Delhi HC issues notice in plea seeking appointment of Law Officers in Delhi jails

The Delhi High Court has today issued notice in a plea seeking a direction to the Delhi Government to appoint Law Officers in all jails in the National capital..The notice was issued by a Division Bench of Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Anup J Bhambhani to the Delhi Government and Director General, Prisons..The petition filed by the petitioner in person, advocate Amit Sahni seeks enforcement and compliance of Section 6 of Delhi Prison Act, 2000 in a time-bound manner. The section mandates that there shall be a Law Officer for every Jail..Law Officers are required to be appointed in all Jails to supervise all legal matters, reporting of day to day outcome of Court cases, appearing in Court along with Government Counsel, ensuring that each convict should get timely Free Legal Aid in an appropriate manner..Additionally, the Section also mandates that there shall be a Superintendent, Dy. Superintendent, a Medical Officer, and a welfare officer for every jail..The petition informs the Court that presently there are 16 Jails in Delhi. While Tihar has 9 jails, Mandoli has 6. Rohini also houses 1 jail..The petition contends that the compliance of section 6 is done in all respect except appointing Law Officer for every Jail as currently, there is only one Law Officer for all 16 Jails. This officer has his office at Prison Headquarters, Tihar, New Delhi..The petitioner had also made a representation to the Delhi Government and Director General of Prisons, but no action was taken..The matter will be next heard on August 29.