Court pulls up Govt on plight of POWs in Pak

Delhi High Court today took a serious view of the fact that a POW of unsound mind has been languishing in a Pakistani jail since 1965 and asked the central government what steps were being taken to ensure his and other POWs' release.

Delhi High Court on Wednesday took a serious view of the fact that a prisoner of war (POW) of unsound mind has been languishing in a Pakistani jail since 1965 and asked the central government what steps were being taken to ensure his and other POWs' release.

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A division bench comprising of Chief Justice Ajit Prakash Shah and Justice Manmohan asked the home ministry to file a detailed reply, as to what steps it has taken for the release of the prisoners, within four weeks and slated the matter for October 21, the next date of hearing.

"It's pathetic. A person who has lost his memory and has become of unsound mind, is languishing in jail for the last 44 years," the bench said.

The court was hearing a public interest petition seeking a direction to the government to take steps for the release of Anand Patri who has been in a Pakistan jail since 1965.

The petitioner contended before the court that the government is not taking keen interest to take care about the life and liberty of Patri and also asked for compensation for his legal heirs.

"It is the duty of our government to ensure their welfare, to get them back from Pakistan jail. As per records, it is clearly established that the centre has failed to perform its duty and is not vigilant," the petitioner contended.