K Chakra Pani
On May 9, the Supreme Court suggested the concept of Open-Air Prisons to deal with the overcrowding of prisons.
A division Bench of Justices BR Gavai and Sandeep Mehta cited the Rajasthan open prison model as a way to solve not only overcrowding, but also help in the rehabilitation of prisoners.
The Bench observed: “Open-air prison camps is a solution to the overcrowding of prisons. Rajasthan has effectively implemented this concept. Apart from addressing the issue of congestion in prisons, we will also address the issue of rehabilitation of prisoners.”
The Court also discussed the e-Prisons Module which is made available to all the prisoners, informing them about their various rights and responsibilities. The Court directed the respective Legal Services Authorities that all prisoners are made aware of their right to legal aid.
Case name: Suhas Chakma v. Union of India, Diary No. – 19935/2020
Bench: Division Bench of Justice BR Gavai & Justice Sandeep Mehta