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CIVIL LIBERTIES
Management of Drug Addicts Under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic
Substances (NDPS) Act, treatment is given only to those who are convicted.
However, the number of addicts who are imdertrials is greater than those who
are convicts. The facilities for treatment developed under the provisions of the
Act should be extended for treatment to all who need it. Suitable NGOs should
be identified and requested to adopt affected prisoners while they are still in the
jail, so that the treatment of the prisoners can continue even after they are
released and they can be properly rehabilitated. The Government of the NCThas
been requested to draw up an appropriate programme in this regard.
Board of Visitors The Board of Visitors constituted imder Rule 12 of the Delhi
Prison (Visitors) Rules, 1988, is an important institutional arrangement
involving civil society in keeping a watch on the jail administration. It comprises
both official and non-official members. No official visitor has been appointed
after 30 September 1996, nor has the Board of \fisitors visited the jail. The
Commission recommended immediate constitution of the Board ofVisitors and
enforcement of this statutory provision.
Undertrials A niunber of undertrials were languisljiing in the jail for unduly
long periods, although they had been granted bail, as they were unable to
furnish the surety as prescribed by the Court. It was recommended by the
Commission that all cases of imdertrials should be examined individually by the
jail administration in the light of the directions issued by the Supreme Court in
the 'Common Cause' case in order to identify those who are entitled to be
released on personal bond and the concerned courts should be moved
accordingly. It was added that the observations recorded on the court lock-ups
may be forwarded to the Registrar of the Delhi High Court with the request that
they may be brought to the notice of the Chief Justice for appropriate action.
Women Prisoners It was decided that the State Commission for Women may
be requested to visit the jail and hear the grievances of women inmates
individually and take appropriate action to redress their grievances.
Repair and Maintenance of Buildings Regarding the suggestion for allot
ment of 10 per cent of the total budget to the Prison Administration for under
taking minor repairs, it was decided that the jail administration may directly
take up the matter with the Government ofNCT ofDelhiforits consideration.
NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION