Overcrowding in prisons: Remedies

from Good Governance Forum
to mail@supremecourt.gov.pk
date Jun 10, 2009 12:11 PM
subject Overcrowding in prisons: Remedies
mailed-by gmail.com

The Registrar
The Supreme Court of Pakistan
Islamabad

According to the news reported in the print media from time to time, there are 3-5 times more prisoners than the capacity in our jails. The latest news in 'The Nation' of 10th June reports that there 4,250 prisoners against capacity of 930 in Gujranwala Jail. In addition to the overcrowing in our jails, there are other multifarious problems in our jails relating to hygience, bathing, washrooms, food, medical care, sports, library, vocational training as well as accommodation for women prisoners and children living with them and the jouveniles.

It may take a long time to enhance the capacity and improve upon the living conditions of our jails throughout the country. As a first step, we appeal to the Supreme Court of Pakistan to order the following measures on priority.

1. All under-trial prisoners who have served the maximum sentence of their alleged crime without being formally convicted should be released.

2. All under-trial prisoners who are accused of petty crimes and whose trial is not completed in six months from the date of their arrest should be released on bail.

3. All prisoners who are serving their sentences for petty crimes because they could not pay the fine should be released by asking the district or provincial government to pay the fine on humanitarian grounds.

4. All cases pending in courts should be thoroughly reviewed by the prosecution branch and the cases be withdrawn if those cases are too weak to stand trial and lead to conviction.

5. All cases to be filed in courts should be thoroughly reviewed by the prosecution branch and only those cases should be submitted for trial where the prosecution branch has solid evidence to prove the allegations.

In view of the heaps of cases lying in the district courts, it is suggested that the district courts should work in two shifts and working hours should be rigidly enforced.

Submitted for the kind consideration of the Supreme Court of Pakistan for appropriate action as soon as possible to bring justice to the people and relieve the prisons of overcrowding and its accompanying problems.

Mumtaz A. Piracha
Founder
Good Governance Forum
Pakistan
Tel: 042-5503936
Cell: 0300-2265424