Ranchi — Taking serious note of allegations regarding poor food being served to inmates, the Jharkhand High Court has directed the state government to conduct a thorough inquiry into food quality across all prisons.
The order was issued during proceedings related to a case involving complaints from Birsa Munda Central Jail in Hotwar, Ranchi. The bench, led by Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad, was hearing a criminal appeal by Akash Kumar Rai when concerns over inadequate food were brought to its attention.
Responding to the issue, the court required the appearance of Jail Superintendent Sudarshan Murmu and Jailer Luvkush Kumar. Both officials appeared in court and submitted a detailed report asserting that meals were being provided as per the jail manual and that corrective actions had been initiated.
The court was also informed that the Home Secretary and the IG (Prisons) had earlier filed a statewide affidavit outlining the food situation in district jails. According to the government, noticeable improvements have been made and all prisons are now following prescribed standards.
In a bid to strengthen inmate facilities, the court approved the setting up of a prison canteen and held that any lapse in food supply would be the responsibility of the jailer concerned.
The court further directed JHALSA and DLSA to undertake surprise checks in district jails and file a detailed report within two weeks. The matter will be heard next on December 11, with instructions for JHALSA to circulate the order to all DLSA chairpersons for compliance.
With inputs from IANS