Nagaland DLSAs join UTRC campaign to expedite release of undertrial prisoners

Dimapur, October 19 (MExN): As part of the Under Trial Review Committee (UTRC) Special Campaign 2023 conducted by National Legal Services Authority with the all the State Legal Services Authorities, the District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) under the aegis of Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) held UTRC meetings with the aim to accelerate regular functioning of UTRCs and review all eligible undertrial prisoners (UTPs) on October 18.

The PRA, NSLSA in a press release stated that the meetings across the districts were held to expedite the identification and review of prisoners who are eligible to be considered for release. In the weekly meetings, the district level committee is headed by the District & Sessions Judge, with District Magistrate; Superintendent of Police; Secretary, District Legal Services Authority and Officer in-charge of Prisons as members. It discuss progress, review additional cases, and discuss further action in cases where the bail applications have been rejected and updates details of Individual Cases. 

Wokha DLSA: Wokha DLSA conducted the 3rd UTRC Special Campaign at the chamber of Wokha DLSA Secretary on October 18. The committee reviewed the cases recommended on the last meeting and discussed the case status of four UTPs and referred four for Legal Aid to represent their cases. The committee further recommended three UTPs and directed the concerned Legal Aid counsel to take further steps for modification of bail surety. As per report from the jailor, there were 37 UTPs and five Convicts presently lodged at District Wokha. 

Mokokchung DLSA: Mokokchung DLSA conducted 2nd weekly UTRC meeting in regard to UTRC special campaign. The committee identified two UTPs who were eligible for default bail and one UTP who is already on bail but cannot provide surety. The committee instructed an Investigation officer to file chargesheet at the earliest and also instructed the front office to contact family members for surety. 

Dimapur DLSA: Dimapur DLSA conducted the weekly Under Trial Review Committee Special Campaign 2023 at District Court Complex. The committee reviewed cases recommended on the previous meeting and three UTPs were granted bail and for the rest bail petition were filed accordingly. 

Zunheboto DLSA: Zunheboto DLSA conducted the UTRC meeting at District Jail, Zunheboto and visited and interacted with the UTPs. The committee identified and recommended three UTPs and directed the Panel Lawyers and concerned Advocates to take necessary steps. At present there are 15 UTPs and five convicts.

Phek DLSA: Phek DLSA held the UTRC meeting at District Judge Chamber. During the meeting, a UTP to be released on bail under section 167 CrPC and one released on bail today basing on the previous UTRC recommendation. Another UTP was provided legal aid counsel.

Mon DLSA: Mon DLSA conducted 3rd UTRC Meeting at District and Session Court Mon. There were 31 UTPs and 32 convicts at District Jail Mon. The committee also after examining the status report recommended seven UTPs who are eligible to go on default bail. The committee also had a brief discussion on how to set up Skill development program for the prisoners, and the jail authority reported that some of the jail warders are undergoing first aid/nursing at Dimapur as required by the jail authority. The committee also highlighted to approach the District Hospital Authority Mon to set up separate room for UTPs/ convicts with Toilet attachment and proper facility required for the prisoner. 

Kohima DLSA: Kohima DLSA in continuation of the UTRC Special Campaign conducted 3rd UTRC Meeting on October 18 at the district court complex. At present, there were 94 UTPs (4 Female and 90 Male). The committee members reviewed the steps taken in the last UTRC meeting minutes. Further, four cases were recommended for bail by the committee.