Release Procedure
24.53 While releasing an undertrial prisoner the officer in charge should attend to
the following points:-
(a) Scrutiny of the bail bond or release order with relevant original papers and
record,
(b) Checking whether any other case is pending against the undertrial prisoner,
(c) Checking of the identity of the undertrial prisoner,
(d) Handing over of the cash and property of the undertrial prisoner;
24.54 The undertrial prisoner should be informed of the contents of the bail bond
prior to his release;
24.55 If the undertrial prisoner has not got sufficient money, he/she may be given
travel warrant and if his/her journey home is likely to take more than 12
hours; he may be given subsistence money;
24.56 After release the bail bond should be duly returned to the court concerned
along with a certificate of release.
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24.60 As far as possible, women undertrial prisoners should be handed over to
their relatives after release. If this is not possible, a woman police or woman
prison guard should escort the released woman undertrial prisoner to the
nearest station or transport bus stand.
24.61 The following daily routine should be adjusted to suit local conditions:
(i) Early Morning
Toilet, Meditation,
Preparation for opening,
Unlocking according to conditions of visibility
Counting,
Search,
Leaving the barrack or cell.
(ii) Morning
Toilet,
Prayers,
P.T.drill, individual and group exercise,
Morning light meal,
Cleaning of barracks cells, yards, open spaces
Cleaning of equipment,
Work on voluntary basis,
Educational classes,
Washing of clothes and bath,
Meal and rest.
(iii) Afternoon
Newspapers, library books,
Educational classes,
Social education,
Toilet,
Games and reaction for one hour according to institutional facilities.
(iv) Early evening
Wash, Evening meal,
Preparation for lock-up
Counting,
Search,
Lock-up at dusk.
(v) Evening
Reading newspapers, library books,
TV/Radio music, Meditation,
To bed.
Programmes on Sundays and Prison Holidays
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24.62 On Sundays and prison holidays the following routine should be followed
subject to adjustment to suit local conditions:-
(i) Early morning
As in rule 24.61.(i)
(ii) Morning Toilet,
Exercise, Light meal,
General cleaning of barracks, cells open spaces,
Cleaning of equipment,
Washing of clothes and bath,
Inspection of equipment,
Meal and rest.
(iii) Afternoon
Educational Films : As per schedule for each group and in accordance with
institutional facilities.
Group Music,
Newspapers, Library books, radio/TV
Toilet,
Games (one hour).
(iv) Early evening
As in para 24.61(iv)
(v) Evening
As in para 24.61(v)
(The above is only indication. The Superintendent of Jail may tangle the
programme to suit the local weather and other conditions)
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Chapter XXV
25.01 High risk offenders, including prisoners classified under categories I and II
(indicated below), will be lodged in separate enclosures demarcated as high
security enclosures within the existing prisons. If possible, separate high
security prisons may be constructed in every district with the lodging
capacity of 50-100 inmates. Under no circumstances should the High risk
offenders be kept with other undertrial prisoners and convicts.
25.02 All prisoners, including undertrials and detenues, shall be classified into
following categories to determine the level of security for effective
surveillance, safe custody and prevention of escapes:
(i) Security Category - 1 (S1-Red): Fundamentalists, Naxalites, extremists and
terrorists or any other individual characteristics warranting confinement in
Security Zone-1.
(ii) Security Category - 2 (S2-Blue): Gangsters, hired Assassins, dacoits, serial
killers/rapists/violent robbers, drug offenders, habitual grave offenders/
communal fanatics and those highly prone to escapes/previous
escapees/attack on police and other dangerous offenders/including those
prone to self-harm/posing threat to public order, warranting confinement
in Security Zone-2.
(iii) Security Category - 3 (S3-Yellow): Those who do not pose any threat to the
society, upon release, like those involved in murders on personal motives,
other bodily offences, theft/property offences, prohibition offences, other
special and local laws, railway offences and other minor offences.
The above three categorization shall be done on the basis of the inputs
provided by the police/intelligence agencies at the time of admission.
(iv) Security Category - 4 (S4-White): Prisoners who are eligible for Open
Prisons.
(v) Security Category - 5 (S5-Green): Elders, sickly, students, etc.
The above two categorization shall be done by the prison authorities.
Building Structure
25.03 High security enclosures/prisons should have a thick outer masonry wall at
least 20 feet in height, with watch towers at all its corners and one central
tower within the enclosure. The enclosures/prisons should be provided with
anti-tunnelling slabs and all spaces open to the sky should be covered with
iron grill. These enclosures can be divided into security zone grade I and
security zone grade II.
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25.04 Security zone grade I should have a cellular type of accommodation with a
minimum space of 10' x 9' which will have the facility of an inbuilt WC and
bath and a strong dividing wall. Front portion of cells should be of iron grill,
the flooring should be of RCC slab, high ventilators should be provided
instead of windows. The building should have a separate entry lobby with
visitors' room on one side, MI room, and food distribution room. The
hardcore militants, terrorists, professional killers, habitual offenders of
heinous crimes, violent and dangerous prisoners and prisoners who pose
great threat of escape will be lodged in security zone grade I.
25.05 Security zone grade II will have a single room accommodation (cellular and
the association barracks). This accommodation can be of 16' x 9' size where
two or three prisoners can be lodged at a time. The barracks should have a
maximum capacity of lodging 10 to 15 prison inmates. They should also
have an inbuilt toilet and bath. The size of one barrack can be 27' x 10'. This
security zone can have a common kitchen. Security zone grade II will also
have a separate entry lobby; the space open to the sky should be covered
with iron grills.
25.06 The building pattern should be oval and covered with watch towers on all
sides. In this zone, first offender militants and terrorists both convicts and
under-trial prisoners, who pose lesser threat of escape, can be lodged.
Staff Pattern
25.07 Well trained staff should be detailed for watch and ward duty of High
Security enclosures. An officer not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent
should be in charge of these enclosures. Provisions should be made that no
staff on duty comes in direct contact with the prisoners except as a
requirement of duty.
25.08 High-risk offenders will enjoy all the facilities admissible to the under-trial
prisoners or convicts, but the interviews will be held in the presence of an
officer. It will be advisable if close circuit televisions with sound recording
facilities are fitted in the interview room. Moreover the room should be near
the entrance lobby and within the high security enclosure. In any case, high
risk offenders will not be allowed in the main interview blocks. Interviews
should be allowed with only blood relations and authorised lawyers.
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25.10 No cooked food from outside shall be allowed for high risk offenders. No
individual shall be allowed to cook for himself. However, the high risk
offenders can have a common kitchen. No under-trial, detenue or convict
should be allowed to enter the high security enclosure. Admissibility to toilet
articles, clothing and bedding shall be the same as that given to other
undertrials and convicts.
Medical Care
25.11 Medical care shall be the same as for other inmates but within the
enclosures of the inbuilt MI room. In case of an emergency, with the
permission of the Director General/Inspector General of Prison, they can be
shifted to the local hospital for treatment but under proper police escort and
guard.
25.12 Subject to prison security and discipline, prisoners lodged in grade I security
zone can be provided with books, newspapers and journals. Writing
material can also be provided as and when required. If possible, TV/Radio
sets can be provided outside the cells with such restrictions as found
necessary from the view point of security. Regular physical exercise and
yoga can be allowed within the cell itself. Prisoners can be allowed to stroll
within the place inside the block in the evening before being locked-up.
25.13 Similarly, prisoners lodged in security zone grade II can be provided with
radio and television in their barracks, indoor games like carom and chess
can be given to them. Books, newspapers, journals and magazines along
with stationary can be provided to them. At intervals, seeing their behaviour,
cultural programmes can also be allowed.
Canteen Facility
25.14 High risk offenders may be allowed to avail of canteen facilities only if
adequate security precautions are taken to prevent untoward behaviour.
25.15 The reform and treatment programmes can be extended to the prisoners
lodged in the security area grade II. Minimum technical education with
primary focus on handicraft work should be given. Basic education should
form an essential part of the programme. These activities and programmes
should be conducted within the enclosure itself. These prisoners shall not be
taken out to mix with other inmates.
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Security
25.16 A double ring of security shall be provided to all security enclosures. Inner
security of the enclosures should be manned by highly trained staff of the
prison, while the outer security, including the watch towers and security
wall, should be the duty of a special armed guard.
25.17 The enclosures should be equipped with walkie-talkies, alarms and jammers
and state-of-the-art electronic surveillance system of interception and
interruption.
(i) ID machines hand-held and doorframe, metal detectors and all other
electronic devices should be made available.
(ii) The armoury of the prison should be well equipped with all types of
sophisticated and automatic weapons.
(iii) Every barrack and cell, especially the interview room, should be fitted with
closed circuit T.V. cameras.
(iv) The sentries guarding the watch tower should always be alert.
(v) A no man's area should be identified near the high security enclosures which
should not be accessed by any prison inmate and the staff, except those who
are detailed for duties.
(vi) Proper search of barracks, cells and prisoners should be conducted every
day. The high security prisoners of category 'I' and 'II' should be searched
twice a day whereas category 'III' at least once a day.
(vii) The locking up and opening should be conducted in the presence of the
officer in charge and no barrack cell should be opened during night hours
except in the presence of the Superintendent of the prison.
(viii) Besides checking the locks, bars, grills, mess, ventilator, floors, walls of
barrack/cells, its ceiling should also be checked.
(ix) The guards posted in the yards of the enclosure should not hold conversation
with each other more than what may be required to perform their duty. The
entrance door of the yard should always be kept locked from inside.
(x) The keys of the locks of the cells/barracks doors shall always be carried by
the person entrusted with the duty. They shall under no circumstances be
handled by any unauthorised person.
(xi) The cells and barracks should be well lighted to avoid dark spots and corners
inside.
(xii) The guard on duty should be thoroughly searched while going in and
coming out. He should be briefed adequately from time to time about non-
acceptance of articles like eatables, articles for smoke, even water from these
prisoners.
(xiii) The inmates of high security enclosures should be counted at least twice in a
day besides the counting done during locking up and opening.
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(xiv) Necessary gadgets such as breath analyser, canine unit, etc. may also be
procured and utilised to check any breach of prison discipline.
Court Hearing
25.18 Video linkage should be provided to these high security enclosures. In any
case no under-trial, convict or convict officer or detenue should be allowed
to enter these enclosures. The regular prison staff or the paramedical staff
will not have access to these enclosures unless they are accompanied by the
officer in charge of the block.
25.19 High risk offenders who are undergoing rigorous imprisonment, will do all
sort of work assigned to them inside the security enclosures.
Punishment
25.20 All high risk offenders can be punished by the Superintendent in case of
breach of discipline and security of prison in the manner set forth in
Chapter XXI (Prison Discipline) of this Manual. The Superintendent may
take appropriate legal action against such prisoners and in case a high risk
offender commits an offence which is punishable under any law in addition
to being a prison offence, appropriate criminal process may be initiated
against him by moving the local police station. In addition to the major and
minor punishments provided in Chapter XXI:
(i) If a high risk offender commits frequent breaches, the Superintendent can
recommend his shifting to any other prison to the Director
General/Inspector General of Prisons.
(ii) Facilities like interviews/letters/ canteen facilities can be withdrawn for a
limited time, or otherwise.
(iii) Forfeiture of earned remission and any other punishments as laid down by
the Director General/Inspector General may also be imposed.
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Chapter XXVI
WOMEN PRISONERS
INTRODUCTION:
To ensure safety of women prisoners and guard them against any form of
exploitation, it is desirable that at least one women’s jail be established in
each State. While exclusive prisons far from central areas may hinder a
woman prisoner’s proximity from home, such exclusive prisons may at
times be necessary from a safety perspective. In any case, separate
enclosures/ prisons within district or central prisons are also required to be
established for housing female inmates where there are no exclusive jails for
women. Till separate prisons for women are established, both male and
female inmates can be confined in the same prison on the condition that
female offenders are to be kept in a strictly secluded female enclosures
within the prison complex. The existing enclosures for women in common
prisons may be renovated to ensure that the women inmates do not come in
contact with male inmates during their passage to and from these
enclosures. Such enclosure should be, to the extent possible, independent in
terms of infrastructural set-up. These enclosures should have a double lock
system; one lock outside and the other inside. The keys of the inside should
always remain in the custody of women guard inside.
26.01 The enclosures for women prisoners should have all the requisite facilities
with reference to their special needs such as segregation, security,
pregnancy, child birth and family care, health care, rehabilitation, etc.
26.02 Care should be taken to ensure that women inmates are protected against
any form of exploitation. The work and treatment programmes for female
inmates should be devised giving due consideration to their special needs.
Female prisoners should be granted equal access to work, vocational training
and education as male prisoners.
(iii) Habitual offenders, prostitutes and brothel keepers must also be confined
separately.
(iv) Under no circumstance should female young offenders be confined with
adult women prisoners. Given their young and impressionable nature,
female young offenders should be kept in separate enclosures and should be
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given treatment and training suited to their special needs for rehabilitation,
(v) Civil prisoners and detenues, including those under preventive provisions,
should be kept separately from convicts and undertrial prisoners, and from
other prisoners, as far as possible.
(vi) Political prisoners and those courting arrest due to their participation in
non-violent socio-political/ economic agitations for declared public causes
should not be confined in prisons along with other prisoners. Separate
prison camps with adequate facilities should be provided for such non-
violent agitators.
Notes:
(i) No criminal or non-criminal lunatic will be kept in the prison. Those
currently there shall be immediately transferred to appropriate mental
health institutions.
(ii) No classification of prisoners shall be allowed on grounds of socio-economic
status, caste or class.
Register
26.05 Details of the children of women prisoners, including names, ages, location
and custody status, shall also be recorded in the register. Such information
regarding the identity of the children shall be kept strictly confidential and
may be shared only with the mother’s express permission.
Note:
No person shall be received in an institution without a valid commitment
order.
Restriction on Women Prisoners
26.06 No female prisoner shall, on any pretext, leave or be removed from the
female enclosure except for release, transfer, or attendance at court, or
under the order of the superintendent for other legitimate purposes.
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26.07 Every female prisoner authorised to leave her enclosure will ordinarily be
accompanied by a matron or assistant matron, chief warder or female
warder from the time she leaves till she returns.
Exclusion of Males
26.08 No male shall be permitted to enter the female ward of any prison, at any
time, unless he has a legitimate duty to attend therein. No adult male shall
enter it at all by night except in an emergency, and even then only along
with the female warder/female officer. He shall thereafter record a clear
report of his visit with the reasons for such visit, and the hour thereof, in his
report book.
26.09 Male warders and other male staff, acting as escort to lady visitors and
officials, shall remain outside the enclosure.
26.10 If at any time a male prison officer or warder or prisoner enters, or of
attempts to enter, any ward or portion of a prison reserved for female
prisoners, without proper authority, it shall be reported to the Deputy
Superintendent forthwith.
26.11 All staff assigned to work with women prisoners shall receive training
relating to the gender-specific needs and human rights of women including
on sexual misconduct and discrimination. Such staff shall also be sensitized
regarding situations and instances where a woman inmate may feel
particularly distressed, so as to be sensitive to their situation and ensure that
the women are provided appropriate support.
26.12 Where children are allowed to stay with their mothers in prison, awareness-
raising on child development and basic training on the health care of
children shall also be provided to prison staff, in order for them to respond
appropriately in times of need and emergencies.
26.13 The locks of enclosure and barracks, where women are confined shall, be
different from those in use in other parts of the prisons, so that there is no
possibility of keys for locks of other enclosures being misused for opening
enclosures for women prisoners.
26.14 Suitable measures may be taken (including the provision of alarm bells) to
ensure minimum delay in opening barracks in case of an emergency.
26.15 The keys of the various locks in use in the female enclosure shall (other than
the outer lock of the main entrance), be kept in possession of the female
warder when she is present. Before leaving the female enclosure, the female
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warder shall lock all the prisoners into their sleeping wards or work-shop
and having done so, shall lock the door of the main entrance and make the
keys over to the Deputy Superintendent.
NOTE : When the matron/female warder leaves the ward, the main entrance door
shall be locked on the outside by double locks. The key of one of these will be
handed over, with her other keys, by the matron to the Deputy
Superintendent. The other keys will remain by day in the custody of the
Head warder on duty and by night at the main gate.
Inspections
26.17 Daily visits shall be made by women prison officers and staff in all women
barracks and enclosures, and particular attention will be paid to health and
hygiene-related problems of women prisoners.
26.18 Night inspection rounds shall be made by women officers and warders.
Reports of such night inspections shall be recorded in the report book
immediately on completion of such Inspection.
26.19 Female prisoners needing treatment for mental diseases shall not be admitted
in prison. They shall be kept in separate enclosures for female patients at the
mental health hospital, or in other mental health facilities, under the
supervision of a lady Medical Officer.
26.20 There shall be round the clock duty of female head warders and female
warders in the female enclosures.
26.21 The admission rules for under-trial and convicted prisoners in the prison
Manual shall be applicable to under trial and convicted women prisoners
also.
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26.22 Women prisoners shall be searched by female warders in the presence of
other senior women personnel/women officer with due regard to
consideration of privacy and decency. Such search shall not be conducted in
the presence of any male.
26.24 After admission to prison, all women prisoners shall be required to wash
themselves and their clothing thoroughly as soon as possible. Their personal
clothing shall be disinfected before being stored.
26.25 Part-time lady medical officers of the District Government Hospital shall be
engaged for medical examination of female prisoners on admission. Only
lady doctors shall look after the medical care of women prisoners during
their stay in prison.
26.26 Every woman prisoner shall be examined by a lady Medical Officer. Such
examinations shall also be conducted on readmission after bail, parole and
furlough. In case a woman officer/matron/female warder suspects a
prisoner to be pregnant, the woman prisoner shall be sent to the District
Hospital for detailed examination and report.
Pregnancy
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Child Birth in Prison
26.30 As far as possible (provided the prisoner has a suitable option) arrangements
for temporary release (or suspension of sentence in the case of a casual
offender) will be made to enable a prisoner to deliver child in a hospital
outside the prison. Only when there is high security risk in the case of any
particular woman prisoner, the facility to deliver child outside the prison
shall be denied.
26.31 Births in prison shall be registered at the local birth registration office. The
fact that the child has been born in prison shall not be recorded as the place
of birth. Only the address of the locality shall be mentioned. As far as the
circumstances permit, all facilities for performing the naming rites of the
child born in a prison shall be extended to the mother.
26.32 All money, jewellery, and articles of clothing, received with or found on the
person of a woman prisoner on her admission to the prison, or sent
subsequently by the police, or tendered by her relatives or friends on her
behalf prior to her release, shall be received and taken over by the Deputy
Superintendent or other officer on duty. A list of all such articles shall be
entered in the Admission Register and in the convict's warrant and read over
to the convict in the presence of the Superintendent who shall countersign
the entries in the register and in the warrant. Method of storing the
prisoner's money, etc., shall be according to the general rules laid down in
the Prison Manual of respective state.
26.34 A child up to six years of age shall be admitted to prison with his mother if no
other arrangements, for keeping him with relatives or otherwise, can be
made. Children born in prison may remain with their mothers up to six years
of age, if they cannot otherwise be suitably placed. The Medical Officer shall
determine the age of children not born in prison for the purpose of this
provision.
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26.35 No child shall be admitted into or retained in prison if he has attained the
age of six years. The Superintendent shall inform the Directorate of Social
Welfare about all children of that age for placing them in a home run by the
Social Welfare Department. Such children shall be kept in protective custody
until their mother is released or the child attains such an age as to be able to
earn his own livelihood.
Guidelines issued by the Supreme Court for children of women prisoners ( R.D. Upadhyay
v. State of A.P, AIR 2006 SC 1946)
26.37 A jail must have adequate facilities for prenatal and post-natal care for
female prisoners as well as their children.
26.38 Gynaecological examination of female prisoners shall be performed in the
District Government Hospital. Proper prenatal and post-natal care shall be
provided to the prisoner as per medical advice.
26.39 As far as possible and provided she has a suitable option, arrangements for
temporary release/parole (or suspended sentence in case of minor and
casual offender) should be made to enable an expectant prisoner to have her
delivery outside the prison. Only exceptional cases constituting high security
risk or cases of equivalent grave descriptions can be denied this facility.
26.40 Pregnant women in jails should be able to give birth outside the prison
facility (except in some extreme cases), so as to ensure that the new-born is
given proper care.
26.41 The fact that the child has been born in the prison shall not be recorded in
the certificate of birth that is issued. Only the address of the locality shall be
mentioned.
26.42 Within the prisons, children should be able to have access to food, shelter
medical assistance when required, education and a recreational space.
26.43 Children shall be regularly examined by the lady Medical Officer to monitor
their physical growth and shall also receive timely vaccination. Vaccination
charts regarding each child shall be kept in the records. Extra clothing, diet
and so on may also be provided on the recommendation of the Medical
Officer.
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26.44 Women can keep their children with them until the children reach the age
of six. Then they should be handed over to welfare institutions maintained
by the Social Welfare Department, preferably within the same city or town.
26.45 The child can remain in such an institution until the mother is released or
the child is capable of earning a livelihood.
26.46 Children kept under the protective custody in a home of the Department of
Social Welfare shall be allowed to meet their mother at least once a week.
The Director, Social Welfare Department, shall ensure that such children are
brought to the prison for this purpose on the date fixed by the
Superintendent of Prisons
26.47 The State Legal Services Authorities shall take necessary measures to
periodically inspect jails to monitor that the directions regarding children
and mothers are complied with in letter and spirit.
Education
26.49 The children of women prisoners living in the prison shall be given proper
education and recreational opportunities. There shall be a well-equipped
creche and a nursery school attached to a prison for women where the
children of women prisoners shall be looked after while the mothers work in
prison. Children below three years of age shall be allowed in the creche and
those between three and six years shall be looked after in the nursery school.
These facilities may also be extended to the children of warders and other
female prison staff.
26.50 The creche and nursery school shall be run by the prison administration
preferably outside the prison with the assistance of NGOs or state welfare
services. In the event the prison administration considers it difficult to run a
crèche, arrangements should be made to send the children to a privately run
crèche under proper security. The transportation charges involved in the
process and crèche fee shall be borne by the prison administration.
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26.51 Children in prison shall be provided with adequate clothing suiting the local
climatic requirements. For this the State Government shall lay down
appropriate scales. Articles, like diapers and others as required, should be
provided to women prisoners who are caring for their infant children.
26.52 In addition to regular requirement, two cakes of 150 grams each of soaps/
detergent shall be provided to women prisoners with children.
Diet/ Food:
26.53 Scales of diet for children shall be decided keeping in view the calorific
requirements of growing children as per medical norms and climatic
conditions. Separate utensils of suitable size and material should also be
provided to each mother prisoner for feeding her child.
26.54 In the event a woman prisoner with children falls ill, alternative
arrangements should be made by the prison staff for looking after any
children falling under her care.
Health care
26.57 Adequate and nutritious diet should be given to nursing women and to
children accompanying women prisoners.
26.59 Pregnant and nursing women prisoners should be prescribed a special diet.
26.60 Women prisoners should get special diet on festivals and national days, as
may be specified in the rules.
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26.61 Medical Officer should ensure that food is cooked under hygienic conditions
and is nutritious.
26.63 Special arrangements for warming food / milk shall be made for women
with children.
26.64 Some women staff should be given special training in management of diet
and kitchens and such trained staff should supervise the kitchens and
cooking in prisons for women.
26.65 Prison officers, including the Superintendent, must supervise every aspect of
the prison diet system, i.e., issue of rations, management of kitchens and
distribution of food.
26.67 Women prisoners should not be allowed to have their own mini kitchens
inside the prison barracks.
26.68 Clean drinking water should be supplied to prisoners and it should be tested
periodically.
Scale of Diet
26.69 State Government shall lay down dietary scales for women prisoners keeping
in view their calorie requirements as per medical norms. The diet shall be in
accordance with the prevailing dietary preferences and tastes of the local
area in which the prison is located. Cooked food shall be brought to the
female enclosure by a convict-cook accompanied by a warder and placed
outside the enclosure gate from where it shall be taken inside by the female
warder or a female prisoner. The menial during shall, whenever possible, be
performed by the female prisoners and the refuse etc., placed outside the
enclosure, to be removed by paid sweeper. If there are no females of suitable
caste for conservancy work paid-sweepers shall be taken into the enclosure
in charge of a wander and under the conditions laid down in paragraph
214.
26.70 Every prisoner shall be entitled to receive every day food at prescribed times
and according to the scale laid down.
26.71 The State/UT Government may, at any time, vary either temporarily or
permanently, the scale laid down in the Prison Manual of the respective
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state, provided reasons for doing that are recorded in writing by the
authorities concerned.
26.72 Where the lady Medical Officer, for reasons of health, considers the
prescribed diet to be unsuitable or insufficient for a women prisoner, or her
child, she may order in writing a special diet or extra diet, for a specific
period of time. Special consideration shall be given in this regard to
pregnant/nursing prisoners.
26.73 Rules relating to diet of prisoners, those on specific medical advice for
expectant and nursing mothers, and infants and children, shall be
scrupulously observed.
Clothing
26.76 The clothing requirements provided above may be prescribed by each State
in accordance with the prevailing climate and cultural norms. Adequate
warm clothings, according to local conditions and change of seasons, shall
also be provided.
26.77 Children allowed to stay with women prisoners should be given suitable
clothing similar to what is normally used by children in the local
community.
26.78 Every women prison should maintain a repair unit where prisoner's clothing
can be repaired.
26.79 Sterilised sanitary pads should be issued to women prisoners as per their
requirements.
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26.81 All clothing shall be cleaned and kept in a proper condition. Underclothing
shall be changed and washed as often as necessary for maintenance of
hygiene.
Bedding
26.82 Every woman prisoner shall be provided with a sleeping berth and sufficient
bedding in accordance with local standards and climatic conditions. These
shall be clean when issued, kept in good order, and changed often enough to
ensure their cleanliness.
26.83 Women prisoners should be given one pillow with pillow cover and woolen
blankets according to climatic conditions.
26.84 Women prisoners shall be provided two cotton sheets for every six months.
26.85 All articles of prisoner's bedding, clothing and other equipment should be
inspected by a women officer at least once a week to ensure that proper
standards are maintained.
Accommodation
26.86 All accommodation provided for women prisoners, and in particular all
sleeping accommodation, shall meet basic requirements of health. Due
regard being paid to climatic conditions, the cubic content of air, minimum
floor-space, lighting and ventilation.
26.87 Sleeping berths in the women's barracks shall not be at a height beyond the
comfortable reach of women prisoners.
26.88 There should be sufficient number of toilets and that should be maintained
in a clean and decent state.
26.89 Where women prisoners they are required to live or work, the windows
shall be large enough to enable the prisoners to read or work by natural
light. The place should be sufficiently ventilated to allow the entrance of
fresh air.
26.90 Sufficient artificial light too shall be provided for the prisoners to read or
work.
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26.91 Adequate number of baths and showers shall be provided so that every
prisoner may have a bath or shower at a temperature suitable for the
climate, as frequently as may be necessary, for maintaining general hygiene
according to season and climate.
26.92 All parts of the institution, regularly used by prisoners, shall be properly
maintained and kept scrupulously clean at all times.
Personal Hygiene
26.93 Women prisoners shall be required to keep their persons clean, and to this
end they shall be provided with toilet articles, including sanitary towels,
necessary for maintaining health and cleanliness. Sufficient water shall also
be made available for the use of women prisoners and their children, and
those prisoners, in particular, who are involved in cooking and those who
are pregnant, breastfeeding or menstruating.
26.94 A woman prisoner's hair shall not be cut without her consent. However if,
on account of vermin or dirt, the Medical Officer deems cutting of hair
necessary on the ground of health and cleanliness. Even then it shall not be
cut any shorter than required.
Amenities
26.95 All valuable ornaments should be removed from women in custody and
should be safely deposited. They should be permitted to retain their mangal
sutra, plastic bangles and toe-rings.
26.97 Each adult woman prisoner shall be supplied suitable number of sanitary
napkins for use during menstruation.
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Where possible, measures shall be taken to counterbalance disadvantages
faced by women detained in institutions located far from their homes.
26.100 Every women prisoner shall be allowed, assisted and encouraged to write a
letter and have interview with her relatives/neighbours once a week during
her term of imprisonment. A senior female officer in charge of interviews
should be responsible for grant of interviews as per rules. In view of women
prisoners‟ disproportionate experience of domestic violence, they shall be
properly consulted as to who, including which family members, is to be
allowed to visit them.
26.102 The prison inmates shall be afforded opportunity as prescribed in the rules,
to have reasonable contact including visits, telephone contact, electronic
communication contact, interviews through video-conferencing and
correspondence with the family inside the prison.
26.105 A waiting room for visitors should be provided at each prison for women.
26. 106 Every newly admitted prisoner shall be allowed facilities for seeing or
communicating with her relatives/friends/legal advisors, with a view to
preparation of an appeal or revision petition or for procuring bail. She shall
be allowed to have interviews with, or write letters to, her relatives more
often, if the Superintendent considers it necessary, to enable her to arrange
for the management of her property and other family affairs.
26.107 In case, close relatives of women are detained in the same prison, interview
of both shall be facilitated by the Deputy Superintendent between the two
gates in presence of Deputy Superintendent / Assist. Superintendent, once a
week.
Books
26.108 Every institution shall have a separate library and a reading room for
women with both recreational and instructional books. Prisoners shall be
encouraged to make full use of these facilities.
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Religious Books
26.109 A woman prisoner shall be allowed to keep, at a time, up to five books with
her. The restriction on the number of the books is on account of
administrative convenience only (i.e. consideration of space per prisoner)
and not for any other reason.
Education
Vocational Training
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7. Soap making
8. Hosiery work
9. Cane and bamboo work
10. Candle making
11. Toy making
12. Pottery
13. Stationery articles
14. Local handicrafts
15. Cottage industries
16. Gardening
17. Sewing machine repair
18. Typing
19. Computer training
20. Beautician's work
21. Telephone operation and secretarial practice
22. Agricultural, horticultural, diary projects
23. Poultry
24. Sericulture
25. Fishery
26. Mushroom cultivation
27. Fruit preservation
28. Local projects
29. Bakery
Labour
26.113 Prisoners shall be paid equitable remuneration for their work and no
disparity in wages shall accrue on account of gender differences.
26.114 The system should also provide that a part of the earnings is set aside by the
administration to constitute a savings fund to be handed over to the
prisoners on their release.
26.115 Under the system the prisoners shall be allowed to spend at least a part of
their earnings on approved articles for their own use and to send a part of it
to their family.
26.116 Unless medically advised not to work, all prisoners shall be engaged in work
and activity in the prison, for which they will be paid proper wages.
26.117 Every woman prison shall have a 10 bed hospital for women. Treatment
programmes should be properly planned and developed in every woman's
prison.
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26.118 In addition to the details required to be recorded after health screening in
accordance with Appendix - 2, the health screening of women prisoners
shall also include a comprehensive screening to determine primary health
care needs, and to determine:
26.121 Women prisoners shall receive education and information about preventive
health-care measures, including on HIV, sexually transmitted diseases and
other blood-borne diseases, as well as gender-specific health conditions.
[Rule 17 of the UN Bangkok Rules]
Legal Aid
26.122 To ensure access to justice to all, timely legal aid services should be provided
to needy prisoners at State expenses as prescribed by the State Government.
Prison Administration should be assisted by the State/District Legal Service
Authority for this purpose through a panel of advocates earmarked for the
jails/courts.
26.123 For this purpose, socio-legal counselling cell shall be set up in each
institution to be managed by volunteers from a designated law school, school
of social work, or a non-governmental voluntary agency. Work done by
students while working in such a cell shall be given academic credit and
shall form a part of the student's graded curriculum.
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26.124 Assistance of lady members of the district legal aid committee shall be made
available to women prisoners to help them with their procedural and legal
problems.
26.125 The practice of fortnightly or weekly nari bandi sabhas (women prisoner's
councils) shall be utilised as a modality for orientation of, and interaction
with, prisoners and for training in participative custodial living.
26.126 In the event existence of sexual abuse or other forms of violence before or
during detention is discovered, the woman prisoner shall be informed of her
right to seek recourse from judicial authorities. The woman prisoner should
be fully informed of the procedures and steps involved. If the woman
prisoner agrees to take legal action, appropriate staff shall be informed and
the case immediately referred to the competent authority for investigation.
Prison authorities shall help such women to access legal assistance.
26.127 In such cases, regardless of whether the woman chooses to take legal action,
prison authorities shall endeavour to ensure that she has immediate access to
specialized psychological support or counselling.
26.128 Women prisoners, who are foreign nationals, shall be allowed reasonable
facilities to communicate with their diplomatic and consular representatives.
Those who are nationals of other countries, or refugees, shall be allowed
similar facilities to communicate with any agency whose task is to protect
such persons.
Premature Release
26.129 In line with gender-sensitive management policy, a liberal approach would
be allowed while determining cases of premature release of women
prisoners particularly in cases where she has been the sole breadwinner, or
where no surrogate care is possible for the dependents of women prisoners.
As far as possible, expectant mothers may be released on suspended
sentences, or otherwise, to avoid delivery of their child inside the prison.
26.131 The probation system should be strengthened in close coordination with the
judiciary. Probation Services should be brought under the administrative
control of the Directorate of Prisons and Correctional Services only.
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Transfer of Women Convicts for Release
26.132 Every woman confined in a prison other than that of the district of her
residence, shall be transferred to such prison in the district of her residence
10 days before her release. The sanction of Director General/Inspector
General of Prisons for such transfers within the State shall not be required.
26.133 Before a woman prisoner is released, sufficient advance notice shall be given
to her relatives or friends to be present at the prison and receive her. If no
relative appears on the day of her release, she shall be sent to her home
under the charge of female escort. The Deputy Superintendent shall record
in her report book about arrangements made for the safe release and escort
of woman prisoner to her home.
26.135 The Superintendent of Prison shall establish a functional linkage and co-
operational relation with a select group of social activists/N.G.Os serving
and taking up the cause of women in general and women offenders in
particular, so that the prison administration and the N.G.Os can together
wage a war against social stigma attached to women in custody. As this is a
battle to be fought more in minds than in fields, frequent seminars/symposia
shall be conducted to elaborate on the need of after-release rehabilitation of
women offenders, and to create a favourable public opinion.
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(i) help address any mental health issues that she may be suffering from and
suggest effective coping strategies,
(ii) facilitate her re-integration into society after release;
(iii) focus on removing any further damaging impact that imprisonment could
have on women inmates, and seek to enhance self-worth, autonomy and
self-efficacy.
26.138 Special programmes may be initiated to address underlying factors that lead
to criminal behavior, for instance, separate programmes addressing
substance addiction-related issues.
26.139 The literacy and vocational training for women offenders shall be conducted
in such a manner that it:
i) endows woman inmates with professional capabilities and expertise in one,
or more than one, vocation, so as to enable them to earn a living and lead a
self-supporting life after release;
ii) eradicate the poverty-crime nexus;
iii) empower women to make positive lifestyle changes within the context of
education, support and recovery.
26.140 Arrangements for public display of the products made by the women
prisoners will boost their morale, instil confidence into them, and rekindle
the flames of hope for a normal life at large. Moreover, it will pave the way
for the much needed social awareness, supportive and sympathetic to the
women living behind the bars.
26.141 Women who are found mentally ill shall not be detained in prison.
Arrangements shall be made for the removal to mental homes/institutions
for mentally ill prisoners who happen to be admitted in prisons.
26.142 When transferring a mentally ill woman prisoner to a mental home and
back to the prison, a female warder shall accompany the police escort,
provided to such prisoner, wherever possible. The families of such prisoners
shall be traced and informed of the prisoners' whereabouts and health status.
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26.143 Steps shall be taken, by arrangement with the appropriate agencies, to
ensure the continuation of psychiatric treatment after release and provisions
of social psychiatric after-care, wherever it is deemed necessary.
Prison Discipline
26.144 Discipline and order shall be maintained with firmness but with no more
restriction than is necessary for safe custody and well ordered institutional
life.
26.145 No woman prisoner shall be punished in the prison until she has been
informed of the offence alleged against her and given proper opportunity of
presenting her defence. The competent authority shall conduct a thorough
investigation of the case before awarding punishment.
26.146 Prison offences and indiscipline may be dealt with in the manner provided
in Chapter XXI (Prison Discipline) subject to the following conditions:
(i) Punishment by close confinement or disciplinary segregation shall not be
applied to pregnant women, women with infants and breastfeeding mothers
in prison.
(ii) Disciplinary sanctions for women prisoners shall not include a prohibition
of family contact, especially with children.
(iii) Instruments of restraint shall never be used on women during labour,
during birth and immediately after birth.
26.147 During the weekly parades, every woman prisoner shall have an
opportunity of making requests/complaints to the Superintendent who in
turn, shall promptly deal with such complaints/requests.
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Protection measures shall take into account specifically the risks of
retaliation.
26.150 The Board of Visitors shall monitor the conditions of detention and treatment
of women prisoners in particular.
Women Personnel
26.151 In a prison for convicted women prisoners there shall be one post of a lady
Superintendent.
26.152 The woman's enclosures attached to the sub-prisons and district prisons
shall be in the charge of a lady Deputy/Assistant Superintendent/Chief Head
Warder or a Head Warder. They will be assisted by a female Chief Head
Warder, Head Warder and female Warders.
26.153 The following officials shall be posted in every prison exclusively for women
as per recruitment in accordance with the direction of State.
(i) Lady Superintendent,
(ii) Deputy Superintendent,
(iii) Assistant Superintendent,
(iv) Chief Welfare Officer,
(v) Welfare Officer,
(vi) Law Officer,
(vii) Probation Officer,
(viii) Chief Head Warder,
(ix) Head Warder,
(x) Warder/Matrons,
(xi) Teachers,
(xii) Instructors,
(xiii) Psychiatrist,
(xiiv) Doctor, specially gynecologist,
(xv) Clerks,
(xvi) Aftercare Officer, and
(xvii) Warders.
26.154 The matron /female Head warder shall escort every female prisoner leaving
the women's enclosure, and shall remain with the prisoner until the prisoner
returns to the enclosure. She shall accompany the female prisoner under
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transfer. Wherever necessary, services of women police will be utilized for
escort duty with due regard to security considerations.
26.155 Separate escort vans for escorting women prisoners shall be made available.
26.156 The matrons or women warder shall not allow any male prison officer, or
male prisoner, to enter the women's enclosure without proper authority. If
any male prison officer / warder / prisoner, without proper authority, at
any time enters, or attempts to enter, any ward or portion of the prison
reserved for occupation by female prisoners, the Matron/Warder shall make
a report forthwith to the Deputy Superintendent/ Superintendent of Prison.
26.157 A male officer of the jail may enter the enclosure occupied by females, only
if he has duty to attend to there and is accompanied by the female warder
into every part of the ward or enclosure he may have to go. Should it be
necessary to enter the female enclosure at night, the Head Warder on duty
shall call the Deputy Superintendent, and the female warder and these three
officers together, shall enter the ward acting as escorts to visitors or officials
shall remain outside the enclosure. Female prisoners shall be searched by a
female warder
26.158 No matron / female Head warder shall at any time, and on any pretext, hold
any interview or communicate/interact in any way, with any male prisoner
or visit any part of the prison allotted, reserved for, or occupied by male
prisoners, except in the discharge of her duties.
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Chapter XXVII
YOUNG OFFENDERS
INTRODUCTION:
Non-Institutionalised Treatment
27.02 It is necessary to save the young offenders from evils of incarceration. Non-
custodial treatment for young offenders should be preferred to
imprisonment. Under mentioned process should be followed for young
offenders:
(A) When any young offender is found guilty and is likely to be punished with
imprisonment not exceeding one year, the court should take recourse to any
of the following non-custodial measures:
(i) Release on admission
(ii) Release on taking a bond of good conduct, with or without conditions from
the young offenders and from parents/guardians/approved voluntary
agencies.
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(iii) Release on probation under the Probation of Offenders Act on any of the
following conditions:-
(a) continuation of education/ vocational training/employment;
(b) obtaining guidance from probation officer/teacher/counselor:
(c) getting work experience in work camps during week-ends and on holidays;
(d) doing useful work in work centers (agricultural farms, forestry, housing
projects, road projects and apprenticeship in work-shops.)
(e) Young offenders released on probation shall be kept under constant
supervision.
Note: Suitable cases of young offenders likely to be sentenced to periods above one
year of imprisonment should also, as far as possible, be processed through
the above-mentioned non-institutional approach. Young offenders should be
sent to prison only as a last resort.
(B) (i) Young offenders involved in minor violations should not be kept in police
custody. Instead, they should be kept with their
families/guardians/approved voluntary agencies on the undertaking that
they will be produced before the police, as and when required, for
investigation.
(ii) Young offenders involved in serious offences, while in police custody, should
be kept separate from adult criminals and the police custody should be only
for the minimum period required for investigation.
(iii) The investigation of cases of young offenders must be expeditiously
completed.
(iv) Bail should be liberally granted in cases of young offenders.
(v) When it is not possible to release a young offender on bail, he should be kept
in a Reception Centre/Kishore Sadan/Yuva Sadan during the pendency of
his trial.
(vi) In case it becomes necessary to keep young offenders in a sub-prison during
investigation and trial, it should be ensured that they do not come in contact
with adult criminals there.
27.04 Young offenders in Himachal Pradesh will be kept in the Borstal Jail in
Mandi to provide safe custody for those young offenders, who can not be
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released on bail or probation for their initial classification and subsequent
placement.
27.06 The following treatment should be given to young offenders at the Borstal
Jail:
(i) Initial admission.
(ii) A system of proper custody and positive, constructive and firm discipline.
(iii) Care and welfare of inmates.
(iv) Basic segregation according to requirements.
(v) Attending to immediate and urgent needs and problems of inmates.
(vi) Orientation to institutional life.
(vii) Study of the individual offender—History taking, case-recording, tests and
observation.
(viii) Scientific classification.
(ix) Attending to long-term needs of inmates like education and vocational
training.
(x) Inmates shall be properly assessed both at the time of admission and
regularly thereafter, with the specific objective of looking into their
criminogenic factors and providing help to enable them to lead a law-
abiding and socially productive life after release.
(xi) Guidance, counselling and support.
(xii) Release planning.
(xiii) After-care.
(xiv) Follow-up.
27.07 Use should be made of resources of the community and outside agencies in
providing such treatment. The personal influence of prison personnel will
play a very positive role in this process.
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(ii) The District Medical Officer/Civil Surgeon/Medical Superintendent of the
Government Hospital
(iii) One Non-official Member nominated by competent authority
(iv) The District Education Officer
(v) The Prison Welfare Officer
(vi) The Superintendent of the Borstal Jail , Member-Secretary
27.09 The Review Board should meet once in every three months to examine the
case of each young offender. The Review Board will review the cases from
the point of view of the progress and response of young offenders. The
Review Board must decide the case of every young offender as to whether it
is necessary to continue him under institutional treatment. In suitable cases,
the question of his conditional release on license should also be examined.
The members of the Review Board should visit the Bostal Jail to see that the
care and welfare of inmates are properly attended to. However, a young
offender, in whose case prognosis is not favourable, should be transferred to
a suitable prison. Only such young offenders, as are intractable, violent,
psychopaths and hardened or dangerous criminals, should be transferred to
prisons.
27.10 The problem of young offenders, who are sentenced to imprisonment for
periods above 5 years, will have to be considered in a different perspective.
In deserving cases, even such young offenders should be conditionally
released on license. However, a young offender, in whose case prognosis is
not favourable, should be transferred to a suitable prison. Only such young
offenders, as are intractable, violent, psychopaths and hardened or
dangerous criminals, should be transferred to prisons.
Education
27.12 Educational needs of young offenders must be adequately met. To this end,
prison authorities may collaborate with ‘open schools’ for developing
educational programmes for young offenders. Special emphasis should be
laid on the following aspects in education of young offenders: -
(a) Physical and health education.
(b) Social and moral education.
(c) Literary education.
(d) Vocational education.
(e) Arts and handicrafts education.
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27.13 Necessary facilities for the overall educational development of young person
should be provided in institutions. The educational programmes should be so
designed that young offenders of various age groups and intelligence levels
can derive benefit from them. For illiterate and educationally backward
young offenders special educational classes should be organised.
27.15 Young offenders should be taught such crafts, skills and vocations, as would
be useful to them after release.
Vocational Training
Cultural Activities
27.19 Adolescence being the age of growth and development, proper attention
should be given to provide balanced diet to such prisoners.
Discipline
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27.20 Special emphasis should be given on the discipline of young offenders. As far
as possible, minor offences should be dealt with by withdrawal of
concessions. When this approach fails, recourse should be taken to other
forms of punishment.
27.21 Provisions of Chapter XVIII (Premature Release) should be applied for pre-
release preparations and release of young offenders.
27.22 At least a fortnight before a young offender is due for release, a letter shall
be sent to his relatives/friends intimating the date of his release and asking
them to be present at the prison to receive him after release. As far as
possible, young offenders should be handed over after their release to their
relatives, friends or a recognised After-care Agency. If the Principal of the
Institution or Superintendent of Prison thinks it necessary, the released
young offender may be sent to his home or after-care agency under the care
of a Prison Guard or a Supervisor.
(b) Afternoon
Work.
Toilet.
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Outdoor games or gymnastics.
(c) Evening
Wash.
Evening meal.
Social education.
Newspapers, books, radio, T.V.
Group music, dramatics, educational films and other cultural activities
according to weekly programme for each group.
Group prayers.
Preparation for lock-up.
Searching and counting.
Lock-up.
(a) Morning
Toilet.
Prayers in group.
Morning light meal.
General cleaning of barracks, cells, open spaces etc. Cleaning of equipment.
Washing clothes.
Bath.
Inspection of equipment.
Meal and rest.
(b) Afternoon
(c) Evening
Wash.
Evening meal.
Preparation for lockup.
Searching and counting.
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Lock-up.
Note: Subject to the approval of the Head of the Prisons Department the
Principal/Superintendent is authorised to make necessary changes in the
daily routine/programme to suit the needs of the institution.
27.25 Non-institutional approach should be the main thrust of the programmes for
the treatment of young offenders so that they are saved from unhealthy
experience of incarceration. Where incarceration is imperative, young
offenders should be exposed for reasonable lengths of time to programmes
of re-education, vocational training, social adjustment and positive
discipline through a diversified system of Borstal.
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Chapter XXVIII
INSPECTION OF PRISONS
28.03.4 Security and lighting arrangements during day time and night/ Generator
Sets;
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28.05 Interview facilities for prisoners;
28.06 Stores;
28.08 Record relating to parole, furlough, remission and pre-mature release etc.;
28.14 Library;
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28.25.2 Canteen Management.
28.26 Every central prison, district prison and sub-prison/ other prison (Women)
shall be inspected by a Gazetted Officer twice in a calendar year. At least
one such inspection shall be carried out by the officer of the rank of Jail
Superintendent. The first inspection shall be carried out in the month of
January/ February on the working of the prison for the period from 1 st of
July to 31st of December of the previous year. The inspection to be carried
out in the month of July shall cover the working period from 1st January to
30th June of the same year. The report of the first inspection shall be
submitted by 28th February and the report of the second inspection shall be
submitted by the 31st of July every year, to the Director General/ Inspector
General of Prisons for issuing appropriate directions. The Director General /
Inspector General of Prisons shall appoint Inspecting Officers for different
prisons, in advance, by 15th January every year.
28.27 The Director General/ Inspector General of Prisons shall issue directions to
the Superintendent of the prison concerned for complying with the
observations made by him on the inspection report. The compliance report
on the directions issued on the inspection note shall be submitted by the
Superintendent Jail concerned before the next inspection is due. The
Inspecting Officer shall write a paragraph in his report about the
compliance by/ response of the Jail Superintendent on the points raised/
observations made in the previous inspection report.
28.28 The Director General/ Inspector General of Prisons or any other officer of
the rank of SP(Prisons)/Sr. AIG Prisons and above from the Prisons
Headquarters shall inspect minimum of 25% of the prisons in the State every
year. This allotment shall also be done by the Director General of Prisons in
advance by 15th of January every year.
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Chapter XXIX
BOARD OF VISITORS
29.03 The Board of Visitors shall comprise the following official members:
(i) The District Judge at the District level, or the Sub-Divisional Judicial
Magistrate exercising Jurisdiction, at Sub-Division level
(iv) The Chief Medical Officer of the Health Department, at the District
level or the Sub-Divisional Medical Officer at Sub-Division level
The Board shall make at least one visit per quarter and for this purpose,
presence of three members and the chairman shall constitute quorum.
29.04 The Board of Visitors shall also comprise the following Non-Official
Members:-
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(i) A nominee of the State Human Rights Commission
29.05 The District Judge shall be the Chairman of the Board of visitors at District
level and the Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate shall be the Chairman at
Sub-Division level. The Non-official visitors after their appointment must be
sensitized and trained about their duties, roles and responsibilities.
29.06 The Board of Visitors shall meet in the office of the Superintendent of
prisons at least once in every quarter.
29.07 The minutes of every meeting of the Board of Visitors shall be recorded in
the Visitors' Minute Book, and the same shall be forwarded to the Director
General of Prisons with comments of the Superintendent. The Director
General of Prisons shall place a copy of the minute of the last
meeting/meetings of the Board of Visitor of all the prisons before the State
Advisory Board.
29.08 When a non-official member of the Board of Visitors visits a prison he shall
be accompanied by at least one more member (official or non-official). The
Chairman of the Board of Visitors shall make a monthly roster of visits to be
paid by the members of the Board to the Prison, in consultation with the
Superintendent.
29.09 The roster shall be made in such a manner as will envisage at least one visit
by a member in every month.
29.10 Every non-official visitor is expected to interest himself in the upkeep of
prisoners and visit the prison of which he is a visitor, once a month, and
oftener, if possible.
29.11 During visits, a Visitor (Member of the Board of Visitors) shall enjoy the
right to converse secretly and separately with any prisoner who is willing to
talk to the Visitor. However such separate interaction between a Visitor and
a prisoner shall be held in a place within the prison well within sight of a
prison officer. The Visitor, immediately after such conversation with a
prisoner, shall inform the Chairman of the Board in writing about what
transpired in the conversation with the prisoner. The Chairman, if he thinks
it necessary, shall take up the matter with the Superintendent of Prison.
29.12 Any observations/comments made in the Visitors' Minute Book, by any
member of the Board, shall be forthwith brought to the notice of the
Director General/Inspector General of Prisons by the Superintendent, along
with his own comments. The copy of the same shall also be sent to the
Visitor concerned and the Chairman of the Board of Visitors.
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29.13 The Members of the Board of Visitors shall specially attend to the quality
and quantity of Prison diet, condition of the kitchen and hospital,
availability of medicines, hospital management, medical treatment of the
prisoners, sanitary arrangements, aspects of vocational trainings, literacy
program, and library facility for the prisoners.
29.14 The Superintendent shall present before the visiting member/members of
the Board of Visitors any paper /document pertaining to correctional work,
recreation and trainings of prisoners, prison diets/ medicines, grievances of
prisoners and follow redressal of such grievance, if it is sought by a visiting
member of the Board.
29.15 The Superintendent shall not be bound to present any
Register/Document/paper pertaining to financial accounts before a
member of the Board of Visitors without written approval of the Director
General/ Inspector General of Prisons.
29.16 The Superintendent shall ensure that the prisoners lodging complaints with
the visiting member/members of the Board of visitor do not subsequently
fall prey to vendetta of the accused or prison staff complained against.
29.17 Following any such visits by member/members of the Board of Visitors, the
Superintendent shall inform the Director General of Prison regarding the
details of the visit.
29.18 For the purpose of a meeting of the Board of Visitors One official Visitor and
two non-official Visitors shall form a quorum.
29.19 A Non-official Member of the Board of Visitors shall hold office for a period
of two years from the date his appointment to the Board, and may be
considered for reappointment.
29.20 The appointing authority may cancel the appointment of any non-official
visitor for reasons to be recorded in writing. Removal of non-official visitors
must not be arbitrary and should be based on a sound reasoning. In
particular, any removal must be made after following principles of natural
justice.
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(c) ascertain whether considerations of health, cleanliness and security are
attended to, whether proper management and discipline is maintained in
every respect and whether any prisoner is illegally detained, or is
detained for undue length of time while awaiting trial;
(d) examine prison registers and records, except secret records and records
pertaining to accounts;
(e) hear and attend to all representation and petitions made by or on behalf
of the prisoners;
(f) direct, if deemed advisable, that any such representation or petition be
forwarded to the Government;
(g) suggest new avenues for improvement in correctional work.
Note: A spare copy of the list of duties of the visitors will be kept at the main gate and
handed over to a visitor on the occasion of his visit to the prison. Each non-official
visitor will be supplied with a copy on his appointment.
29.23 The Board of Visitors should record their remarks in the Visitors' Book after
every visit. A copy of these remarks shall be forwarded to the Director
General/Inspector General who should pass such orders as he think
necessary. A copy of the Director General/ Inspector General's order should
be sent to the visitor concerned.
Visitors to be facilitated
29.24 The Board of Visitors shall be afforded every facility for observing the state
of the prison and the management thereof, and shall be allowed access,
under proper regulations, to all parts of the prison and every prisoner
confined therein. They shall ordinarily not visit high security areas unless
the instructions in this behalf are given by Director General/ the Inspector
General of Prisons.
29.25 The Board of Visitors should have the power to call for and inspect any
book, or other record, in the prison unless the Superintendent, for reasons
to be recorded in writing, declines on the grounds that its production is
undesirable. Similarly every visitor should have the right to see any prisoner
and to put any question to him out of hearing of any prison officer.
29.26 Non-official visitors shall not visit prisoners who are not allowed to be
interviewed on medical grounds.
29.27 Visits shall not ordinarily be made after prisoners have been locked for the
night and on prison holidays.
29.28 It shall be the duty of the District & Session Judge to visit and inspect high
security and other prisons and to satisfy himself that all rules, regulations,
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directions and orders made or issued to such prisons, are duly observed and
enforced.
Record of Inspection
29.29 A record of the result of each visit and inspection made shall be made in a
register to be maintained by the Superintendent for this purpose.
District & Sessions Judge to Communicate only with the Superintendent of Prisons
29.30 The District & Sessions Judge shall not ordinarily address any
communication or order to any officer of any prison below the
Superintendent. All orders issued by the District & Sessions Judge shall be in
writing.
29.31 The District & Session Judge's orders should ordinarily be issued in the form
of an entry in the Visitor's Book. The judge is not required to interfere in
matters of detail effecting management of a prison. He should refrain from
any action which may tend to weaken the authority of the Superintendent
over subordinate prison officers and prisoners.
29.32 If the District & Session Judge gives an order to which the Superintendent of
Prison or his senior takes exception, the concerned office may represent the
matter through the Director General/ Inspector General (Prisons) to the
State Government, but he shall forthwith obey any order which is not
inconsistent with the Prison Act of the State, or any rule made there under,
and does not involve any immediate risk or danger.
29.33 Every Visitor shall, after he has completed his visit to the prison, record in
the visitors' book, the date and hour of his visit, and may enter therein any
remarks or suggestions he may wish to make.
29.34 A copy of the remarks made by every Visitor, together with Superintendent's
reply thereto, or the action taken by the Superintendent thereon, shall be
forwarded to the Director General/ Inspector General. In case the remarks
relate to the long detention of an under-trial prisoner, a copy of such remark
shall also be forwarded to the Sessions Judge.
29.35 Any remarks made by a Visitor under the preceding section should be
limited to a statement and fair criticism of actual facts, which may come to
his knowledge, and to such suggestions, as he may desire the Superintendent
or Director General/ Inspector General to consider. Criticism should be
confined to such aspects of the ordinary administration and management of
the prison which, in the opinion of the visitor, can be improved. On no
account the visitor should directly or indirectly reflect, either favourably or
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adversely, on the character or conduct of any of the prison staff. If the visitor
wants to bring to notice the good or bad work of any prison official he
should do so by a letter addressed to the Director General/ Inspector
General of Prisons.
29.36 The Director General/Inspector General of Prisons may pass orders on any
remarks made by a Visitor, and shall, if any issue of importance requires the
orders of the Government, forward such record to the State Government.
29.37 A copy of any order passed by the Director General/ Inspector General, or
by the State Government on any record made by a Visitor shall be
communicated to the Visitor concerned through the Superintendent of
Prison.
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Chapter XXX
STAFF DEVELOPMENT
30.01 Correctional work being a specialized field, and a social service of great
importance, all posts in the department of Prisons and Correctional Services, except
where supporting staff is required, should be manned by persons belonging to the
prison department and continuous efforts shall be made to develop their skills &
attitude as per the requirement of the job.
Prison Cadre
30.04 There should be an inbuilt mechanism in the prison department for continuous and
systematic study of manpower needs, so that there should be a regular intake of
new recruits in order to maintain a continuous flow of qualified and trained
personnel in the department.
30.05 In order to maintain the necessary level of morale, discipline and efficiency of the
prison staff, only those persons possessing requisite aptitude and attributes should
be appointed on various posts in the prison department.
30.06 The recruitment of warders shall be done on the basis of prevailing Recruitment &
Promotion Rules while recruitment of personnel of gazetted ranks, if any, will be
through the State Public Service Commission.
30.07 The fundamental requirements for recruitment of the correctional personnel shall
be as under:
(a) Physical fitness.
(b) Capacity for endurance and hard work.
(c) Courage, leadership and trust-worthiness.
(d) Balanced personality.
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(e) Capacity for man management.
30.08 The recommendations with regard to direct recruitment and promotion quota have
been made to ensure that deserving persons, with requisite qualification training,
experience, and professional competence, are available in the service at all levels.
30.09 Recruitment/Promotion to the post of Assistant Superintendent will be done on the
basis of prevailing Recruitment & Promotion Rules:
30.10 Similarly the recruitment for the post of Superintendent of Prison will be made 100
% by promotion.
30.11 Promotions to the post of Additional Superintendent of Jail will be made on the basis
of the following criteria:
(a) 100% by promotion from among the Deputy Superintendents on the basis of
seniority cum merit and on the basis of prevailing Recruitment & Promotion
Rules.
Educational qualifications for various categories of posts will be prescribed keeping
in view job requirements for each post.
30.12 The Director General of Prisons & Correctional Services will prescribe syllabus
for various basic & in service training which should be in line with the
recommendations of BPR&D.
30.13 Basic initial training, in-service training and refresher courses, prescribed with a
view to keep personnel in touch with contemporary development in the field of
their work, shall be given due weightage. E-Prisons training shall also be provided
to the staff from time to time.
30.14 The general policy as laid down by the State Government regarding the relaxation
of the upper age limit in case of deserving departmental candidates should be
followed.
Service Conditions
30.17 Salaries and other employment benefits should not be arbitrarily fixed but should
be related to the work to be performed in a modern correctional system, which is
complex and arduous and is in the nature of an important social service.
30.18 The correctional staff should be paid salaries and allowances at par with those of
equivalent ranks in the Police Department.
Uniform
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Uniform should be prescribed for all custodial and executive staff. Badges of rank
for all uniformed cadres in the prison service should be similar to that in the police
service.
Probation period
Persons directly appointed to any post in the prison service shall be on probation
for two years. Wherever necessary the Appointing Authority may extend the
probation period.
30.19 On selection, each incumbent shall sign the oath of allegiance in the prescribed
form.
30.20 Probation period will include the period of institutional and practical training and
the period during which the probationer will be given an opportunity to display his
capacity for wielding responsibility and exercise judgement.
Appointment
30.21 On successful completion of training, and after the probationer has been tried and
tested through a phased programme of assigning responsibilities, his initial
appointment and posting orders should be issued.
30.22 As and when appointments are made on purely temporary basis, they should be
made under specific orders.
Confirmation
30.23 There should be a system of departmental examinations for various categories staff
categories for the purpose of confirmation. These examinations should be organized
to suit each cadre. Each State should fix details of such examinations.
30.24 For being confirmed in service, the probationer should fulfill the following
conditions:
(a) Passing various tests and examinations during the training period.
(b) Successful completion of the probationary period.
(c) Passing the departmental examinations.
Seniority
30.25 Seniority should be fixed on the basis of the date of appointment in the cadre, and
date of promotion to a higher cadre in accordance with guidelines issued by the
Government. Cadre-wise seniority and gradation lists of the prison personnel
should be published annually.
Promotions
30.26 Special care should be taken in giving timely promotion to eligible personnel.
Efficiency merit, integrity and trustworthiness of every incumbent should be
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evaluated and reflected in his annual confidential report. The mechanism indicated
under the caption 'Recruitment and Selections’ in this chapter should be followed
while giving promotions to the personnel in the respective cadre. Incumbents who
qualify for higher jobs should be listed in accordance with merit in the eligibility
lists for promotions. Promotions to higher cadres should be based on seniority-
cum-merit.
Transfer
30.27 The minimum tenure of non-gazetted and gazetted staff, at one station, should be
five years and three years, respectively and as per transfer policy and guidelines
issued by the Govt. from time to time.
30.28 While deciding on transfers, factors like: (i) needs of the department and the
institution, (ii) suitability of the incumbent to the post to which he is being
transferred, and iii) reasonable needs of the government servant such as
availability of educational facilities for his children, domestic difficulties of a
special nature, etc should be considered.
Hours of Work
30.29 There should be a well-planned and properly regulated timetable of work hours for
every category of personnel. Normally no staff member, including guarding
personnel, shall be required to work for more than eight hours a day. There should
be a schedule of institutional duty, day duty, night duty, sectional duty, premises
duty, off duty, etc. Responsibilities pertaining to premises duty, duty-on holidays,
etc should be clearly defined. Every incumbent should get 24 hours off-duty once a
week.
30.30 Guarding personnel should be allowed at least four night's rest each week. As far as
possible, duty on consecutive nights should be avoided. Night patrol duty should
not exceed two hours at one time. After every such duty, the guard should be given
at least two hours of rest. In one night a guard should not be given more than three
patrol duties
Note (i) The Superintendent of Prison is authorized to make all reasonable adjustments in hours
of work.
Note (ii) In times of emergencies like escapes, riots, assaults, fire, etc., all personnel on the premises,
whether off-duty or otherwise, will instantaneously report for duty.
30.31 In the event of sudden influx of inmates or epidemics, additional staff, according to
recruitment rules should be appointed on purely temporary basis.
Holidays
30.32 Holidays will be observed in accordance with the local custom in each State as
specified by the State Government.
30.33 Those who work on holidays should be allowed additional off-days.
Housing
30.34 Rent free residential accommodation for all prison personnel should be provided in
the prison campus.
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30.35 Housing for prison staff should be developed on modern lines with adequate
community services and facilities.
30.36 Each institution should have provisions for lodging officials, guests, and other
visitors, visiting the institutions.
30.37 Prison personnel who are entitled to rent free accommodation, but are not provided
with such accommodation, should be paid house-rent allowance at par with
government employees in other departments.
30.38 The following facilities should also be extended to staff quarters and premises:
(a) Periodical disinfection.
(b) Conservancy and sanitation services in staff quarters.
(c) Maintenance of parks and other utilities on the premises.
Educational Facilities
30.39 The following educational facilities for the benefit of children of prison personnel
should be extended:
(a) Schools near the institutional premises.
(b) A school bus for children of the staff in institutions situated at a distance from
the city.
(c) Transport at government cost for educational needs of children of the staff or
an alternative suitable Transport Allowance for school/college-going children
of the staff.
(d) Hostel accommodation for children of transferred and other staff members, in
institutional premises.
Rewards
30.41 Rewards shall be given to the members of the Department of Prisons &
Correctional Services, Himachal Pradesh to encourage them to perform the
duties required of them by law. Rewards should not be given for proper
performance of ordinary and routine duties but for special merit & exemplary
performance in any field of jail administration and superintendence.
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Note:- The Standing Orders to give away these Rewards shall be subject to the approval of the
Government.
30.43 In the event of prison personnel suffering serious injury and accident in the
discharge of their duties, the Director General/Inspector General of Prisons should
have powers to sanction immediate financial assistance up to Rs. 10,000/-. In
deserving cases, where assistance beyond this limit is necessary, the Director
General/ Inspector General of Prisons should refer the matter to the State
Government/Union Territory Administration.
30.44 In case of death of prison personnel in lawful discharge of his duties, a sum of Rs.
Two lakh should be paid to survivors in his family.
Protection from Damages
30.46 All pension formalities should be completed fairly in advance of the date
superannuation of a prison officer. Delays in completion of pension papers should
be avoided in all cases.
Staff Training
30.47 Correctional Administration shall constantly seek to awaken and maintain in the
minds of the personnel the conviction that correctional work is a social service of
great importance, and to this end all appropriate means should be used.
30.48 Correctional work is a specialised field. The principle job of the correctional
personnel is social re-education of offenders. The effectiveness of correctional
administration, institutional discipline and the impact of treatment mainly depend
on the quality of the correctional staff. Untrained and uninstructed personnel are
not only ineffective, but quite often become detrimental to the proper
implementation of correctional policies. The training of correctional personnel is,
therefore, of paramount importance in any system of Correctional Administration.
Training programmes will aim at:
(i) Acquainting correctional personnel with scientific and progressive methods
of Correctional Administration.
(ii) Making them conscious of their responsibilities, and the role they have to play
in a Welfare State.
(iii) Broadening their cultural and professional interests, expanding their
(iv) experience, refining their abilities and skills, improving their performance of
administrative duties and providing them with experience to meet future
needs of the department in positions of higher responsibility.
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30.49 Correctional personnel should be properly trained in the theory and practice of
correctional work. After entering the service and during their career, the
personnel shall maintain and improve their knowledge and professional capacity
by attending various training programmes, and through their own individual
efforts.
30.50 Correctional personnel shall be given special training (in P.T., drill, unarmed
combat, cane drill and mob-dispersal drill) to enable them to restrain aggressive
prisoners by the means prescribed by the authorities in accordance with the
relevant rules and regulations. Personnel who are provided with arms shall be
trained in their use and instructed in the regulations governing their use.
30.51 Training is a continuous process. The initial basic training imparted at the training
school shall be continued at the correctional institutions. Suitable training
programmes should be organized so that the institutional personnel are in constant
touch with current development in the field of corrections.
30.52 The training process will reveal individual capabilities. Through such knowledge,
the right person can be given the right job. This will ultimately lead to proper
utilisation of human resources.
30.53 Training of correctional personnel will not only be helpful in creating a proper
cultural atmosphere in the department but will go a long way in establishing good
traditions and practices of institutional management and correctional processes. A
properly trained staff will be an asset for the proper implementation of prison
reforms. With the impact of training, the attitudes and abilities of the personnel
will improve. The expenditure incurred for staff training will ultimately result not
only in departmental gains but also in social gains in terms of better institutional
impact and ultimate rehabilitation of offenders.
30.54 All new recruits to the prison department, whether inducted as security, custodial,
executive, treatment or supervisory staff should be imparted basic training of
sufficient duration appropriate to their job requirements. All officers and staff
taken on deputation from other departments should be given a short orientation
course for one week with regard to the functioning of the prison department.
30.55 No Prison personnel shall discharge any official duty without completion of basic
training. Adequate training reserve should be provided in each cadre of the Prison
and Correctional Service so that in-service training can be organized for them. The
number of such staff can be assessed in each State as per local requirement.
Training Institutes
30.56 For training of security and ministerial staff, a training school should be set up in
each State by the State Government. Adequate staff should be sanctioned by the
State Govt. in consultation with the D.G. Prisons & Chief Secretary.
Functions
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30.57 The functions of a Training School/Regional Institute of Correctional Services
will be:
a ) Training,
b ) Research,
30.58 Only qualified persons with an aptitude for training and teaching should be posted
at these institutions.
30.59 Experts invited to deliver lectures at the training institutes should be provided with
a set of guidelines about the content of training. Permanent academic staff of the
training institutes should also be oriented to the training requirements of various
aspects of correctional work. Teaching facilities and faculty at the training schools
of other States, Universities and Schools of Social Sciences should be utilized for
training purposes. The visiting lecturers should be paid suitable honorarium and
travelling allowances.
30.60 Details of syllabi, course content, methods of examination, and the mode of
awarding certificates/diplomas on successful completion of training, should be
evolved by the D.G. Prisons in consultation with the Bureau of Police Research and
Development. These matters should be reviewed once every three years.
30.61 Proper literature should be prepared for meeting the training needs of various
categories of personnel of the Department of Prisons and Correctional Services.
Training courses
30.62 Training courses for Correctional Services should be organized on the basis of
Training Needs Analysis to be conducted by the experts in this field. The following
training courses should be organized at the training institutes:
a. Initial basic training at the Training School/ Institute for six months.
b. After the successful completion of basic training the trainee officers should
be posted for duration of six months for practical training in various
branches of institutional management at a Central Prison in their respective
States/Union Territories.
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(ii) Serving Superintendents, Deputy Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent,
and other correctional officers of all grades will undergo refresher courses
of 2 to 4 weeks duration once in every five years.
(iii) Vertical Interaction Courses (thematic) for prison officers
(iv) Short-term courses on various aspects of Correctional Administration and
Treatment of Offenders.
(v) All newly recruited and untrained serving warders shall undergo an initial
basic training course for six months. During this period they will be given
practical training in every aspect of institutional management.
(vi) Refresher courses of two weeks duration for custodial/ security personnel.
It should be obligatory for them to undergo such training once in every five
years.
(vii) The Deputy Inspector General of Prisons/Senior AIG Prisons should prepare
a panel of officers having special merit and capabilities for attending
conferences and special training courses, within the country and abroad.
(viii) Study teams of senior officers should be deputed to visit other States in the
country. Such teams may also visit countries where innovative correctional
programmes and practices have been successfully introduced. Officers with
outstanding performance in the department should be given preference for
such visits.
Facilities during training
30.64 The Director/Principal of the Training Institution will frame necessary rules
regarding discipline and will be authorised to take disciplinary action in the event
of breach of discipline.
30.65 The trainees will wear the prescribed uniform during the training period.
Tests and Examinations
30.66 The Director/Principal will fix details about examinations and tests. Trainees of all
cadres shall be required to pass the prescribed examinations and tests. In case a
trainee fails to reach the required standards during a training course, the Principal
will forward a report to the Director General for suitable action. Failure to pass the
examination and to complete the training courses satisfactorily will make the
trainee liable for such disciplinary action as the Director General may think fit. In
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case of newly recruited personnel, such failure may result in discharge from
service.
30.67 The evaluation of a trainee should be made on the basis of his total performance in
all the tests and examinations. The trainees will be evaluated in respect of the
following, amongst other points:
30.68 Training schools should have a good library and reading room facilities. Provision
for purchase of books and periodicals, should be made in the annual budget of the
institution.
30.69 A Correctional Services Journal should be published by the training schools.
30.70 Recreational facilities should be organized.
30.71 A museum showing the historical development of Prison Administration and other
aspects of institutional management should be set up at the training schools.
Continuation of training at the place of work
30.73 In order to keep the officers and men in good shape, the training given at the
training school in drill, parades, musketry, unarmed combat, cane-drill and mob-
dispersal drill should be continued at the institution also. Particular attention
should be paid to games. Efforts should be made to instill interest and enthusiasm in
the personnel by the introduction of new items and methods of training.
Opportunities should be provided to stimulate initiative, intelligence, independent
judgement and resourcefulness among the personnel.
30.74 Subject to general or specific orders, which may be issued in this behalf by the
Director General/Inspector General of Prisons, the training programme will consist
of physical exercises, squad drill, weapon training, bayonet fighting, ceremonial
parade, unarmed combat, baton and cane drill, mob-dispersal, obstacle course,
inspection of guard and sentry duties, saluting, kit inspection and emergency drill.
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30.75 Musketry practice for officers and guarding personnel shall be held once every six
months. All security measures shall be adopted on such occasions. An officer well-
versed in all these matters shall be made in charge of such training. Wherever
required, necessary assistance may be obtained from the local police authorities.
30.76 Assistant Superintendents will do physical training and drill at least twice a week.
They shall participate in the weekly parades.
30.77 The following training programmes will be conducted for the guarding personnel:
(a) Physical training and drill for 45 minutes a day, four days a week.
(b) Instruction in rules, procedures, etc., once a week to be given by an Assistant
Superintendent or a senior member of the guarding personnel.
(c) Practice in preventing and controlling emergency situations once a month.
(d) Games like cricket, hockey, volleyball, basketball, may be organized in
accordance with available facilities at each institution.
30.78 The Superintendent will send the following reports to the Director General of
Prisons:
a. Monthly report about training in P.T. drill, lectures, discussions, emergency
practice, etc.
b. Six monthly report on musketry practice.
30.80 There will also be a Central Welfare Committee in the Director General's office with
the Director General/ Inspector General of Prisons as its President and the
following as its members:
(i) Deputy Inspector General (Headquarters) - Vice President
(ii) Principal, Prison Training School.
(iii)Superintendent of the Prison located at the Department's Headquarters.
Functions
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g. To impress upon the staff members the necessity of programmes of postal
savings, small saving schemes, postal insurance, Janata Insurance policy, etc.
h. To supervise the maintenance of the welfare fund, its accounts, and to get them
audited annually.
i. To prepare an annual report about welfare work.
j. To advice the Central Committee regarding the utilization of the fund.
Welfare Fund
30.82 A welfare fund will be created at each institution for providing amenities to staff
members and their families. The fund will be developed from the following sources:
(a) Monthly subscriptions from staff members.
(b) Voluntary donations subject to rules framed by the government.
(c) Interest accruing from investments.
(d) Benefit performances by artists, theatrical parties, cinema, etc.
(e) Donations from a Co-operative Credit Society.
(f) Profits from of the co-operative shop.
(g) Subsidies from the Government.
Welfare Unit
30.83 In large institutions there will be a separate staff unit which will attend to all
aspects of welfare work such as staff canteen, cooperative society, etc.
Welfare benefits
30.84 The following benefits will be provided to the personnel out of the welfare fund:
(a) Relief in the case of sudden illness.
(b) Medical aid where more than ordinary medical help is required and which
is beyond the economic capacity of the staff member.
(c) Aid for the education of children of the staff.
(d) Facilities to family members of the staff for running cottage industries and
handicrafts like sewing, spinning, manufacture of matches, etc.
(e) Reservation of seats in hostels and educational institutions for children
of staff members.
(f) Staff canteen.
(g) Recreational and cultural activities.
(h) Staff club.
(i) Staff libraries.
(j) Staff sports, institutional and inter-institutional fixtures, etc.
30.85 A proper forum should be provided at the institutional and the State level for prison
personnel to ventilate their grievances common to the entire service/cadre and to hold
meaningful discussions for their redressal.
Note: Detailed rules for the collection and operation of this fund should be embodied
separately by framing the H.P. Prisons Welfare Fund Rules.
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Chapter XXXI
PRISON COMPUTERISATION
31.03 Computerisation seeks to enable prisons to have the following core facilities
and have a unified data sharing platform:
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Comprehensive video conference facilities;
Biometric access for in and out movement of inmates;
State level training labs for induction and refresher training courses;
Touch screen kiosks at the prisons for inmates to access their case
details.
31.04 The following outcomes are expected after successful implementation of
prison computerization:
Seamless and integrated flow of information across all the prisons and
police department, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) thereby enabling
real time availability of information that is easy to search and quick
retrieval of prisoner information from a centralized database of
prisoners
Availability of Dashboards/Statistical reports/ MIS reports for senior
level officers with information such as Probable Date of Release (PDR),
Prison occupancy, Prisoner availing Parole/Furlough etc.
Complete record of prisoners’ activities such as bail, escape, fine
payment, incident punishment, prisoner income, court appeals, court
production, remission, remand, wages, work allocation, release and
transfer etc.
Workflow based solution for approval processes like Parole/Furlough
and real time reflection of the same in the system
Automatic PDR (Probable Date of Release) calculation thus ensuring no
delays in release of prisoners without the need for manual validation.
Better visitor management procedure thus helps officials in managing
visitors, keeping a track of the number of visitors for a particular
prisoner, frequency of visit etc.
Creation of a Centralized Prisoner Registry that can be accessed by
Police Departments and other key Law Enforcement Agencies for
verification and validation purposes of individuals through Data
Digitization of records.
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prison is required. The roll out of software application and its sustainability
is dependent on the availability of requisite office hardware and network
connectivity at each state prison. All the States/UTs are being engaged by the
Government of India for assistance in these matters in a time bound manner
to complete the process in a year.
31.07 As part of the ICJS implementation all components of ICJS i.e. Prisons,
Courts, Police Stations, prosecution offices and forensic laboratories need to
share data as per the data sharing matrix given in the Annexure. This data
sharing matrix has been approved by Committee headed by Justice Mr
Madan B. Lokur of the Supreme Court of India.
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Chapter XXXII
32.01 All provisions of Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules,1964 and Central
Civil Services ( Classification, Control and Appeal)Rules,1965 shall be
applicable to all the Officers and Officials of the Prison Department as are
applicable to other Officers and Officials of H.P. State Government
employees.
32.03 Indian Police Service and Gazatted State Police Service officers shall be
governed by their respective rules on matters relating to conditions of their
service.
32.05 No Warder shall ordinarily be allowed to remain at a Central Jail for more
than five years, nor at a District Jail for more than three years, nor at a
subsidiary jail for more than three years.
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(ii) knowingly disobeys a lawful direction of his official superior or of a
public servant empowered to issue directions, with the intention of
giving undue benefit or causing harm to any person; or
32.09 The State Government, having regard to the nature of misconduct contained
in this manual, other than those contained in CCS(CCA) Rules,1965, may
impose the “major” and “minor” penalties, after following the due process
under CCS(CCA) Rules,1965.
32.10 Any Gazetted Prison Officer or any officer-in-charge of a Jail, as the case
may be, may suspend, pending inquiry or investigation, any Non-Gazetted
Officer under his control who is guilty or reasonably suspected guilty of
gravest misconduct and whose immediate suspension is necessary in the
public interest or to maintain discipline among the Prison personnel:
(i) Provided that where any Prison Officer below the disciplinary
authority orders the suspension of a Prison Officer under his control,
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he shall immediately inform the disciplinary authority, who may
confirm or rescind the order.
32.13 All cases of suspension shall be reviewed as per the provisions contained in
CCS(CCA) Rules,1965, by the Competent Authority.
32.14 An appeal against any order of punishment passed against a Prison Officer
under this Manual/CCS (CCA)Rules,1965, shall lie with the authority next
to the disciplinary/appointing authority.
32.15 Indian Police Service and Gazetted State Police Service and Gazetted Officers
of the Prison Department shall be governed by their respective rules on
matters relating to conditions of their service.
32.16 Every Prison Officer not on leave or under suspension shall, for all purposes
of this Manual, be considered to be always on duty and may at any time be
deployed as a Prison Officer in any prison of the State, or in any other State
in accordance with the law.
32.17 Any Prison Officer shall not abdicate his duties or withdraw himself from
the duties thereof, unless expressly allowed to do so in writing by the Head
of the Department or any such officer as may be authorized by him to grant
such permission or by the competent officer in case of Indian Police Service
Officers and Gazetted State Police and Prison Officers. Any Prison Officer
who, being on leave, fails without reasonable cause to report himself for
duty on the expiration of such leave, shall render himself liable for
disciplinary action under relevant service rules.
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Chapter XXXIII
PROCEDURE.
SECTION 1 – REGISTERS
Record to be 33.01. The superintendent shall keep, or cause to be kept, the Section
kept by following records:-
Superintendent. 12 Act
(1) a register of prisoners admitted;
IX of
(2) a book showing when each prisoner is to be released; 1894.
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under.
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60 (r),
Prisons Act,
1894.
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17. Register of articles Ditto. Ditto.
passed in or out of the
gate.
Register.
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37. Daily godown and mill account register.
movable / immovable.
manufacture.
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60. Register of daily receipts.
Medicines.
Form of Register. 33.05. The forms of, and the particulars to be recorded in, the
several registers specified in the preceding rule, shall, from
time to time, be prescribed by the Inspector-General.
Inspection of 33.06. The following instructions for keeping the registers should
keeping be carefully attended to:-
registers.
No. 1 Register of unconvinced prisoners-
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Column 7:- A full description of the prisoner such as
this column.
shown.
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(5) Sentence – In cases in which a convict is sentenced
to two or more sentences under different warrants,
the aggregate of the sentences should be shown in
the heading of the register, but in column 14 and 15
each sentence should be entered separately and in
detail.
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(5) Articles supplied to the prisoner from the stock of
the jail shall be paid for the market rates.
(6) Proper receipts for the money and property
returned to the decree-holder should be obtained.
(7) Full account of the diet money received and
expended should be kept in this register and dates of
receipt and expenditure should correspond with
those in the General Cash Book and Register No. 35.
No. 4.-Release Diary.
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particulars shall be furnished regarding him under
the date on which he was transferred or died.
(h) Cause of discharge such as an appeal, expiry of
sentence, transfer, furnishing security, or under
remission rules shall be entered in the column of
remarks. If the prisoner is released under the
remission rules, the amount of remission earned shall
also be entered in this column.
No. 5.- Punishment Register
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Subordinate under his direction. The various entries should
be made as soon as the information required is available.
Column 12.- The nomenclature of diseases should be
adhered to in filling in this column.
(1) All prisoners sent out of the jail during the day
shall be entered in this register, whether on release,
transfer, or work outside the jail. Similarly all
prisoners received into the jail by transfer, on
conviction or on return from work shall be entered
therein.
(2) When a gang of prisoners is sent out of the jail on
extra mural work, the name of each prisoner shall
be entered, but when the gang is brought back, the
names, shall be called over from the outgoing entry,
and if correct, need not be re-entered, but the total
strength of the gang with particulars thereof shall
be entered as having admitted into the jail.
(3) Signature of the warder and the Incharge of the
gang shall be taken in column 5.
No. 17 Register of articles passed in or out of the Jail
Gate.-
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The entries in this register should be checked
periodically by the Superintendent and daily by the Deputy
Superintendent, with the receipts of provision, raw materials,
etc., and the sale or removal of manufactured articles, etc., to
see that they correspond. A note of the fact that such
comparison has been made, with the result, should be
entered.
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accounts. (ii) Contract contingencies
unserviceable articles.
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when paid into the Court, on the disbursement
side: the number and date of the receipt having
being noted in the register, the receipt should be
held in the office.
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the page on which the names are continued. The index should
be arranged, if possible, to last from 5 to 10 years. The initial
letter of European surname should determine their position
in the index, and application such as Sheikh, Syed, Fakir and
the like, should follow the proper names and not affect their
position. the names need not be arranged alphabetically
according to the letters succeeding the initial letter, nor need
a new entry be made in the case of a prisoner whose name is
already in the index , it will sufficient in such cases to enter
against the old entry the date of the prisoners’ re- admission
with his new register number. The index should be posted up
as prisoners are received.
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required to work.
(6) Monthly and annual statement No. XI are to be
prepared for this register.
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therewith.
(15) Garden and dairy.
(16) General registers and returns.
(17) Indents for clothing, bedding stationery forms
and other supplies.
(18) Labour and employment of prisoners.
(19) Mentally ill persons (criminal and non–criminal).
(20) Prisoners’ property and petitions.
(21) Public works, original works, additions,
alternations and repairs.
(22) Sickness and mortality, and matters connected
with sanitation, conservancy, or Medical
administration.
(23) Storage of grain and the purchase of supplies.
(24) Transfers and transportation prisoner, including
overcrowding escort railway passes.
(25) Visitors remarks and inspection.
(26) Miscellaneous.
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No. 29.- Warder’s Clothing Register-
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amount so required shall be entered in this register
and included in the abstract bill.
(2) Money may be drawn from the treasury on
abstract bills as often as may be necessary, but such
drawing should usually be limited to three or four in
a month, and drawings made between the 26 th and
the last day of the month should be utilized solely in
paying for purchases actually made between the 26 th
of the previous month and the 25 th of the month to
which the bill relates.
(3) Save as above provided, no money should be
drawn from the treasury between the 26 th and the
last day of the month, payment for purchases made
between those dates should be made from the
permanent advance and accounted for in the
succeeding month’s bill.
(4) Strict compliance with the two preceding clauses is
necessary, with the object of obtaining agreement
between the monthly accounts of jails kept in the
offices of the accountant general and Inspector
General.
(5) In the first abstract bill presented after the 1st of the
month, should be included the amount paid from the
permanent advance between the 26th and the end of
the previous month.
(6) When funds are needed, the Deputy Superintendent
shall note in his journal the amount be requires
under each head of expenditure. This entry he shall
present to the superintendent, who after satisfying
himself that the sums included in it properly
represent requirements, shall sign or initial it.
(7) Such entry in the deputy superintendent’s journal
duly signed or initialed by the Superintendent, will
be authority for the Assistant Superintendent
entrusted with the duty, to prepare an abstract
contingent bill for the amount there in set forth,
entering each sum under its appropriate head of
expenditure , and thereafter writing the total of the
bill in words as well as in figures. He should see that
the amount shown in the abstract corresponds with
the total of this register.
(8) The deputy superintendent having satisfied himself
that the bill has been drawn according to the items
entered in his journal, shall endorse it and present it
before the superintendent for that officer’s
signature.
(9) The Superintendent after comparing the items with
the entries in the register will sign the abstract and
at the same time initial such entries he shall then
hand the abstract bill to the Deputy Superintendent,
who shall be held responsible for it.
(10) It will be the duty of the Deputy Superintendent to
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count the cash actually received from the Treasury,
to compare it with the entries in this register, and to
bring to the notice of the superintendent at once,
any discrepancy he may discover.
(11) No money shall be drawn from the treasury until
it is required for disbursement.
(12) The abstract bill from shall always be kept locked
in an almirah, the key of which is to be in charge of
the Deputy Superintendent.
(13) For further instructions see articles 79 to 88 and
Article 96, Vol . I Civil Account Code.
(14) When the accounts for a month are closed, a
memo, should be prepared in the register to show
the total expenditure under each head of grant and
the budget allotment available.
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than “Rations” should be calculated, and money to
that extent should be drawn, stock to the exact
value being purchased and placed in the “Rations”
godown or the exact value deducted from the total
amount of purchase under head “ Rations”.
(8) The closing and opening balances of quantities in
this register should correspond with those in register
No. 37.
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contingent bill should be taken from this register.
(4) The figures in column 2 shall tally with the total
population of the day in Register No. 25.
(5) The figures for voucher No. 4 should be taken form
register Nos. 33 and 34.
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Pay List and Acquaintance Roll-
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received is drawn on an abstract bill or is the sale proceeds
of articles sold, or recoveries made to meet the
retrenchments from the Manufactory bill should be given in
this column.
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(1) Instructions prescribed for keeping Register No.
35, fully and wholly apply to this register also.
(2) On closing the cash accounts for a month, a
memo shall be prepared to show the progressive
total of expenditure up to date.
(3) From this total all supplies made to the
maintenance of own and other jails shall be
deducted and those received from department
other than jails added.
(4) At the same time another memo shall be
prepared to show the details of expenditure under
different heads of manufacture carried out in the
jails and the progressive total of cash profits.
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“Miscellaneous".
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the balances shown tally with the actual stock in
process of manufacture, that the loss is actual and
not according to the scale, and that is it not in
excess of the scale laid down by rules.
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a double red ink line drawn across the page under
the last entry for the month totals for the receipts and
disbursements noted in red ink.
(3) The entries shall be daily copied in Register No.
48 under their appropriate heads.
(4) Measurements if any, of the articles received into
or issued form the godowns should be entered in
column 2 or 7 as the case may be.
(5)
No. 49.- Manufactory Order Book-
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for each head of charge, if intimated by officer
supplied.
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different departments to which they relate. These
amount will be posted this book separately folio
references given there for posting to the different
sales accounts in the general ledger.
The accounts of those Government departments
which will not make payment in cash will have to
be adjusted in the treasury column of this book
after receipt of accepted invoices from the parties
concerned at the end of the month. Detailed
postings into ledgers will be made of all items
appearing in columns 6 and 7. The two ledgers
affected are the sold and the General ledgers, each
entry appearing in column 6 will be posted to the
credit of each individual account concerned in the
sold ledger, and in the same way each entry in
column 7 will be posted on the impersonal
account. It relates to in the General ledger, the
folio of the ledger to which the posting has been
made being noted in column 4. When money is
deposited into the Treasury, entries will be made
for the amount so deposited in column 13 and 8,
that is obvious for it simply means that the jail has
paid the money and the Treasury has received it./
When money is drawn from the Treasury for
purpose of cash disbursements, the amount will
be entered in columns 5 and 86 and disbursements
out of this amount will be booked as explained
below.
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the individual account concerned in the Bought
Ledger, and each entry in column 15 to the debit of
the impersonal account concerned in the General
ledger. These postings should not be allowed to fall
in arrears, and must be made at the close of the day
in which they were incurred or received.
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shown in the cash book if it is made by cash by an
entry in column 13 extended to column 15 and
described in the particulars column 11 as “Impress”
it will be posted in General ledger to the debit of
the ‘Imp rest account, if the recoupment is made by
drawing on the Treasury b y means of a cheque the
entries will appear in columns 16 and 15 of the
Cash-book, the postings in the General ledger being
similar to the procedure for cash recompenses. The
Imprest register should be totaled and balanced
monthly, the cash in hand being counted. The total
of the various analysis columns should then be
posted to the debit of their respective accounts in
the General ledger, and the total expenditure
columns being posted to the credit of the imprest
account in the General ledger care being taken to
see that the ending balance is not included in this
posting. The receipts side of the imprest register
will not be posted, as this will have been done
already through the Cash book when the
recoupment was made.
351 | P a g e
the stores and finished stocks, control accounts is
explained in the note on store accounting. The
posting into these ledgers from the cash book and
Imprest register has been explained. The following
accounts should be opened in the General ledger.
This list is not exhaustive and the opening of further
accounts may be necessary:-
Buildings Workshop.
Office.
Imprest account.
Purchases
Sales.
Carriage in on purchases.
352 | P a g e
supervising work in the workshop).
Power.
Repairs to machine.
Repairs, miscellaneous.
Traveling allowances.
Lighting .
Stationery.
Miscellaneous expenses.
Audit charges.
Interest on capital.
Loose tools.
353 | P a g e
No.55- Sales Day book-
No. 57.-Journal-
354 | P a g e
The postings in the General ledger will thus have been
all made except for certain adjustments, viz., the settlement
of accounts with other Government departments, certain
closing and opening entries, and any other transactions
which have not been entered in any of the day books or
Cash book. To collect this information a journal will have to
be maintained, the individual entries being posted to their
respective accounts in the proper ledgers, the pages of
which should be noted in column 4. This book should be
totaled monthly and the totals of columns 7 to 10 only
should be posted into the General ledger as follows:-
355 | P a g e
in order to segregate the three classes of assets which are
compiled in it. The form of ruling is self explanatory, the
register itself is only a memorandum book.
356 | P a g e
supplier. It would be advisable that the
Superintendent keeps this book and when required.
The Storekeeper should not be notified of the quantities
ordered. He should, however, be informed that
orders for replenishment have been placed.
357 | P a g e
same time notifying the Superintendent direct of
these differences. The accounts office also shall
compile a list of these differences which should be
forwarded to the Superintendent, through the
Deputy Superintendent in charge of the jail. After
comparison the Superintendent should pass orders,
or, if necessary obtain orders to the write off of
such losses. The accounts office should periodically
satisfy itself that the balances appearing in their
stores ledgers agree with those in the Bin Cards. At
stock-taking the verifiers also will satisfy
themselves on this point.
358 | P a g e
should at the close of the day be sent to the
accounts office where entered up and a notice made on
the cost sheet concerned.
359 | P a g e
(e) The value of deficiencies found at stock taking
should be credited to this account.
(f) The value of surpluses found at stock taking
should be debited.
This account for the sake of convenience should
be balances monthly, and compared with the
schedule of balances extracted from the Stores
ledger. A Finished Stock control account on the
lines of the Stores control account should also be
maintained.
360 | P a g e
the accounts office shall, after each entry of a
purchase i.e. a receipt in to store, calculate a fresh
issue rate on the balance in hand on the evening of
the previous day, both as regards quantity and
value, plus the new purchase quantity and value.
The new rate which will be arrived at by dividing the
sum of the values by the sum of the quantities
will be noted at ones against that day in the rate
column on the issue side of the Store ledger. These
rates should be tested by the usual audit staff at
their periodical audits.
361 | P a g e
No.63.- Garden Register-
362 | P a g e
discharge from the gang.
Classification of 33.08. (1) All jail registers, return and record of every
records for description shall, for the purposes of preservation
purposes of or destruction, be classified under the following
preservation. heads-
363 | P a g e
which shall be permanently preserved.
Reports
(b)- Registers.
civil prisoners.
19 Cash Ledger.
and Services.
364 | P a g e
35 A. Register of contingent charges.
41 Acquaintance roll of
establishment.
42 Inventory of Miscellaneous
property.
45 Register of manufactory
contingent charges.
54 Confidential report of
establishment.
qualifications of warder
establishment.
72 Declaration of relatives.
365 | P a g e
section 54(1), Act IX 1894.
and (e)
of establishment.
disease report .
reports.
(b)- Registers
on prisoners.
9 Superintendent’s journal.
366 | P a g e
Deputy superintendent’s journal.
13 13 Hospital Register.
fuel etc.
Raw materials.
process of manufacture.
articles.
manufactured articles.
50 Indexed Bill-book.
balance.
maintenance.
54 Ledger (Manufactory).
57 Journal (Manufactory).
367 | P a g e
60 Register of daily receipts
61 Stores Ledger.
jail.
to a mental Asylum.
a prisoner to be conditionally
released.
employment.
on change of Deputy
Superintendent.
articles.
manufactured articles.
368 | P a g e
50 Indexed Bill-book.
balance.
maintenance.
54 Ledger (Manufactory).
57 Journal (Manufactory).
61 Stores Ledger.
jail.
to a mental Asylum.
a prisoner to be conditionally
released.
369 | P a g e
163 Verification roll of candidates for
employment.
on change of Deputy
Superintendent.
stock.
(b) - Registers
Medicines.
of prisoners dieted.
4, 5 Vouchers No.III-Detailed
370 | P a g e
hospital equipment and No.1V-
prisoners.
maintenance).
expenditure.
bill.
(Manufactory).
receipts.
transfer.
371 | P a g e
transfer.
public offices.
return of sick.
manufactory.
93 Counterfoil of received.
(A and B)
heads of charges.
convicts.
tickets.
372 | P a g e
174 Docket to Inspector–General
Note (Books).
Ammunition.
advance.
and factory).
medicines.
373 | P a g e
be kept 2 years. claims on the part of the heirs.
Nil
Number of Form
Description of Form
14 Lock-up register
out
punishments.
medicines.
43 Ammunition register.
63 Garden register.
374 | P a g e
65 Warder’s night duty register.
68 Register of convalescent
prisoners.
375 | P a g e
APPENDICES
376
APPENDIX – 1
(See Chapter V)
377
378
379
380
381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392
393
394
395
396
397
398
399
400
Appendix – 2
PROFORMA FOR HEALTH SCREENING OF PRISONERS ON ADMISSION TO JAIL
(See Chapter V)
Are you suffering from cough that has lasted for Yes/No
3 weeks or more
Physical examination:
Blood test for Hepatitis/STD including HIV, (with the informed consent of the
prisoner whenever required by law)
Systemic Examination
1. Nervous System
401
Cardio Vascular System
Respiratory System
Eye, ENT
Castro Intestinal system abdomen
Teeth & Gum
Urinal System
The medical examination and investigations were conducted with the consent of the
prisoner after explaining to him/her that it was necessary for diagnosis and treatment of
the disease from which he/she may be suffering.
MEDICAL OFFICER
402
APPENDIX – 3
Workonw
ConsecutiveNu
runder
hichempl
Sex
invalid
me
Na
oyed
mber
Gang
Admitted as in-patient
Total of
Out-
Date of discharge
patients
Total
Otherwise
Relieved
attended
Cured
Disease Date of admission and attendance as out-patients
403
Serial number
1.
Register number
2.
name
3.
Register of in patients in the
4.
Class
5.
Sex
6.
Age
7.
Block, ward or cell
Sentence of order
8.
9.
Date of sentence, order orcommittal
404
Length of imprisonmentundergone
10.
APPENDIX – 4
11.
12.
M F M F
Undertrial
Prisoners
Civil Prisoners
Sickin
Hospital
Total
M F M
Detained under
observation
Prison Officers
F
Cooks
Toilets.
Sweepers
Orderlies.
al
pit
os
H
Servants
Attendants on lunatics
Total
Spoon
Milk
Half.
A
Mixed
Full
s
s
a
l
C
Prison
HOSPITAL ROLL OF
(See Chapter VII)
SICK INMATES
Milk
Half.
B
APPENDIX-5
Mixed
405
Full
s
s
a
l
C
Prison
G. Arract
Kg. Arrowroot.
G. Barley.
G. Brandy or rum
G. Butter
G. Butter Milk
Kg. Bread
G. Coconut Oil.
G. Coffee
No. Eggs
G. Fish
Kg. Firewood
G. Flour
G. Ghee
G. Gingelly Oil
Peris hable
Articles.
No. Hoppers.
No. Limes
No. Plantains
Lit. Milk
Kg. Mutton
Kg. Rice
G. Rolong or Suji
Kg. Sago
Kg. Salt
Kg. Sugar
Kg. Tea
Initials of Medical Officers
APPENDIX –6
CASE SHEET
(See Chapter VII)
Class of prisoner with register number Date when first brought under treatment
and name
Date of Admission to hospital
Address
Date of discharge from hospital
Age
Disease
Month and Date Particulars of the case and treatment adopted Diet and extras ordered
406
APPENDIX – 7
CASE BOOK
407
APPENDIX – 8
Register No.
Name
Neck measurement
Weight
Result of medical examination, special points, etc.
Date of sentence by the Court of Sessions
Date of appeal to the High Court of Judicature at Mumbai
Date of decision of the High Court
Date of petition for special leave for appeal to the Supreme Court
Date of appeal to the Supreme Court
Date of decision of the Supreme Court
Date of submission of mercy petition
Date of result of mercy petition
Final date of execution
Length of drop required
408
APPENDIX – 9
CASE HISTORY OF CONVICT
(See Chapter XII)
[to be inserted from Maharashtra Rules if format is acceptable]
Name
Number
Age
Sentence
Section
Habitual or casual
Legal history and statement of the prisoner regarding present and previous crimes, if any
Social History
Childhood
Family History
Health history
Neighbourhood
Educational background
Adolescence
Economic background
Employment history
Associations, companionship, etc.
Habits, aptitude, etc.
Personality (general impression only)
Clues regarding sequence of criminal behaviour
Date on which case history was prepared …..….……………………………
Prison …………………………………………………………………………………………..
409
APPENDIX – 10
REPORT OF EXECUTION
(See Chapter XII)
I hereby certify the sentence of death passed on __________ by the Court of Sessions and
confirmed by the High Court, has been duly executed and the said ___________ was hanged
by the neck until he was dead at _____________ on the _________________ .
(Sd.)
Medical Officer
(Sd.)
Superintendent
(Sd.)
Executive Magistrate
410
APPENDIX – 11
REMISSION REGISTER
(See Chapter XVIII)
Month Ordinary Remission Annual Special State Date of Forfeiture Balance Initials
Remission for good Remission Government Grant
conservancy conduct Remission
jobs Remission
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
411
APPENDIX – 12
MATRIX OF MANDATORY DATA SETS TO BE SHARED AS PER LAW IN THE INTEGRATED CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM
412
Criminal history
of Accused
including
previous
convictions, if
any
Custody details
in other matters
details, if any
Transit remand
Investigation
details
Notice/
Warrants/
Summons
against Accused
in other matters
application
Reply of bail
disposal form
Case property
Preventive
(Kalandras)
Action
Details
of Personal
Search
Case Property
release and
Personal Search
release
413
Application
submitted for
TIP of accused
and case
property
FSL report
Permission of 39
Arms Act with
FSL report
Report/response
on misc.
applications
/queries
413
Court witnesses due for attendance of (Daily orders) with Intimation
deposition prisoner next date Prosecution/ of
Reports required by Court Release Order Defence/ Court judgment
Proceeding details (Daily details Witnesses appeared delivered
orders) with next date Prosecution/ Defence/
Order/ Judgment details Notices/queries Court Witnesses due
Bail status with Surety and response on for deposition
details queries from
Prison Bail status with Surety
details
Bail status with
surety details Order/ Judgment
Detail of details Reports
Complaints required by Court
made by
Prisoner in the
Court
Victim’s details
(for acceptance
of
compensation)
414
Request for transportation details of the
accused
Period spent in
custody in a
particular case
Future dates of
production/
hearing in other
cases of the
accused
Report/
response on
misc.
applications/
queries
Prosecutio Scrutiny report/ Advice Present Status of the
n on case whereabouts of case in
Details of prosecutor prosecution’s higher court
Case proceeding briefing witnesses
Status of the case in Service of
higher court processes on
witnesses
Details of Pre-
occupation of
Govt. witnesses
with other
courts
FSL Examination report of FSL reports FSL Reports
415
sample Details of Expert details
Pre-
occupation
of FSL
experts in
other courts
Expertise
available at
respective
labs
416
THE HIMACHAL PRADESH GOOD CONDUCT PRISONERS
(TEMPORARY RELEASE) ACT, 1968
(ACT NO. 12 OF 1969)1
(Received the assent of the President of India on the 8th April, 1969,
and was published in R.H.P.Extra., dated the 2nd June, 1969 at p. 465-469).
Amended, repealed or otherwise affected by,-
(i) A.O.1973, published in R.H.P. Extra., dated the 20th January,
1973 at p.91-112.
An Act to provide for the temporary release of prisoners for good
conduct on certain conditions.
BE it enacted by the Legislative Assembly of Himachal Pradesh in the
Nineteenth Year of the Republic of India as follows:-
1. Short title, extent and commencement .- (1) This Act may be
called the Himachal Pradesh Good Conduct Prisoners (Temporary Release)
Act, 1968.
(2) It extends to the whole of the 2[State of Himachal Pradesh].
(3) It shall come into force on such date3 as the Government may, by
notification, in the Official Gazette, appoint.
2. Definitions.- In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,-
(a) "District Magistrate" means the District Magistrate of the District
within whose jurisdiction the prisoner, after his temporary release
under this Act, is likely to reside during the period of his release;
(b) "Government" means the Government of Himachal Pradesh;
(c) "member of prisoner's family" means the husband, wife, son,
daughter, father, mother, brother or sister of the prisoner;
(d) "notification" means notification, published under proper
authority, in the Official Gazette;
(e) "Official Gazette" means the Rajpatra, Himachal Pradesh;
(f) "prescribed" means prescribed by rules made under this Act;
(g) "prisoner" means a person confined in prison under a sentence of
1. For statement of Objects and Reasons see R.H.P.Extra.,dated the 30th November,
1966 at p. 1180 and for its authoritative Hindi text see R.H.P.Extra., dated
29.6.1991, p. 1509.
2 Subs. for "Union territory of Himachal Pradesh" by A.O. 1973.
3. The Act enforced w.e.f. 1.9.1971, vide Not. No.2-45/71-jails (Sectt.), dated
17.8.1971, published in R.H.P.Extra., dated 23.8.1971, p. 1120.
417
imprisonment;
(h) "Superintendent of Jail" means the Superintendent of the jail in
which the prisoner is undergoing his sentence of imprisonment.
3. Temporary release of prisoners on certain grounds .(1) The
Government may, in consultation with the District Magistrate and subject to
such conditions and in such manner as may be prescribed, release temporarily
for a period specified in sub-section (2) any prisoner if the Government is
satisfied that,-
(a) a member of the prisoner's family has died or is seriously ill; or
(b) the marriage of the prisoner's son or daughter is to be celebrated ;
or
(c) the temporary release of the prisoner is necessary for ploughing,
sowing or harvesting or carrying on any other agricultural
operation on his land and no friend of the prisoner or a member of
the prisoner's family is prepared to help him in this behalf in his
absence; or
(d) it is desirable so to do for any other sufficient cause.
(2). The period for which a prisoner may be released shall be
determined by the Government so as not to exceed,-
(a) Where the prisoner is to be released on the ground specified in
clause (a) of sub-section (1), two weeks;
(b) where the prisoner is to be released on the ground specified in
clause (b) or clause (d) of sub-section (1), four weeks; and
(c) where the prisoner is to be released on the ground specified in
clause (c) of sub-section (1), six weeks.
(3) The period of release under this section shall not count towards the
total period of the sentence of a prisoner.
(4) The Government may, by notification, authorise any officer to
exercise its power under this section in respect of all or any of the grounds
specified therein.
4. Temporary release of prisoners on furlough.- (1) The
Government or any other officer authorised by it in this behalf may, in
consultation with the District Magistrate and subject to such conditions and in
such manner as may be prescribed, release temporarily, on furlough, any
prisoner who has been sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not less than
five years, and who-
(a) has, immediately before the date of his temporary release,
undergone imprisonment for a period of three years,
excluding remission;
418
(b) has not during such period committed any jail offence and has
earned at least three annual good conduct remissions:
Provided that nothing herein shall apply to a prisoner who-
(i) is a habitual offender as defined in 1[clause (d) of section 2 of the
Himachal Pradesh Habitual Offenders Act, 1969 (Act No. 8 of
1970)]; or
(ii) has been convicted of robbery or dacoity or such other offence as
the Government may, by notification, specify.
(2) The period of furlough for which a prisoner is eligible under sub-
section (1) shall be three weeks during the first year of his release and two
weeks during each successive year thereafter.
(3) Subject to the provisions of clause (d) of sub-section (3) of section
8, the period of release referred to in sub-section (1) shall count towards the
total period of the sentence of a prisoner.
1 Subs. for "clause (3) of section 2 of the Punjab Habitual Offenders (Control and
Reform) Act, 1952" by A.O. 1973.
419
5. Exclusion of certain days in computing period under sections 3
and 4.- For the purpose of calculating the period of temporary release of a
prisoner under sections 3 and 4, the days of departure from and arrival at the
prison shall be excluded.
6. Prisoners not entitled to be released in certain cases .-
Notwithstanding anything contained in sections 3 and 4, no prisoner shall be
entitled to be released under this Act, if, on the report of the District
Magistrate, the Government or an officer authorised by it in this behalf is
satisfied that his release is likely to endanger the security of the State or the
maintenance of public order.
7. Journey expenses of poor prisoners to be borne by the
Government.- If, on the report of the District Magistrate, the Government is
satisfied that a prisoners's family cannot bear the expenses of his journey from
and to the prison after his temporary release under this Act, the expenses may
be borne by the Government to such extent and in such manner as may be
prescribed.
8. Liability of prisoner to surrender on expiry of release period
and consequences of overstaying .- (1) On the expiry of the period for which
a prisoner is released under this Act, he shall surrender himself to the
Superintendent of the jail from which he was released.
(2) If a prisoner does not surrender himself as required by sub-section
(1) within a period of ten days from the date on which he should have so
surrendered, he may be arrested by any police officer without a warrant and
shall be remanded to undergo the unexpired portion of his sentence.
(3) If a prisoner surrenders himself to the Superintendent of the jail
from which he was released within a period of ten days of the date on which
he should have so surrendered, but fails to satisfy the Superintendent of the
jail that he was prevented by any sufficient cause from surrendering himself
immediately on the expiry of the period for which he was released, all or any
of the following penalties shall, after affording the prisoner a reasonable
opportunity of being heard, be awarded to him by the Superintendent of the
jail, namely,-
(a) a maximum cut of five days' remission for each day of overstay;
(b) stoppage of canteen concession for a maximum period of one
month;
(c) withholding concession of either interviews or letters or both for a
maximum period of three months;
(d) the period of temporary release on furlough of the prisoner under
section 4 shall not be counted towards his sentence;
(e) warning; and
420
H.P. GOOD CONDUCT PRISONERS (TEMPORARY
RELEASE) 5
ACT, 1968
(f) reduction from the status and grade of "Convict Watchman" or "Convict
Overseer".
9. Penalty for failure to surrender .- Any prisoner who is liable to be arrested
under sub-section (2) of section 8, shall be punishable with imprisonment of either
description which may extend to two years or with fine or with both.
Explanation.- The punishment in this section is in addition to the punishment
awarded to the prisoner for the offence for which he was convicted.
10. Power to make rules.- (1) The Government may, by notification, make rules5
for carrying out the purposes of this Act.
(2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power,
such rules may provide for ,-
(a) the execution by the prisoner (including his sureties) of bond for his good
behaviour during the release period and for his surrender on the expiry of such
period;
(b) the amount for which and the form and manner in which such bonds shall be
furnished;
(c) the forfeiture of the amount of bond in case of breach of any of its terms;
(d) the conditions on which and the manner in which prisoners may be released
temporarily under this Act;
(e) the manner in which the District Magistrate shall be consulted before a prisoner
is released; and
(f) the extent to which and the manner in which journey expenses of poor prisoners
shall be borne by the Government.
(3) All rules under this section shall, as soon as may be after they are made, be laid
before the Legislative Assembly.
11. Repeal and savings.- The Punjab Good Conduct Prisoners (Temporary Release)
Act, 1962 (Act No. 11 of 1962) as in force in the areas added to Himachal Pradesh under
section 5 of the Punjab Re-organisation Act, 1966 (Act No. 31 of 1966) is hereby repealed:
Provided that anything done or any action taken under the said Act, shall, in so far
as it is not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, be deemed to have been done or
taken under this Act.
5. The rules made vide Not. No. 1-9/69.Home(Jails) dated the 1st December, 1969 (Appended).
421
THE HIMACHAL PRADESH GOOD CONDUCT PRISONERS
(TEMPORARY RELEASE) RULES, 1969
HOME DEPARTMENT
NOTIFICATION
Shimla-2,the 1st December, 1969
No 1-9/69-Home(Jails) .- In exercise of the powers conferred by
section 10 of the Himachal Pradesh Good Conduct Prisoners (Temporary
Release ) Act, 1968 (Act No.12 of 1969) the Administrator of Himachal
Pradesh is pleased to make the following rules :-
1. Short title .- (1) These rules may be called the Himachal Pradesh
Good Conduct Prisoners (Temporary Release) Rules, 1969.
(2) These rules shall come into force at once.
2. Definitions .- In these rules, unless the context otherwise requires,-
(a) "Act" means the Himachal Pradesh Good Conduct Prisoners
(Temporary Release) Act, 1968 (Act No. 12 of 1969);
(b) "Form" means a Form appended to these rules;
(c) "Inspector General" means the Inspector General of Prisons,
Himachal Pradesh;
(d) "Releasing Authority" means the Government or such other
authority to whom the powers of the Government are delegated
under sub-section (4) of section 3 or sub-section (1) of section 4
of the Act;
(e) "section" means a section of the Act.
3. Procedure for temporary release .- (1) A prisoner desirous of
seeking temporary release under section 3 or section 4 of the Act shall make
an application in Form `A-1', Form `A-2',as the case may be, to the
Superintendent of Jail. Such an application may also be made by an adult
member of the prisoners' family.
1
[(2) The Superintendent of Jail shall forward the application of a
prisoner within 24 hours of its receipt along with his report to the District
Magistrate of the district to which the convict belongs. The District Magistrate
before making any recommendations shall, with the consultation of the
Superintendent of Police, verify the facts and grounds on which temporary
release has been requested and shall also give their opinion whether the
1. Sub-rules (2) and (3) subs. vide Not. No. Home-B(A) 3-38/75 -Jails, dated
5.10.1985, published in R.H.P. 15.9.1990, p. 1051-1052.
422
temporary release on parole/furlough is opposed on ground of prisoner's
presence being dangerous to the security of State or prejudicial to the
maintenance of Public Order. The District Magistrate shall complete the
process of consultation with the Superintendent of Police and forward his
recommendations within one week to the Inspector General of Prisons
(Releasing Authority) together with report of Superintendent Jail, who shall
decide the parole/ furlough case ordinarily within a period of three days from
the date of receipt of the recommendations of the District Magistrate.
In the event of the serious illness of close relation i.e. father, mother,
brother, sister, spouse or child of the prisoner, the application should be
processed more expeditiously. However in the event of death of the close
relation i.e. father, mother, brother, sister, spouse or child of the prisoner, the
Superintendent of the Jail shall also be the competent authority to release a
prisoner on parole for a period not exceeding fifteen days.
The Superintendent of Jail should release a prisoner on parole
immediately on receipt of a death certificate, provided he satisfies himself
independently within reasonable time about the genuineness of the certificate.
For satisfying himself he will approach the concerned Police Station by
wireless and verify about the truth of the death and the exact relation of the
prisoner with the deceased in order to ascertain the nearness of the
relationship.
The Superintendent of Jail shall also take into consideration the
prisoner's past criminal history and behaviour in the prison since admission as
recorded in his case file and the likelihood of his not abusing the concession
of parole, if granted.
The Superintendent of Jail shall without fail submit the case file of the
prisoner to whom parole is thus granted, to the Inspector General of Prisons
enabling him to ensure that the Superintendent has used proper discretion in
effecting the release.
(3) The District Magistrate, while recommending the parole/ furlough
cases of Prisoners will specify whether the prisoner shall be required to
furnish the security bond or personal bond or both. He shall also indicate the
amount of such bond(s) with due regard to the circumstances of cases. Such
amount shall not in any event be excessive and shall not be mechanically
fixed. While recommending release of the prisoner on his furnishing a
personal bond, his family ties and relationships, his reputation, character and
monetary conditions and his roots in the community shall be taken into
consideration.
If after making such enquiry as it may deemed fit, the Releasing
Authority is satisfied that the prisoner is entitled to be released under the Act,
the Releasing Authority may issue to the Superintendent of Jail a duly signed
and sealed warrant in Form `B' ordering the temporary release of the prisoner,
423
specifying therein, (1) the period of release of the prisoner, (2) the place or
places which the prisoner is allowed to visit during the period of such
temporary release and the amount, as may be specified by the District
Magistrate for which the security bond or personal bond shall be furnished by
the prisoner in Form `C' or `D' respectively.
In case of second and subsequent release on parole/furlough the
Releasing Authority shall be competent to order release of the prisoner on the
recommendation of Superintendent of Jail concerned provided that the
convict/ prisoner maintained good behaviour during the previous release(s)
and nothing adverse was reported against him.]
(4) On receipt of the release warrant the Superintendent of Jail shall
inform the prisoner concerned and such member of the prisoner's family as the
prisoner may specify in that behalf for making arrangements for execution of
the security and surety bonds in Forms C and D, respectively for securing the
release of the prisoner. A copy of the release warrant shall also be sent by the
Superintendent of Jail to the District Magistrate.
(5) On receipt of the information from the District Magistrate that the
necessary bonds have been furnished, the Superintendent of Jail shall release
the prisoner for such period as is specified in the release warrant.
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H.P. GOOD CONDUCT PRISONERS (TEMPORARY RELEASE) 4
RULES, 1969
(6) The Superintendent of Jail shall also immediately forward to the officer in charge of
the Police Station within whose jurisdiction the place or places to be visited by the prisoner is or
are situated, a copy of the warrant and the release certificate in Form E. The officer in charge of
the Police Station shall keep a watch on the conduct and activities of the prisoner and shall submit
a report relating thereto to the Superintendent of Jail who shall forward the same to the Inspector
General.
(7) The date of release as well as the date on which the prisoner surrenders himself under
sub-section (1) of section 8 of the Act shall be reported by the Superintendent of Jail to the
Inspector General who will inform the Government accordingly.
4. Committing of any offence during temporary release .(1) If the prisoner commits
any offence during the period of his temporary release, the officer in charge of the Police Station
shall forthwith, and in any case not later than twenty-four hours of his coming to know of the
commission of the offence, send a report thereof to the Superintendent of Jail and to the
Superintendent of Police of the District. Section 10(1)
(2) On receipt of report under sub-rule (1) the Superintendent of Jail shall forthwith send
the same to the Inspector General for being forwarded to the Releasing Authority, who may
thereafter cancel the release warrant.
5. Warrant to be cancelled where prisoner commits any offence.-If any major Jail
offence is committed by the prisoner between the date of application for release and the receipt of
the warrant for such release of prisoner shall not be released by the Superintendent without the
previous approval of the Inspector General. In case the approval is not given, the Superintendent
of Jail shall return the release warrant to the Releasing Authority through the Inspector General
for cancellation indicating the details of the offence committed by the prisoner. The Releasing
Authority may on receipt of such report, cancel the release warrant.
Section 10(1).
6. Expenses of journey .- Third class railway passes for journey both ways to the railway
station nearest to the place of destination or the bus fare to the place of residing both ways will be
issued by the Superintendent of Jail on the report of the District Magistrate if the Government is
satisfied that the prisoner's family cannot bear the expenses of his journey from and to the prison
after his temporary release. Section 10(1)(f)
7. Prisoner to be informed of the date of Surrender and consequences of failure
thereof.- (1) Before a prisoner is allowed to leave the Jail on temporary release under the Act, he
shall be informed by the Superintendent of Jail personally, about the date on which he has to
surrender himself to the Jail and of the consequences of his failure to do so, as provided in
sections 8 and 9 of the Act.
(2)............................. Sections 8 & 10(2)(d)
8. Release of Female Prisoners .- A female prisoner 2[ordered] to be temporarily
released under the Act shall be transferred to the Jail which is nearest to the place which she
intends to visit during her temporary release. She shall be released from that Jail and shall return
to that Jail. If she so desires, the Superintendent of the Jail from which she is transferred shall
intimate to such member of her family as she may specify in that behalf the date of her release
and the Jail from which she is to be released. Section 10(2)(d)
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9. Release Certificate .- (1) A prisoner who is temporarily released under these rules
shall be given a release certificate in Form E, a copy whereof shall be retained in 3[XXXXX] Jail
record. Section 10(1)
10. Forfeiture of Bonds and credit of amounts forfeited .- The forfeiture of the
amounts of security/surety bonds shall be regulated under the provisions of Code of Criminal
Procedure, 18984, and the amount so forfeited shall be credited under Receipt Head XVIII-Misc.
Jails Receipt Fines and Forfeitures. Section
10(1)&10(2)(c)
11. Expenditure of Railway 5[or] Bus fares .- The expenditure on account of railway
6
[or] bus fares, 5[as the case may be,] of deserving prisoners shall be met out of the contingencies
of respective Jails under Major Head 22-Jails.
Section 10(1)
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