District and Sessions Judge-cum-Chairperson of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Amritsar, Jatinder Kaur, on Wednesday inspected Amritsar Central Jail to assess inmate welfare, living conditions and compliance with legal and human rights standards.
She was accompanied by DLSA Secretary Amardeep Singh Bains, along with officials from the civil and jail administrations.
During the visit, the inspection team reviewed various sections of the jail, including barracks, wards, the kitchen, hospital, transit camp and other facilities. Special focus was laid on the quality of food served to inmates, sanitation and hygiene standards, healthcare services, security arrangements and overall living conditions inside the prison.
Kaur interacted with the inmates as well as internees housed in the transit camp. They were encouraged to raise grievances, concerns and suggestions regarding their stay and treatment in the jail. The inmates were specifically asked about any instances of harassment, discrimination, maltreatment or denial of legal and human rights.
No complaints related to discrimination, ill-treatment or violation of rights were reported during the interaction.
The inspection team also verified that no prisoner or internee was being subjected to illegal or undue detention. Various statutory records and registers maintained by the jail administration were examined, while representations and petitions submitted by inmates were heard and reviewed. Matters requiring further action were directed to be processed in accordance with legal provisions and forwarded to the competent authorities wherever necessary.
The DLSA Chairperson also reviewed ongoing correctional, welfare and rehabilitation programmes being implemented in the jail. She also offered suggestions aimed at enhancing inmate welfare, improving living conditions and strengthening correctional administration.
