The court’s interim order came in response to petitions filed by the relatives of three prisoners, including two alleged Muslim fundamentalists, Panna Ismail and Bilal Malick
The Madras High Court has sought an explanation from the Tamil Nadu Home Secretary and the Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services over the reported smuggling of prohibited items into high-security prisons across the state. The court has demanded answers regarding how such contraband, including mobile phones and ganja, is entering the facilities despite security arrangements.
A division bench comprising Justices S M Subramaniam and V Lakshminarayanan issued the directive on Friday, instructing the Director General of Prisons to investigate the breaches and submit a detailed report. “The respondents also have to explain how prohibited items, including mobile phones and ganja, are being permitted inside the prison despite the security arrangements in all the prisons across the state. The manner in which the security breach is committed must also be examined by the DGP for Prisons and Correctional Services,” the bench stated in its order.
Allegations Of Assault
The court’s interim order came in response to petitions filed by the relatives of three prisoners, including two alleged Muslim fundamentalists, Panna Ismail and Bilal Malick. The petitioners alleged that the inmates were assaulted by prison officials at the Puzhal Central Prison and denied proper medical treatment for their injuries.
According to advocate P Pugalenthi, representing the petitioners, the alleged assault followed a quarrel between the prisoners and jail officials over the seizure of a mobile phone. He claimed that the inmates were “indiscriminately beaten,” resulting in serious injuries.
State’s Response
Additional Public Prosecutor E Raj Thilak, however, offered a different account, stating that the prisoners had attacked jail officials first, forcing the latter to defend themselves.
In light of these conflicting claims, the court directed the Dean of Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (RGGGH) to form a medical team to examine the injured prisoners. The examination was ordered to be conducted on Friday afternoon, with a report due by 21 January.
Focus On Security Lapses
The court expressed serious concerns over recurring security lapses in the state’s prisons. It emphasised that the issue of prohibited items entering high-security facilities must be thoroughly investigated and addressed. The bench highlighted the need for an explanation regarding the apparent shortcomings in existing security measures.
The case has been adjourned to 21 January, with the court directing the relevant authorities to file a counter-affidavit addressing both the security breaches and the allegations of assault.
Larger Implications
The incident sheds light on broader challenges in maintaining security and discipline in high-security prisons, raising questions about enforcement measures and the accountability of prison authorities. The court’s directive underscores the urgent need to resolve these issues and ensure the integrity of the state’s prison system.
