HC seeks explanation from DP Commissioner over Tihar inmates

NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court on Friday sought an explanation from the city Police Commissioner for lodging 31 people, accused of committing minor offences, in Tihar jail on June 19, a day after it passed the order to release 600 inmates in order to decongest the prison.

"The Delhi Police Commissioner is to file affidavit disclosing the particulars of 31 people lodged in Tihar jail on June 19, booked under section 107 (Security for keeping the peace) read with 151 (Arrest to prevent commission of cognizable offence) of Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC)," the court said.

"The affidavit would further disclose why these people were directed to be taken in custody instead of only directing them to report to the local police station twice in a day."

A division bench comprising Justice Pradeep Nandrajog and Justice P K Bhasin passed the order on an application filed by Tihar jail authority seeking clarification of its June 18 order.

The jail authorities contended that despite the court order, 31 people were lodged by Delhi police on June 19.

The court passed the direction, on June 18, after going through the report of a three-member committee appointed by it which pointed out that recent death in the jail happened due to overcrowding and lack of proper facilities.

Complying to the court orders, Tihar jail authorities released 623 inmates on June 19.