Bandipora UTRC reviews 11 undertrial cases, recommends release of one prisoner
Mir Aatif
Bandipora, Nov 3 (KINS): Principal District and Sessions Judge Bandipora and Chairperson of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Jeema Bashir, on Tuesday chaired the fourth meeting of the Undertrial Review Committee (UTRC) at the New District Court Complex, Bandipora, to review cases of undertrial prisoners and assess their eligibility for release under the law.
The meeting was attended by District Magistrate Bandipora Indu Kanwal Chib, Senior Superintendent of Police Tahir Saleem Khan, DLSA Secretary Sheikh Babar Hussain, Superintendent of District Jail Kupwara Barkat Ahmad Dar, Superintendent of District Jail Baramulla Syed Gazanafar and Public Prosecutor, Additional Sessions Court Bandipora, Iftikar Hassan. The Superintendents of Central Jail Srinagar, Central Jail Kot Bhalwal, Jammu, and District Jail Amphalla, Jammu, participated in the meeting through virtual mode.
The committee conducted a preliminary review of 11 eligible cases of undertrial prisoners. Following a detailed examination, it recommended the release of Mohd. Akbar Lone, who falls under Category 04, through the concerned Judicial Magistrate, subject to the completion of legal formalities and due process.
However, the release of Manzoor Ahmad Sofi was not recommended, as he has already been convicted by a competent court.
The committee also examined the case of Abid Ahmad Waza, whose medical condition was brought to its notice. Taking note of the matter, it directed the jail authorities to constitute a Standing Medical Board, conduct a comprehensive medical examination and submit a detailed report to the concerned court within 15 days.
Regarding other undertrial prisoners falling under Category 11 who require medical attention, the committee did not recommend their release, observing that their medical conditions did not meet the prescribed criteria of life-threatening or chronic, lifelong illnesses. However, the jail authorities were directed to ensure regular medical examinations and submit reports to the respective courts.
The cases of three other undertrial prisoners — Mst. Suraya, Mst. Muneera and Mrs. Tahira Begum — were also not recommended for release, as they are facing trial in cases involving offences punishable with life imprisonment under the relevant provisions of law.
The committee reiterated the importance of periodic reviews of undertrial cases to ensure that eligible prisoners are not deprived of the legal remedies available to them. It also emphasised the need for timely judicial review and better coordination among the concerned authorities to safeguard the rights of undertrial prisoners and facilitate access to justice.
Bandipora UTRC reviews 11 undertrial cases, recommends release of one prisoner
