As part of the Undertrial Review Committee Special Campaign 2023 from September 18 to November 20, National Legal Services Authority with all State Legal Services Authorities, District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) conducted UTRC meetings on October 18, with the aim to accelerate regular functioning of UTRCs and review all eligible undertrial prisoners (UTPs).
A press release by PRA, NSLSA, stated that the meetings across the districts were held to expedite identification and review of prisoners who were eligible to be considered for release.
In the weekly meetings, district level committee, headed by District & Sessions Judge, with District Magistrate, Superintendent of Police, Secretary, DLSA and Officer in-charge of Prisons as members, discussed progress, review additional cases, and discussed further action in cases where bail applications were rejected and updates details of Individual Cases.
Wokha DLSA conducted the third UTRC Special Campaign at chamber of Wokha DLSA Secretary on October 18. The committee reviewed cases recommended on last meeting and discussed case status of four UTPs and referred 4 for legal aid to represent their cases. The committee further recommended three UTPs and directed concerned legal aid counsel to take further steps for modification of bail surety.
As per report from the jailor, there were 37 UTPs and five convicts lodged at District Wokha.
Mokokchung DLSA conducted second weekly UTRC meeting in regard to UTRC special campaign. The committee identified two UTPs who were eligible for default bail and one UTP who was already on bail but could provide surety.
Dimapur DLSA conducted weekly UTRC special campaign at District Court Complex. The committee reviewed cases recommended on previous meeting and three UTPs were granted bail and for the rest bail, petitions were filed accordingly.
Zunheboto DLSA conducted the UTRC meeting at District Jail, Zunheboto and visited and interacted with UTPs. The committee identified and recommended three UTPs and directed panel lawyers and concerned advocates to take necessary steps. At present there are 15 UTPs and five convicts.
Phek DLSA held the UTRC meeting at District Judge Chamber. During the meeting, one UTP to be released on bail under section 167 Cr.P.C and one released on bail basing on previous UTRC recommendation. Another UTP was provided legal aid counsel.
Mon DLSA conducted its third UTRC Meeting at District and Session Court Mon. There were 31 UTPs and 32 convicts at District Jail Mon. The committee after examining the status report recommended seven UTPs who were eligible to go on default bail. The committee also had brief discussion on how to set up Skill development program for prisoners, and jail authority reported that some of jail warders were undergoing first aid/nursing at Dimapur as required by jail authority.
Kohima DLSA conducted third UTRC Meeting at district court complex. At present, there are 94 UTPs. The committee members reviewed steps taken in the last UTRC meeting minutes.