Four prisoners have filed a contempt petition in the Supreme Court against members of a State-appointed high-powered committee for not releasing prisoners on emergency parole due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, four prisoners, who were transferred from Yerwada jail to Satara district prison tested positive. The petition said the committee consisting of the chairman of the State Legal Services, principal secretary of Home Department, and Director General of Prisons was constituted by the State government to determine which class of prisoners will be released. “However, only 74 prisoners were released on temporary basis after a decision of the committee,” the SLP said. “The HC had directed that a representation be made to the committee, but it has been repeatedly failing to respond,” the plea alleged.

Source: The Hindu May 07, 2020 21:15 UTC