New Delhi, Feb 05: The Supreme Court on Thursday favoured
establishing exclusive jails in all states for terrorists and
militants to avoid security threat in overcrowded prisons.
"There should be a separate prison in all states for
terrorists and militants," a Bench comprising Chief Justice K
G Balakrishnan and Justice P Sathasivam said when it was
alleged that militants get help from jail staff to escape.
The Bench accepted the contention that terrorists and
militants should not be lodged in 'overcrowded' jails with
other convicts and under-trials as it poses a security risk.
It said some directions could be given on this aspect
provided the petitioner amends the prayers and comes out with
more suggestions on the issue of bringing about reforms in the
jails.
However, the court was not in agreement with the
suggestion that the Centre should have the power to supervise
working of jails across the country.
"We cannot confer power to the Centre to supervise
(functioning of jails). Law and order is a state subject," the
Bench said.
The court's remarks came when advocate D K Garg said
that after the November 26 Mumbai terror attacks, the Centre
decided to set up a special centralised force to counter
terrorism and, on similar lines, separate jails should be set
up for lodging militants.
Bureau Report
First Published: Thursday, February 05, 2009, 00:00