Ranchi Judicial Commissioner offers free legal aid for prisoners still in jail despite being granted bail
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Ranchi, Dec 23: Ranchi Judicial Commissioner Diwakar Pandey announced today that prisoners who have been granted bail…
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, Dec 23: Ranchi Judicial Commissioner Diwakar Pandey announced today that prisoners who have been granted bail but remain in jail due to their inability to meet the conditions of the bail bond can seek assistance from the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Ranchi.
“They will be provided free legal counsel who will take the necessary actions in the appropriate court to modify the conditions of the bail bond,” he said.
During his inspection of Birsa Munda Central Jail, Pandey also encouraged convicted prisoners who have not yet filed appeals to do so through DLSA, Ranchi. He assured them that free legal aid and government-appointed lawyers would be made available for this purpose.
Inspection of Birsa Munda Central Jail
As part of his visit, Pandey inspected the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) programme running in the jail and inaugurated an education centre under the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). He thoroughly examined all jail wards, the kitchen, and other facilities.
He listened to prisoners’ grievances, issued directives for their swift resolution, and instructed the jail superintendent to install a kiosk within the facility. Highlighting the prisoners’ rights, he said, “Prisoners are entitled to government-provided facilities. We must ensure they are connected to these benefits. If they fall ill, they should receive proper treatment.”
Pandey emphasised that a medical camp has been arranged monthly on jail court days, following an order from the High Court. Special care must also be taken of elderly prisoners, he instructed.
Visit to Child Protection Home Dumardaga
The Judicial Commissioner also visited the Child Protection Home in Dumardaga, where he interacted with the children, informing them about the availability of legal aid. He advised them not to get involved in criminal activities after their release and encouraged them to focus on higher education to build a bright future.
He directed the Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs) working there to immediately provide the children and their families with updates on their cases and inform them about the free legal aid offered by DLSA, Ranchi.
While inspecting the facility, Pandey visited the medical clinic and the computer room built for the children. He directed the staff to start computer education classes as soon as possible. He also instructed the administration, through the District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) present, to expedite the construction of a shed for advocates and inspected the Video Conferencing (VC) room.
Officials Present
On this occasion, Chief Judicial Magistrate Chandan, DLSA Secretary Kamlesh Behra, LADC Chief Praveen Kumar Srivastava, LADC Assistant Saurabh Pandey, Jailer Veerendra Pratap, and other officials from Birsa Munda Central Jail, Child Protection Home staff, and PLVs were present.
