Rape,murder accused enjoy better facilities in jail

Advocate Arora had sought this information under the RTI from the Jail officials. The facilities given to prisoners and under trials,Arora says,is in complete violation of Punjab Jails manual.

An analysis of the data shows that the convicts and under-trials,who are enjoying class-B facilities in Model Jail,Chandigarh include seven prisoners involved in murder,one in dowry killing,four members of the same family involved in abetment to suicide,one in attempt to murder and one in kidnapping for ransom.

Others,availing of the better facilities in the Burail Jail,include a Police official involved in a case of gang rape.

Non-habitual prisoners of good character and prisoners who by social status,education and habit of life are eligible for grant of better-class facilities in Jails are given class-B facilities.

However,those prisoners who are convicted for offences involving elements of cruelty,moral degradation or personal greed,those who are convicted for serious or pre-meditated violence etc are not eligible for grant of better class facilities in the Punjab and Chandigarh Jails under provisions of Para 576-A and Para 576-B of the Punjab Jail Manual.

“The information made available reveals that cases of murder and rape are not being treated as acts of serious violence,” said Advocate H C Arora.

Better class facilities generally include the facility to get food cooked separately,or to eat home-cooked food,more newspapers,more magazines,more visitors,bedding and exemption from difficult jobs.