Tihar deaths: HC seeks explanation from Govt and jail official

The Delhi High Court seeks explanation from the NCT Govt and the Tihar jail authorities on a PIL seeking inquiry into the recent deaths of inmates in the largest prison of Asia.

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought explanation from the NCT Government and the Tihar jail authorities on a PIL seeking inquiry into the recent deaths of inmates in the largest prison of Asia.

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Observing that the condition of the jail is very pitiable, a Division Bench comprising Justice JP Singh and Justice S Murlidhar directed the Government and the Tihar Jail Superintendent to file their replies by June 18.

"Get the status report and file before the court. The report should be in the form of affidavit by senior officers," the Bench said.

A public interest litigation (PIL) was on Wednesday filed in the Court by Shalek Chand Jain, a social activist, seeking judicial inquiry into the deaths and challenging jail officials' claim that the deaths had taken place only due to prevailing heat wave condition.

"The jail authorities should be directed to improve the condition of the prison as required under its manual in the interest of justice," the petition said.

The deaths in central jail has become a routine as the other co-prisoners are very dangerous and they are free to exploit other inmates who are not provided sufficient protection from the jail authorities, Jain claimed.

It was also pointed out by Sugreev Dubey, counsel for the petitioner that even today a police constable died in the Tihar jail premises.

The petitioner contended that between June 7 and 11, these prisoners had died due to various reasons which needed to be inquired into.

He also claimed that the condition in the jail is very inhospitable and 50 per cent water supply has been cut in the jail in the recent times making life tough for prisoners.