[ 93 ]
GOVERNMENT OF PUDUCHERRY
HOME DEPARTMENT
(G.O. Ms. No. 73, Puducherry, dated 3rd August 2021)
NOTIFICATION
In exercise of the powers conferred under section 59 of the Prison
Act, 1894 (Central Act IX of 1894) and in supersession of the existing
Government of Puducherry, Home Department’s Notification issued in
G.O. Ms. No.7, dated 1st March 1969 and published in the Gazette of
Puducherry, Extraordinary No. 23, dated 1st March 1969, except as
respects things done or omitted to be done before such supersession,
the Lieutenant-Governor, Puducherry, hereby makes the following rules,
namely, “The Puducherry Prison Rules, 2021” and published for the
general information.
(By order of the Lieutenant-Governor)
M.V. HIRAN,
Under Secretary to Government (Home).
Amflºƒˆ \VWÈ ∂´E>µ
La Gazette de L' État de Poudouchéry
The Gazette of Puducherry
PART - II
E≈©A ÿkπX|
EXTRAORDINAIRE
EXTRAORDINARY
∂]ÔV´D ÿ√u≈
Publiée par
Published by
ÿkπX|
Autorité
Authority
Registered with the Registrar
of Newspapers for India under
No. 10410
Registered No.
PY/44/2021-23
®ı
Amflºƒˆ
ÿƒÀkVF¬˛wÁ\ 2021 } gÔ¸‚ | 17 {
No. 20
Poudouchéry Mardi
17
Août
2021
No.
Puducherry
Tuesday
17th
August
2021
(26 Sravana 1943)
94
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
PUDUCHERRY PRISON RULES, 2021
CHAPTER–1
PRELIMINARY
1. Short title, extent and commencement.— (1) These rules may
be called Puducherry Prison Rules, 2021.
(2) They shall extend to the Union territory of Puducherry.
(3) They shall come into force immediately.
2. Definitions.— In these rules unless the context otherwise
requires:- (i) “Act” means, the Prisons Act, 1894 (Central Act IX of 1894)
and the Prisoners Act of 1900 (Central Act 3 of 1900);
(ii) “Adult Prisoner” means, any inmate who is more than
21 years of age;
(iii) “Assistant Jailer” means, Assistant Superintendent;
(iv) “Casual Prisoner” means, a convicted criminal prisoner
other than a habitual offender;
(v) “Chief Superintendent of Jails” means, the Head of the office
of the Jails Department for the purpose of Rule 14 of the Delegation of
Financial Powers Rules, 1978 and such other rules made applicable in
the Union Territory from time to time;
(vi) “Civil Prisoner” means, any prisoner who is not committed
to custody under a writ, warrant or order of any Court or authority
exercising criminal jurisdiction or by order of a Court martial and who is
not a detenue;
(vii) “Competent Authority” means, any officer having
jurisdiction and due legal authority to deal with a particular matter in
question;
(viii) “Convict” means, any prisoner under sentence of a Court
exercising criminal jurisdiction or Court martial and includes a person
detained in prison under the provisions of Chapter VIII of the Code of
Criminal Procedure, 1973 and the Prisoners Act, 1900 (Central Act 3 of
1900);
(ix) “Correctional Administration” means, the administration of
services aimed at the reformation and rehabilitation of the offenders;
95
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(x) “Correctional Officers” means, who works as a guard at a
Prison;
(xi) “Court” means, any officer lawfully exercising civil, criminal
or revenue jurisdiction;
(xii) “Detenue” means, any person detained in prison at the
order of the Competent Authority under the relevant preventive laws;
(xiii) “District Magistrate” means, the District Collector of the
District, where the prison is located;
(xiv) “Government” means, the Administrator of the Union
territory of Puducherry appointed by the President of India under
Article 239 of the Constitution;
(xv) “Geriatric Prisoner” means, a prisoner who has attained
60 years and above and medically unable to manage his/her daily affairs
independently without assistance;
(xvi) “Habitual Offender” means, a convicted criminal prisoner
classified by the Court as such in accordance with provision of law or
rules;
(xvii) “High Risk Offender” means, a prisoner with high
propensity towards violence, escape, self-harm, disorderly behavior, and
likely to create unrest in the jail and threat to public order. Also includes
persons intermittently suffering from suicidal tendencies and persons
with substance-related and addictive disorders suffering from
intermittent violent behavior;
(xviii) “History Ticket” means, the ticket exhibiting such
information as is required in respect of each prisoner by the Act or the
Rules thereunder;
(xix) “Imprisonment” means, imprisonment as defined in the
Indian Penal Code, 1860;
(xx) “Inmate” means, any person kept in an Institution;
(xxi) “Institution” means, a place where prisoners are lawfully
confined;
(xxii) “Inspector-General of Prisons” means, an officer appointed
as such by the Government under section 5 of the Prisons’ Act, 1894;
96
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(xxiii) “Law Officer” means, any officer appointed by
Government of Puducherry representing the Prison Department before
various Courts and rendering advice in the matters relating to
management of prison and prisoners liaison with Government Counsels;
(xxiv) “Magistrate” shall include every person exercising all or
any of the power of a Magistrate under the Code of Criminal Procedure;
1973;
(xxv) “Medical Officer” means, in relation to prisons, a gazetted
officer of the Government and includes qualified medical practitioners
declared by general or special orders of the government to be a medical
officer;
(xxvi) “Military Prisoner” means, a prisoner convicted by Court
Martial;
(xxvii) “Offence” means, any act or omission made punishable
by any law for the time being in force;
(xxviii) “Offender” includes a young offender and adult
convicted prisoner;
(xxix) “Parent Prison” means, Central Prison, Puducherry, to
which District Jails are attached for purposes of administration;
(xxx) “Prisoner” means, any person confined in prison under
the orders of a Competent Authority;
(xxxi) “Prisoner with Mental Illness” means, a person with
mental illness who is an under-trial or convicted of an offence and
detained in a jail or prison by an order (referred to in section 27 of the
Mental Healthcare Act, 2017);
(xxxii) “Prison” means, a goal or any place used permanently
or temporarily under the general of special orders of the Government
for the detention of prisoners, under section 417 of the Code of Criminal
Procedure, 1973 and includes all land and buildings thereto, but, does
not include.
(a) Any place for the confinement of prisoners who are
exclusively in the custody of Police.
(b) Any place specially appointed by the Government under
section 541 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1882
(10 of 1882);
97
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(xxxiii) “Probation Officer” means, an officer appointed as such
by the Government to undertake probation work under the Probation of
Offenders Act of 1958 or any other law;
(xxxiv) “Prohibited Articles” means, an article which is
prohibited and declared as such under the Prisons Act of 1894 or Rules
made thereunder;
(xxxv) “Remission System” means, the rules in force for
regulating the shortening of sentence of prisoners;
(xxxvi) “Remand Prisoner” means, a person who has been
remanded by Court to prison custody, pending investigation by the
Police;
(xxxvii) “Rules” means, the Puducherry Prison Rules, 2021;
(xxxviii) “Superintendent” means, a person who is appointed by
the Competent Authority to be in charge of a person with such
designation as it may specify;
(xxxix) “Union Territory” means, the Union territory of
Puducherry;
(xl) “Under-trial Prisoner” means, a person who has been
committed to prison custody pending investigation or trial by a
Competent Authority; and
(xli) “Young Offender” means, a person who has attained the
age of 18 years and has not attained the age of 21 years.
CHAPTER–2
CENTRAL PRISON AND PRISONERS TO BE CONFINED
3. Central Prison.— The Central Prison at Puducherry will be the
Central Prison for the Union Territory.
4. Confinement of Prisoners.— The following cases of prisoners
shall be confined in the Central Prison, Puducherry.
(a) All under-trial prisoners remanded to custody and pending
trial or preliminary investigation before any Criminal Court in Puducherry
Region.
(b) All under-trial prisoners from Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam
regions whose cases have been committed to Sessions Court.
98
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(c) All classes of prisoners convicted and sentenced to
imprisonment for below one week and for three months and above in
Puducherry region.
(d All classes of prisoners convicted and sentenced to
imprisonment for more than one month by the Court in Mahe region.
(e) All classes of prisoners convicted and sentenced to
imprisonment for above six months by the Court in Karaikal and Yanam
regions.
(f) All young offenders convicted and sentenced to
imprisonment for whatever term by the Court in Puducherry region.
(g) All young offenders convicted and sentenced to
imprisonment for more than six month by the Court in Karaikal, Mahe
and Yanam regions.
(h) All cases of women prisoners convicted and sentenced to
imprisonment for whatever term by the Court in Puducherry region.
(i) All classes of women prisoners convicted and sentenced to
imprisonment awarded by any Courts and are kept in Puducherry,
Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam regions.
(j) All civil prisoners committed to Prison by Civil Court in the
Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam regions.
(k) Prisoners in custody en-route from one station to another.
(l) Prisoner summoned to answer a charge or evidence before
the Court in Puducherry.
(m) Prisoners sent by transfer under order of the Inspector-General
of Prisons or Court.
(n) Prisoners convicted by Court Martials and transfer by
Competent Authority.
(o) Prisoners transferred under section 3 of the Transfer of
Prisoners Act, 1950 (Central Act XXIX of 1950).
(p) Prisoners sent to Prison under the Puducherry Prevention
of Anti-Social Activities Act, 2008, Conservation of Foreign Exchange
and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act, 1974, the Prevention of
Terrorism Act, 2002, Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act,
1985, National Security Act, 1980 and any other form of Preventive
Detention Act and Security prisoners.
99
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(q) Such other prisoners by General or Special Order by
Government or Courts to be detained.
(r) Mentally Ill prisoners with approval of the Courts for
observation.
CHAPTER–3
INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK
5. Prison structure.— (i) A diversified prison system is imperative
to meet the custodial and correctional needs of various categories of
prisoners. Each prison has to be constructed and maintained on the basis
of certain well-defined norms. The prison structure shall be designed to
provide all the necessary facilities for prisoners to be treated as human
beings and expose them to an environment conducive for their
reformation.
6. Criteria for the Establishment of Prison.— (i) The Government
will establish sufficient numbers of prisons, as far as possible, and
provide minimum needs essential to maintain standards of living in
consonance with human dignity.
(ii) Prisons will ensure that prisoners retain all their rights as
human beings within the limitations of imprisonment as per Article 21
of the Constitution of India.
(iii) Prisons will ensure separation of the following categories
of prisoners:
(a) Women prisoners
(b) Young offenders
(c) Under-trials
(d) Convicts
(e) Civil prisoners
(f) Detenues(Goondas)
(g) High risk prisoners
(h) Prisoners under POCSO Act
(i) Prisoners under NDPS Act
(j) Prisoners under COFEPOSA Act and other laws in force.
100
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(iv) The prisons’ administration will endeavour to prepare
prisoners to lead a law abiding, self-supporting, reformed and socially
rehabilitated life.
(v) Diversified Institutions will be set up according to
requirements.
(vi) In order to make prisons efficiently manageable units,
norms regarding maximum population for different types of prisons will
be laid down.
(vii) Service conditions of prison personnel shall be such as to
secure and retain the best- suited and qualified persons.
(viii) Efforts will be made to enlist community participation in
effective administration of prison programmes.
7. Institutional Pattern.— (1) Government will adequately provide
for the diversification of institutional resources to cater to the differential
requirements of prisoners in terms of custody and correction. The factors
to be considered will include age, sex, legal status of the prisoner, nature
of crime, length of sentence, security requirements, state of health and
correctional needs. Such a course implies the setting up of separate
institutional facilities for different categories of prisoners, such as:
(a) Prisons/Annexes/Yards for under-trial prisoners;
(b) Maximum security prisons/annexes/yards for High risk
prisoners and habitual or hardened offenders;
(c) Open prisons, semi-open prisons and open colonies/camps;
(d) Prisons/Annexes/Separate prison for women prisoners;
(e) Prisons/Annexes/Yards for young offenders;
(f) Prisons/Annexes/Special yards for those suffering from
infectious diseases;
(g) Prisons/Annexes/Yards for drug addicts;
(h) In prisons separate places for those arrested during
non-violent socio-political and economic agitation for a declared public
cause.
101
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(2) A mechanism will be established by the Government for the
classification of prisoners to be housed in various types of institutions
as enumerated in sub-rule (1) and shall lay down the procedure to be
followed. Authorized population for each type of institution and norms
with regard to area/space for prisoners as well as the number of prisoners
to be housed, have also to be specified as suggested in these rules.
This may also include facilities for education, vocational training, work
programmes/place and cultural activities, library, recreation, both indoor
and outdoor, yoga and meditation. Specifications for the staff to be
appointed in each type of institution may also be outlined. Apart from
various types of prisons for specific categories of prisoners, Government
may create temporary prisons to deal with emergent situations.
8. Prison Architecture:-Prison Architecture has to be based on
the following.— (i) The location of a new institution will be decided on
the basis of :-
(a) the functions which the institution has to perform;
b) the training and treatment emphasis; and
(c) programme content of the institution
(ii) New institutions will not be constructed near easily flooded
and inundated areas, frontiers and international borders, sub-marginal
land areas, sea-faces, airports and congested urban localities;
(iii) While selecting the site for new institutions, factors like
transport facilities, water supply, electric lighting, connections with high
power electric transmission lines, drainage and sewage, communication
facilities (such as posts, telegraphs, telephones and internet) climatic
conditions, facilities for the purchase of institutional supplies, have to
be taken into consideration. Also, institutions like Courts, Civil
Hospitals, Mental Health Centers, educational facilities for children of
prison personnel, should as far as possible be within easy reach;
(iv) No building, other than the prison, will be constructed
within 150 mtrs. of the prison wall of a Central Prisons, within 100 mtrs.
of the prison wall of a District Prison and within 50 mtrs. of the prison
wall of Sub-Prison;
102
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(v) The architecture of institutions will be governed by two
principles viz.
(a) adequate protection to society through the establishment
of security conditions; and
(b) adequate resources which would be necessary for the
successful implementation of various correctional
programmes. Institutional design and architecture have
to be functional.
(vi) The plan of an institution will be based on a careful
analysis of inmate population, age group, custodial requirement,
diversified work, educational programmes, etc.
(vii) Closed prisons are classified into threecategories, namely,
central prison, district prisons (special sub-jail) and Sub-jail. Authorized
population for these prisons will not exceed 1000,300 and 100 prisoners,
respectively.
(viii) There will be enough open space inside the perimeter wall
to allow proper ventilation and sunlight. The area enclosed within the
four walls of a prison will not be less than 83.61 sq. mtrs. per head
of total capacity. Where, land is scarce the minimum area will be
62.70 sq. mtrs. per prisoner.
(ix) No building inside a prison will be nearer than 50 mtrs. to
the perimeter wall.
(x) The area of an institution will be fixed in accordance with
the needs of an institutional programme.
(xi) The requirements of segregation of inmate groups within
an institution in accordance with the prescribed principles of
classification will be provided for in every building plan. The
requirements of administration and supervision will also be taken into
account while planning buildings.
(xii) Each region/division will have an institution for women
prisoners according to local requirements. Each central, district and sub-
prison will have an enclosure for women-prisoners.
103
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(xiii) The existing enclosures for women in common prisons will
be renovated to ensure that women prisoners do not come in view of
male prisoners during their passage to and from these enclosures. These
enclosures will have a double lock system-one lock outside and the other
inside, the keys of the latter always remaining with a woman guard
inside. The institutions/enclosures for women prisoners will have all the
requisite facilities with reference to their special needs such as
segregation, protection, pregnancy, child-birth and family care, health
care, training and rehabilitation, etc.
(xiv) Under-trials and detenues will be lodged in separate
institutions away from convicted prisoners.
(xv) Accommodation for prisoners will provide adequate cubic
contents of air, floor space, lighting, ventilation and climatic protection.
All constructions in prison department will adhere to ISI standards.
(xvi) A special cell with adequate technical staff will be set up
at the prison headquarter of the Union territory to plan, monitor and
supervise all constructions and repair works in the department.
(xvii) CCTV cameras shall be installed in worksheds, kitchens,
hospitals, main gate, interview rooms, high security enclosures and in
the premises of the barracks for monitoring purposes
9. Norms for Prison Buildings.— Prison buildings have to be
constructed on the following norms:-
(1) Main Gate:- (i) The minimum dimension of the main gate and
second gate of all the closed prisons will be 3 mtrs. in width and 4 mtrs
in height. Dimension of main and rear gates should be wide that in case
of fire exigencies a fire tender, a bore well rig to dig bore well, a lorry to
transport raw material/logs for factory and ration articles could pass
through these gates. The gate will be made up of a strong steel frame
having vertical round or square steel bars of 25 mm. dia or thickness.
Each gate will have a wicket-gate of atleast of 0.6 mtr. in width and 1.5
mtrs in height. The main gate and the wicket-gates will have strong
locking arrangements from inside. Both gates will have arrangements for
easy opening and closing of shutters. The gates will be covered with
iron sheet from outside up to the height of 2.5 mtrs. The wicket-gates
will have peepholes covered with lead at eye level. The main gate may
be painted with colours identical to that of departmental flag if prescribed
by the Government.
104
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(ii) Space between two gates will not be less than 16 mtrs. in
length and 6 mtrs. in width to facilitate gate operations. It will have the
following facilities:
(a) A cabin;
(b) Gatekeeper;
(c) Search.
(iii) Entry to the prison will only be through a single point, that
is the main gate, and all other entry points, if existing, will be closed
permanently.
(iv) There will be a properly designed administrative block
within the prison complex for efficient functioning of the administration.
(v) A Court room should be setup within the prison complex.
(vi) The reception unit will have necessary facilities for proper
implementation of admission-quarantine-orientation-classification
programme. Physical facilities will be setup in accordance with the
number and type of inmates to be received, and the programme to be
followed for proper segregation of various types of inmates. The unit
will have dormitory and single room type accommodations. Provision
will also be made for following facilities:
(a) a building where the inmates will be initially received,
(b) office-room,
(c) Interview room and exercise and recreational areas, etc.
The buildings and areas where the admission programme
has to be carried out will be located in close proximity of
the hospital.
(2) Housing:- (i) There will be three types of living
accommodations as mentioned below:
(a) Barracks with accommodation for not more than 20
prisoners;
(b) Single room accommodation for prisoners needing
privacy for pursuing studies, etc.;
(c) Cells for segregation of prisoners for the purpose of
security and contagious diseases.
105
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(ii) A plate indicating the authorized accommodations will be
attached to the housing unit. Ordinarily, the number of prisoners
confined in a housing unit will not exceed its authorized accommodation.
(iii) An individual secure storage compartment, sufficient in size
to hold personal belongings of the prisoners, shall be provided to each
prisoner.
(iv) Arrangements for appropriate heating facilities in barracks
as well as for washrooms and laundry shall be made for prisoners during
winters.
(v) An individual secure storage compartment, sufficient in size
to hold personal belongings of the prisoners, shall be provided to each
prisoner.
(vi) Arrangements for appropriate heating facilities in barracks
as well as for washrooms and laundry shall be made for prisoners during
winters.
(3) Barracks and Cells:- (i) If, a barrack is flat-roofed, there will
be ceiling ventilation that is, opening at intervals close to the junction
of wall and ceiling 30 x 12.5 mtrs. If, the barrack is gable-roofed, there
will be a ridge ventilator. The minimum height of roofs or ceilings will
not be less than 15 feet from the floor.
(ii) The floor of the barrack will be made of impermeable material
such as cement concrete.
(iii) All barracks will, if possible, be provided with verandas not
less than 2 mtrs. in width.
(iv) Though ventilation of the sleeping barracks is of the
greatest importance, prisoners will not be permitted to close the windows
and ventilation openings with shutters or curtains at their discretion.
In new barracks, the ventilating area per head will be half a window. As
standard grated window is 7 feet x 3 ½ feet, half a window will mean
1 sq. mtrs. The ventilation will, however, be controlled according to the
season wherever necessary; otherwise the barracks will be too cold and
damp during winter and rainy season.
(v) Where accommodation is overcrowded and does not meet
the prescribed standards, secure corridors/verandas and worksheds may
be used for accommodating short term prisoners and under-trials
106
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
involved in minor and petty offences during night. If, at any prison
over-crowding is likely to continue, the excess number of prisoners will
be transferred to other institutions or camps as the case may be, with
prior approval of the Government/Inspector-General of Prisons/Judicial
Officers.
(vi) The structural arrangements of fittings and fixtures and
locking devices of barracks will be secure enough to prevent escapes.
The existing wooden frames of the doors, windows and ventilators will
be replaced by iron/steel frames. The iron bars used in doors, windows
and ventilators will be of 25 mm. dia. and the clear distance between
two bars will be 7.5 cm.
(vii) A barrack will have only one door of 2.2 x 1 mtrs. and will
have a single shutter. The door of a barrack will have clear opening of
1 mtr. The iron frame will be made of angle-iron of minimum of 10 mm.
thickness.
(viii) The measurement of each berth in the ground floor will
normally be 2 x 0.75 mtrs. with a height of 0.45 mtrs.
(ix) A fixed or in-built shelf will be provided for each inmate so
that he may keep his belongings there.
(x) Sufficient artificial light will be provided to enable the
prisoners to work and read without difficulty in their barracks after dusk.
(xi) Each cell/barrack will be provided with a flush toilet, first-aid
kit.
(5) Latrines:- (i) Each barrack used for sleeping will have
sufficient number of attached Water Closets, urinals and wash places.
The ratio of such Water Closets will be one unit per 10 prisoners. The
ratio of the Water Closets which can be used during day time will be
one unit per six prisoners, disinfections should be made twice in a week.
(ii) Latrines will be of the sanitary type with arrangements for
flushing. They will be placed on an impermeable base which will be
higher than the surrounding ground and will be so built that the sun's
rays can easily enter the latrines and rain is kept out. The partitions
separating the latrines will be high enough to provide a reasonable
degree of privacy. Latrines will be so designed that all excreta and wash
materials will get into the receptacles without fouling the sites. Every
seat will be provided with foot rests with an impermeable surface which
107
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
will be in the right position and not too far apart. The inside walls of
latrine will be fitted with glazed ceramic tiles up to the height of 1 mtr.
from the floor level, as far as possible. In hospital, 50% of toilets should
be western type.
(4) Cells:- (i) There will be thorough ventilation of every cell.
At the back of the cell there may be a clerestory window.
(ii) The floor of the cell will be made of impermeable material.
(iii) Each cell will have a yard attached to it where a prisoner
can have the benefit of sufficient air and light.
(iv) It will be provided with a flush latrine. Existing cells will
not be put into use till this facility is provided in them.
(v) Cells will be provided with sleeping berths as prescribed.
(vi) Disinfection should be made twice in a week.
(6) Bathing places:- (i) Every prison will provide covered
cubicles for bathing, at 1:10 ratio of prisoner, with proper arrangements
to ensure privacy. Every prisoner will be required to have bath as
frequently as necessary for general hygiene according to climatic
conditions.
(ii) Taking into consideration that the daily requirement of water
of an individual is about 135 ltrs., there will be an arrangement for the
adequate supply of water in every prison. If feasible, new prisons will
have arrangements for rainwater harvesting and recycling of water,
keeping in view its cost effectiveness.
(iii) Each prison will have an independent standby arrangement
for water supply.
(iv) All prison building shall have rain water harvesting system
to improve the water supply to prison.
(7) Kitchen:- (i) The general kitchen will ordinarily be located at
a central place inside the prison so that the distribution of food among
the prisoners may be finished quickly. The kitchen will not be built close
to the sleeping barracks. It will be well ventilated and lighted. It must
always be kept clean and tidy. The oven will be of the type in which the
heat does not escape outside and the smoke is let out by a suitable
chimney regardless of the type of fuel used. The kitchen will be protected
108
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
by a fly proof wire mesh all around. Sufficient number of exhaust fans
will be installed and artificial ventilation may be provided, if necessary.
The kitchen must be provided with fly-proof automatic closing doors. It
will have floors made of an impermeable material. Each kitchen shed will
be provided with adequate supply of pure water which will be used for
both cooking and washing. The water will be collected from taps inside
the kitchen. It is desirable that no single kitchen caters for more than
250 prisoners. Cooking and serving utensils will be made of stainless
steel. Management of kitchen or cooking of food on caste or religious
basis will be totally banned in prisons.
(ii) There will be a provision for covered dinning space in
prisons so that prisoners may take their meals under a roof and on a
platform.
(iii) There will be two shifts of workers in the kitchen.
(iv) The minimum space requirement in the kitchen will be
150 sq. mtrs. per 100 prisoners. It will facilitate sufficient space for
storage of provision articles, vegetables, dressing and cutting food,
containers and cooking utensils, etc.
(v) The walls of the kitchen will be provided tiles up to a height
of 2 metres for easy cleaning.
(vi) The kitchen complex shall have a barrack to house the
inmates employed for cooking, etc.
(vii) The prisoners working in the kitchen will be provided with
suitable clothing, such as apron, caps, gloves, etc. and also with
250 ml. each of liquid soap and detergent on a fortnightly basis for
cleaning and washing utensils.
(viii) Prison kitchens will be modernized by introducing LPG, hot
plates and steam cooking. Kneading machines, chapati making machines,
mixers and grinders, will also be introduced.
(ix) Adequate fire safety systems shall be installed in the
kitchen.
(8) Hospital:- (i) In every prison, there will be separate hospitals
with the necessary number of beds for indoor treatment with separate
ward for men and women. All central prisons will provide hospital
accommodation for 5% of the authorized inmate population. The location
109
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
of the hospital will be as far away from the barracks as possible. Every
hospital ward will be so constructed as to allow sufficient light and air.
The floors and walls will be made of impermeable material. Latrines and
baths will be provided close to the wards so that the sick prisoners do
not have to walk far to use them. There will be arrangements for
continuous supply of potable water in the hospitals.
(ii) The prison hospital will be situated near the main gate of
the prison, the accommodation provided will include:
(a) Ward for patients;
(b) Toilet and bathing facilities at the rate of one for every
five patients;
(c) Store room for hospital furniture and equipment;
(d) Dressing-cum-injection room;
(e) Room for minor surgery;
(f) Room for laboratory;
(g) Room for the Medical Officer;
(h) Isolation rooms for accommodating patients with
infections and contagious diseases(such as T.B., Leprosy
and H.I.V +/AIDS);
(i) Isolation rooms for accommodating mentally ill patients.
(iii) Adequate fire safety systems will be installed in prison
hospitals.
(9) Worksheds:- Areas where prisoners work will have a minimum
space of 500 cubic feet per prisoner in structures that will be constructed
as workshops or factory buildings; for efficient ventilation, the window
area will not be less than 20% of the floor area subject to such variations
as are found necessary in relation to particular industries or locations
to be organized.
(ii) As far as possible, work sheds should be located in a single
enclosure for gate control and security.
(iii) Adequate precautionary measures shall be taken to guard
against health and safety hazards at the worksheds, including provision
of first aid kit in the work shed which will remain in the custody of an
authorised prisoner.
110
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
Adequate fire safety systems will be installed in the work sheds.
(10) Recreational Facilities:- Proper recreational facilities like,
grounds for outdoor games, auditorium for cultural activities, library,
indoor games, yoga, meditation and music, etc., may be provided.
CHAPTER–4
CONSTITUTION OF BOARD OF VISITORS
10. The Government shall, by notification, constitute a Board of
Visitors comprising official and Non-Official Members at District and
Subdivisional level. The functions of the Board of visitors shall include:
To visit the prison periodically and attend to individual or
collective grievances of prisoners and providing redressal in consultation
with the prison authorities. Infrastructure or facilities in the prisons.
Monitoring the correctional work in prisons, with special attention
to the degree and quality of training and the effectiveness of
infrastructure or facilities in the prisons. Suggesting new avenues leading
to improvement in correctional work.
11. Board of Visitors.— The Board of Visitors shall comprise of
the following Official Members or their nominee:-
(a) Principal District and Sessions Judge, Additional Sessions
Judges,Chief Judicial Magistrate and Magistrates.
(b) District Magistrate.
(c) Member-Secretary of the Union territory of Puducherry
Legal Services Authority (UTPLSA)
(d) Senior Supdt. of Police (Law and Order)
(e) Chief Engineer (Public Works Department)
(f) Director of Health and Family Welfare Services
(g) Director of Agriculture
(h) Director of Industries and Commerce
(i) Commissioner of Labour
(j) Director of School Education
111
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(k) Director of Collegiate and Technical Education
(l) Director of Social Welfare
(m) Director Local Administration Department/Health Officer of
Puducherry region.
12. Appointment of non-official Visitors.— The Board of Visitors
shall also comprise the following Non-Official Members:-
(a) Three Members of the Legislative Assembly of which one
should be a woman.
(b) A nominee of the State Human Rights Commission.
(c) Two Social Workers of the District one of them shall be a
woman for welfare of prisoners.
(d) A retired officer of prison service of the State.
(e) An elected Members of Parliament of the Union territory of
Puducherry.
(f) The Honorarium of ` 1,000 can be given to the Social
Worker.
13. Term of appointment.— A Non-Official Member of the Board
of Visitors shall hold office for a period of two years from the date of
his appointment to the Board, and may be considered for reappointment.
14. Vacation of office by the Non-Official Members and the
appointment of a substitute.— A Non-Official Member who is not able
to attend to the duties assigned to him shall report the circumstances
to the Chairman of the Board within a period of three months from the
date of his last visit and in the event of his failure to report, he shall be
regarded as having vacated office on the expiry of three months from
the date of his last visit. The Superintendent of Jail shall keep a watch
over the attendance of all the Non-Official Members and shall report to
the Chairman and the Inspector-General, the absence, if any, of such
Members, indicating the date from which they are absent, who shall, if
necessary, recommend to Government for the appointment of a
substitute.
15. Cancellation of the appointment of a Non-Official Member.—
The Government reserves the right of cancelling the appointment of any
Non-Official Member at any time without any notice.
112
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
16. Chairman of the Board of Visitors.— The Principal District and
Sessions Judge shall be the Chairman of the Board of Visitors at District
level and the Subdivisional Judicial Magistrate shall be the Chairman at
Subdivisional level. The Non-official Visitors after their appointment must
be sensitized and trained about their duties, roles and responsibilities.
17. Meeting of the Board of visitors.— (1) The Board of visitors
shall meet in the office of the Chief Superintendent of Jails at least once
in every three month, on such day as the Chairman may decide which
shall be attended by all official and non-official Visitors.
(2) For the purpose of a meeting of the Board of Visitors, one
Official Visitor and two Non-Official Visitors shall form a quorum.
(3) The minute of every meeting of the Board of Visitors shall
be recorded in the visitor’s minute book and the same shall be forwarded
to the Inspector-General of Prisons with comments of the Chief
Superintendent of Jails. A copy of the minutes shall also be dispatched
to every Member of the Board of Visitors. The Inspector-General of
Prisons shall place a copy of the minute of the last meeting of the Board
of Visitors of the prison before the State Advisory Board for Correctional
Administration.
(4) Any observations or comments made in the visitors minutes
book, by any Member of the Board, shall be forthwith brought to the
notice of the Inspector-General of Prisons by the Chief Superintendent
of Jails, along with his own comments. The copy of the same shall also
be sent to the Visitor concerned and the Chairman of the Board of Visitors.
18. Visits by official and Non-official Visitors.— (1) The Chairman
of the Board of Visitors shall make a monthly roster of visits to be paid
by the Members of the Board to the Prison, in consultation with the
Chief Superintendent of Jails. The roster shall be made in such a manner
as will envisage at least one visit by a Member in every month.
(2) When a non-official visitor of the Board of Visitors visits a
prison, he shall be accompanied by at least one more Member (Official
or Non-official).
(3) Every Non-official Visitor is expected to interest himself in
the upkeep of prisoners and visit the prison of which he is a Visitor,
once a month, and oftener, if possible. Intimation of the intended visit
need not be given.
113
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
Explanation: (1) The roster for weekly visits and the attendance
at the meeting of the Board shall not apply to officers having jurisdiction
all over the State.
(2) Nothing in these rules shall prevent the Members or Visitors
from visiting the prisons on dates other than those fixed by the Chairman
of the Board.
(3) Except in exceptional circumstances, a Visitor shall not visit
the prison after lock up or on Sundays and any other Jail Holidays.
19. Duties of Superintendent.— (1)The Superintendent shall
present before the visiting Member or Members of the Board of Visitors
any paper or document pertaining to correctional work, recreation and
trainings of prisoners, prison diets, medicines, grievances of prisoners
and follow redressal of such grievance, whenever sought for by a
visiting Member of the Board.
(2) The Superintendent shall not be bound to present any
register or document or paper pertaining to financial accounts before a
Member of the Board of Visitors without written approval of the
Inspector-General, Prisons.
(3) The Superintendent shall ensure that the prisoners lodging
complaints with the visiting member of the Board of Visitors do not
subsequently fall prey to vendetta of the accused or prison staff
complained against.
(4) Soon after visits by Members of the Board of Visitors, the
Superintendent shall inform to the Inspector-General, Prisons regarding
the details of the visit.
20. Powers and Duties of the Visitors.— (1) All Visitors, Official
and Non-official, at every visit shall:-
(i) examine the cooked food,
(ii) inspect the barracks, wards, work sheds and other
buildings of the prison generally,
(iii) ascertain whether consideration of health, cleanliness and
security are attended to, whether proper management and
discipline is maintained in every respect and whether any
prisoner is illegally detained or its for undue length of
time while awaiting trial;
114
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(iv) examine prison registers and records, except secret
records and records pertaining to accounts;
(v) hear and attend to all representation and petitions made
by or on behalf of the prisoners and
(vi) Direct, if deemed advisable, that any such representation
or petition is forwarded to the Government.
(vii) Suggesting new avenues for improvement in correctional
work.
(2) The Members of the Board of Visitors shall specially attend
to the quality and quantity of prison diet, condition of the kitchen and
hospital management, medical treatment of prisoners, sanitary
arrangements, aspects of vocational training, literacy program and library
facility for the prisoners. A copy of questionnaire containing the notable
points which a visitor may direct his enquiries shall be supplied to each
visitor on appointment.
(3) During visits, avisitor shall enjoy the right to converse
secretly and separately with any prisoner who is willing to take to the
visitor. However, such separate interaction between a Visitor and
a prisoner shall be held in a place within the prison well within sight of
a Prison Officer. The visitor, immediately after such conversation with
a prisoner, shall inform the Chairman of the Board in writing about what
transpired in the conversation with the prisoner. The Chairman, if, he thinks
it necessary, shall take up the matter with the Superintendent of Jail.
(4) Every Visitor should have the power to call for and inspect
any book or other record, in the prison unless the Superintendent, for
reasons to be recorded in writing, declines on the grounds that its
production is undesirable. Similarly, every Visitor should have the right
to see any prisoner and to put any question to him out of hearing of
any Prison Officer.
(5) All visitors shall be afforded every facility for observing the
state of the prison and the management thereof, and shall be allowed
access, under proper regulations, to all parts of the prison and every
prisoner confined therein. They shall ordinarily not visit high security
areas unless the instructions in this behalf are given by the
Inspector-General Prisons.
115
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
Note: A spare copy of the list of Visitors will be kept at the main
gate and handed over to a Visitor on the occasion of his
visit to the prison. Each non official visitor will be
supplied with a copy of appointment.
21. Visit to female yard.— The Members of the Board may visit
the female portion of the prison correctively. Individual male visitors
shall not be permitted to enter the female portion of the prison unless
it is necessary to pass through it in order to reach the male yard.
22. Lady Visitor.— Lady Visitors shall have the same powers and
duties as male Visitors except that their functions shall extend only to
female prisoners and the female yard. They shall not enter the male
portion of the prison unless it is necessary to pass through it in order
to reach the female yard.
23. Principal District and Sessions Judge to visit and inspect
Prisons.— It shall be the duty of the Principal District and Sessions
Judge to visit and inspect high security and other prisons and to satisfy
him that all rules, regulations, directions and orders made or issued to
such prisons, are duly observed and enforced.
24. Record of Inspection.— A record of the result of each visit
and inspection made shall be made in a register to be maintained by the
Superintendent for this purpose.
25. Principal District and Sessions Judge to communicate only
with the Superintendent of Jail.— (1) The Principal District and Sessions
Judge shall not ordinarily address any communication or order to any
officer of any prison below the Superintendent. All orders issued by
the Principal District and Sessions Judge shall be in writing.
(2) The Principal District and Sessions Judge’s orders should
ordinarily be issued in the form of an entry in the Visitor’s Book. The
Judge is not required to interfere in matters of detail effecting
management of a prison. He should refrain from any action which may
tend to weaken the authority of the Superintendent over subordinate
prison officers and prisoners.
(3) If, the Principal District and Session Judge gives an order
to which the Superintendent of Jail or his senior takes exception, the
concerned office may represent the matter through the Inspector-General
of Prisons to the Government, but, he shall forthwith obey any order
which is not inconsistent with the Prison Act or any rule made there
under, and does not involve any immediate risk or danger.
116
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
26. Visitor to record date of his visit and remarks.— (1) Every
Visitor shall, after he has completed his visit to the prison, record in the
Visitors’ Book, the date and hour of his visit, and may enter therein any
remarks or suggestions which he may wish to make. Such remarks or
suggestions be treated as confidential at all stages by all the concerned
and shall not be communicated to the prisoners. The Visitors’ Book shall
not be removed from the prison.
(2) No visitor may issue any order or instruction to any
Subordinate Prison Officer.
(3) A copy of the remarks made by every Visitor, together with
Superintendent’s reply thereto or the action taken by the Superintendent
thereon shall be forwarded to the Inspector-General. In case, the remarks
relate to the long detention of an under-trial prisoner, a copy of such
remark shall also be forwarded to the Sessions Judge.
27. Visitor to record date of his Visit and remarks.— (1) Every
Visitor shall, after he has completed his visit to the prison, record in the
Visitors’ Book, the date and hour of his visit, and may enter therein any
remarks or suggestions which he may wish to make. Such remarks or
suggestions be treated as confidential at all stages by all the concerned
and shall not be communicated to the prisoners. The Visitors’ Book shall
not be removed from the prison.
(2) No Visitor may issue any order or instruction to any
Subordinate Prison Officer.
(3) A copy of the remarks made by every Visitor, together with
Superintendent's reply thereto or the action taken by the Superintendent
thereon shall be forwarded to the Inspector-General. In case the remarks
relate to the long detention of an under-trial prisoner, a copy of such
remark shall also be forwarded to the Sessions Judge.
28. Disposal of the remarks made by a Visitor.— (1) Any remarks
made by a Visitor under the preceding section should be limited to a
statement and fair criticism of actual facts, which may come to his
knowledge, and to such suggestions, as he may desire the
Superintendent or Inspector-General to consider. Criticism should be
confined to such aspects of the ordinary administration and management
of the prison which, in the opinion of the Visitor, can be improved.
On no account, the Visitor should directly or indirectly reflect, either
favorably or adversely, on the character or conduct of any of the prison
117
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
staff. If, the visitor wants to bring to notice the good or bad work of
any prison official he should do so by a letter addressed to the
Inspector-General of Prisons.
(2) The Inspector-General of Prisons may pass orders on any
remarks made by a Visitor, and shall, if, any issue of importance requires
the orders of the Government, forward such record to the Government.
(3) A copy of any order passed by the Inspector-General or by
the Government on any record made by a Visitor shall be communicated
to the Visitor concerned through the Superintendent of Jail.
29. Other Visitors.— The following officers will also visit the
Prison and confine their inspection to those branches of work which
some within the purview of their ordinary official duties.
(1) Fire Officer:- The Senior Fire Officer of the town where the
fire station is functioning shall be an ex-officio visitor to the Prison. He
shall confine his inspection to these branches of work which come within
the purview of his ordinary official duties.
(2) Probation Officer:- (a) The Probation Officers of the District
in which the Prison is situated shall have free access to the prison on
any day including Sundays and holidays between unlocking in the
morning and lock up in the evening in connection with the discharge of
their official duties. They shall be afforded all responsible facilities for
their interview with the prisoners. The prison officials in attendance shall
withdraw out of hearing, if, required to do so by the Probation Officers.
(b) The Probation Officers will also look after all matters
relating to premature release including probation service under the
supervision of the concerned officer of the Correctional services.
(c) The Probation Officer will function as per the Probation
of Offender Act, 1958. The four Probation Officers may be appointed
for Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam regions separately. They will
submit the report to the concerned Court through the Chief probation
office.
(3) Officials and subordinates of PWD:- The Executive
Engineers and Assistant Engineer together with their employees shall,
during business hours have free access to the prison to the extent
necessary for purposes connected with the discharge of their official
duties.
118
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
30. Admission of Police Officers and the interrogation of
prisoners by them.— (1) Any Police Officer authorized to investigate a
cognizable offence committed in the prison shall, for any purpose
connected with the discharge of his duty as such Police Officer, be
permitted to enter the prison at any time between unlocking in the
morning and lock up in the evening. Such Police Officer shall be allowed
full facilities to interview prisoners but, only in the presence of a
responsible Prison Officer not below the rank of Assistant
Superintendent.
(2) Any Police Officer who is in uniform and who produces a
written authority from the Collector or Senior Superintendent of Police
of the District for the purpose, shall be permitted to enter the prison for
the purpose of recognizing old offenders or for conducting operations
for the identification of prisoners or for interviewing any prisoners
during working hours on any week day provided that such visits shall
not be allowed to interfere with the labour or routine of the prison. The
identification or interview shall take place in the presence of a
responsible officer not below the rank of Assistant Superintendent, who
shall, if required to do so, keep at such a distance that he may or hear
the conversation that takes place.
(3) Any Police Officer not below the rank of Inspector of Police
who is in uniform and who producers a written authority from the
Collector or SSP of the District, shall be permitted to interview any
remand or convicted prisoner in the prison during working hours on any
week day for the purpose of examing the prisoner in a departmental
enquiry as a defence witness, in the presence of a Judicial Magistrate.
31. Escort to accompany to visitors.— The Superintendent shall
ensure that every visitor to the Prison is attended by a responsible
Prison Officer, as well as by an escort of two warrants armed with
batons. The escort and the officer accompanying a visitor shall withdraw
out of hearing but, not out of sight, if required to do so by the visitor,
when he questioning a prisoner.
32. Admission to prison is to be restricted to others.— Except the
Ministers, other person shall be allowed access to the prison unless
accompanied by the IG Prisons & CSJ or the Superintendent of Jail or
granted with the written permission by the appropriate Court.
119
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
STATE ADVISORY BOARD FOR CORRECTIONAL ADMINISTRATION
33. Advisory Board.— There shall be an Advisory Board to advise
the Government and the Prison Administration on matters relating to
correctional work in prisons, rehabilitation of inmates and redressal of
grievances of prisoners.
The Advisory Board shall also act as a meeting ground of
departmental heads of Prison, Law and Justice, Police, Education,
Technical Education, Health and Public Works Department of the
Government, in order to bring about effective inter-departmental
cooperation and co-ordination.
The Advisory Board shall also play the role of opinion leaders
creating Social awareness in all walks of life and stressing the need for
rehabilitation of offenders.
The Advisory Board shall comprise of the following officials or
their nominee:-
(a) Minister in-charge of Prisons
. . Chairman
(b) Principal District and sessions Judge
. . Member
(c) Inspector-General of Prisons
. . Member-
Secretary.
(d) Inspector-General of Police
. . Member
(e) Director, School of Education
. . Member
(f) Chief Engineer of Public Works Department
. . Member
(g) Director, Health and Family Welfare Services
. . Member
(h) Director of Agriculture
. . Member
(i) Director of Industries
. . Member
(j) Director of Social Welfare
. . Member
(k) Chief Superintendent of Jails
. . Member
(l) The Under/Deputy/Joint Secretary to
. . Secretary
Government dealing With the Jail
Department shall be the Ex-officio of the
Board.
120
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
34. Powers and duties of Members of Board.— (1) The Members
of the State Advisory Board shall enjoy the right to pay visit to any
prison of the Union Territory, individually or in a group, with or without
prior notice to the Superintendent of the Prison.
(2) The Members of the State Advisory Board, however, shall
refrain themselves from visiting any prison during the period between
evening locking-up and morning un-locking.
35. Duties of Superintendent.— (1)The Superintendent shall
present before the visiting Members of the State Advisory Board any
paper or document in connection with the correctional work, recreation,
training of prisoners, prison diet, health-care of prisoners, grievances
of prisoners and redressal of prisoners, whenever sought for by the
visiting Members of the State Advisory Board.
(2) The Superintendent shall not be bound to present any
Register/Document paper pertaining to financial accounts, before the
visiting Member/Members of the State Advisory Board without written
approval of the Inspector-General of Prisons.
(3) The Superintendent shall ensure that the prisoners lodging
complaints with the visiting Member/Members of the State Advisory
Board do not subsequently fall prey to vendetta of the persons
complained against.
(4) Soon after visit by a Member of the State Advisory Board,
the Superintendent shall inform the Inspector-General of Prisons.
36. Quorum of meeting.— For the purpose of the meetings of the
State Advisory Board six Members, including at least two official and
two non-official Members, shall comprise a quorum.
37. Failure to attend the meetings of board by a Non-Official
Member.— If, a Non-Official Member of the State Advisory Board fails
to attend the meetings of the Board, despite prior intimation and notice,
on three successive occasions, his/her membership of the Advisory
Board shall stand cancelled automatically and the Member-Secretary of
the Board shall move the Government for appointing a new non-official
Member in his/her place.
38. Term of office of Non-official Member.— A Non-Official Member
of the State Advisory Board shall hold office for a period of three years
from the date his/her appointment to the Board, and may be considered
for reappointment.
121
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
39. Right to cancellation of appointment of a Non-Official
Member.— The Government reserves the right to cancel the appointment
of any Non-Official Member of the State Advisory Board at any time.
40. Grant of allowances to a Non-official Member.— A Non-Official
Member of the Board shall receive allowances, as prescribed by the
Government from time to time, for attending the meetings of the Board.
CHAPTER–5
HEADQUARTERS ORGANISATION
41. The effectiveness of prison administration depends largely on
the quality of literacy and supervision at various institutions and the
implementation of programmes therein, which in turn, depends on the
manpower deployed at various levels of hierarchy. It is therefore,
imperative that the organizational structure be carefully planned and
constantly reviewed to identify and review deficiencies in service
delivery. With this objective, the structure and organizational hierarchy
of the Prisons and Correctional Services Department has been set forth
in this chapter.
Prisons and Correctional Services will be under the control of the
Home Department, being the department responsible for the services in
this field. There will be a separate division within the Home Department
for dealing with all matters connected with prisons and correctional
services.
The Government will appoint the Inspector-General of Prisons and
correctional services who will exercise general control and Chief
Superintendent of Jails over all prisons situated in the State. The
Inspector-General will ensure the implementation of the provisions of
the Prisons Act through other officers as appointed by the government
for assisting him at the headquarters, regional organization, at the
prisons and at other institutions under his control. The Inspector-General
will have such administrative authority as is laid down in this manual
and as may be determined by the government from time to time.
42. There shall be a Executive Wing at the headquarters level.—
The Executive Wing will be headed by an officer not below the rank of
Inspector-General or equivalent rank and such officer may be assisted
by officers of different ranks from the prison Department.
122
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
AUTHORITY AND POWERS OF THE INSPECTOR-GENERAL
OF PRISONS
43. Appointment of the IG Prisons.— The Government shall by
notification appoint an IG Prisons to be in-charge of the Administration
and management of all the Prisons in the Union Territory of Puducherry.
The statutory authority of the IG Prisons will be as per the provisions
of the Prisons Act and other related Acts.
44. The general functions of the Inspector-General shall be.—
(i) To implement prison policies as laid down by the Government.
(ii) To plan organize, direct, coordinate and control the various
prison and correctional services.
(iii) To define the functions and fix lines of authority and
channels of command of the prison personnel.
(iv) To inspect institutions with special reference to care,
welfare, training and treatment of inmates, staff training, discipline and
welfare, etc.
45. Authority and Power of the IG Prisons.— The Inspector-General
of Prisons and Correctional Services shall be Head of Department of
Prison and Correctional Services. He will exercise general control and
superintendent of all prisons situated in the Union territory of
Puducherry. The Inspector-General Prisons will ensure the
implementation of the provisions of the Prisons Act, 1894 through other
officers as appointed by the Government for assisting him at the
headquarters, regional organization, at the prisons and at other
institutions under his control. He will have such administrative authority
as is laid down in these rules and as may be determined by the
Government from time to time.
46. Financial and other powers.— As the Head of the Department,
the Inspector-General will have all necessary financial, administrative
and disciplinary powers.
The Inspector-General will prepare the budget for the various
services under his control. Subject to the rules and orders of the
Government and the requirements of the Accountant-General, the
expenditure of the Department of Prisons and Correctional Services will
be controlled by the Inspector-General.
The Inspector-General will manage the personnel in the department
and exercise disciplinary powers, including powers of redeployment of
staff, on par with the powers of the Director-General of Police.
123
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
47. Power to sanction expenditure.— (1) The Inspector-General
Prisons may sanction:
(i) any item of expenditure approved and provided for in the
budget.
(ii) With the sanction of Government, any special and
unusual item of expenditure for which no distinct
provision has been made.
(2) Subject to provisions of this rule, an adequate grant will be
placed at the disposal of Inspector-General to meet expenditure of a
special nature.
48. Power to sanction reward.— (1) The Inspector-General of
Prison may sanction the payment of reward to any subordinate prison
official, up to a limit of ` 2,000 for any service of special merit.
(2) He may sanction rewards to private persons effecting or
assisting the re-capture of an escaped prisoner as follows:
(i) If, the sentence was one of death or life imprisonment-
` 5,000.
(ii) If, the sentence was two years and upwards or
confinement in security for the same period-` 2,000.
(iii) If, the prisoner was an under trial, a reward equal to what
would be payable where the prisoner convicted of an
offence charged and sentenced to the maximum penalty.
49. Institution of civil suits.— The Inspector-General Prisons is
authorized to sanction the institution of any Civil Suit for money due to
the manufacturing Department of the prisons, provided that he is
satisfied that the claim is well founded and that the debtor is possessed
of property against which a decree, if obtained, could be executed. He
may also sanction the institution of Civil Suits against defaulting
contractors and others, provided that no such suit shall be instituted
except on the advice of the Government Pleader, to whom a concise and
clear statement of the case shall be submitted for opinion. No Civil Suit
shall be instituted until all other means of obtaining satisfaction have
been tried and have failed. Every case, in which notice of suit against
the Prison Department or against any Prison Officer for acts done in his
official capacity is received, shall be reported to Government, for orders.
124
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
50. Inspection of Prisons.— (1) The Inspector-General of Prison
shall visit the Central Prison and also district Jails and Sub-Jail
frequently, but, not less than twice in a calendar year. During each visit,
he shall carryout a full inspection in accordance with the questionnaire
approved by Government.
(2) During each inspection, he shall examine whether the
classification of prisoners has been done on proper lines and whether
the labour to which each prisoner is put is such as to train him for
eventual rehabilitation, reformation and resocialisation in society after
his release.
(3) He shall personally see every prisoner then in confinement
in the prison, he shall give every prisoner a reasonable opportunity of
making any application or complaint and shall investigate and dispose
of the same properly.
(4) He shall inspect the yards, wards, cells workshed, and other
enclosures, shall examine the gardens, enquire into the adequacy and
fitness of the water supply, the conservancy arrangements and the
medical administration, shall see the food and ascertain that it is of
proper quality and quantity and generally satisfy himself that the
building and premises are in proper order
(5) He shall inspect all journals, registers and books maintained
in every part of the prison and initial or countersign therein in token
that he is satisfied that they are maintained in accordance with the rules.
He shall satisfy himself that the order of the Government regarding the
arrangement and periodical destruction of records are observed.
(6) He shall examine whether the prison staff is adequate and
whether discipline amongst the staff has been properly maintained.
(7) He shall examine whether sufficient labour is available for
prisoners sentenced to rigorous imprisonment, and if so whether
adequate task is extracted from the prisoners; and if not what the reasons
are for the insufficiency of the labour available.
51. Transfer of Prisoners.— The Inspector-General of Prisons shall
have the power to order the transfer of any prisoner from prison to
another prison within the Union territory of Puducherry and shall also
have the authority to order the removal of prisoners from the permanent
buildings of any prison into temporary accommodation during
epidemics.
125
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
52. Review of Disciplinary Action.— The Inspector-General of
Prisons should review all disciplinary actions taken by the Chief
Superintendent of Jails and punishments imposed by him appealed
against by the subordinate official, and pass such orders in accordance
with the provisions of the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control
and Appeal) Rules, 1965.
53. Orders to be obeyed.— All Officers of the Prison shall obey
the orders issued by the Inspector-General of Prison.
54. Transfer of Subordinates.— The Inspector-General of Prisons
is competent to transfer any subordinates of the Jail Department between
any Prisons in the Union territory of Puducherry.
55. Control of expenditure.— Subject to the rules and orders of
the Government, the expenditures of the Prison Department will be
controlled by the Inspector-General of Prisons/CSJ.
56. Memorandum of inspection to be supplied to the Superintendent
of Jail.— Immediately after the inspection, the Inspector-General shall
communicate to the Chief Superintendent of Jails concerned, a copy of
the questionnaire duly filled in together with such further suggestions
or orders as he thinks fit for the guidance of the Superintendent. He
shall also simultaneously forward a copy of the duly filled in
questionnaire to the Government.
57. Annual Administration Report.— The Inspector-General shall
prepare the annual Administration Report of the Prison Department and
submit it to Government within the due date prescribed by Government.
It shall contain prison statistics, show the inspections made during the
year by the Inspector-General and all other matters of importance. He
shall review in the administration report the general condition of the
management of prison.
CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT OF JAILS (CSJ)
58. Chief Superintendent of Jails at headquarters.— (1) The
Government shall, by notification, appoint a Chief Superintendent of Jails
and correctional services in the headquarters to assist the
Inspector-General of Prisons in his work.
(2) Head of Office:- He shall be the Head of Office of the
Department of Prisons and Correctional Services under Rule 14 of the
Delegation of Financial Powers Rules, 1978.
126
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(3) Financial and other powers:-
(a) The Chief Superintendent of Jails and correctional
services as Head of Office under the preceding rule shall
exercise all powers derived from such delegations.
(b) Subject to the rules order and directions of the
Government and of the Finance Department, Puducherry,
the Chief Superintendent of Jails shall exercise all powers
conferred on him as Head of Office, under various rules
made applicable in this Union Territory, from time to time.
(c) The Chief Superintendent of Jails will be the appointing
authority for all Group ‘C’ employees including erstwhile
Group ‘D’ Government employees of the Department of
Prisons and Correctional Services. It shall be competent
to the Chief Superintendent as appointing authority to
make all appointment to Group ‘C’ posts on the
sanctioned establishment of the Department of Prisons
and Correctional Services, subject to the recruitment
rules in force from time to time in this Union Territory.
(d) The Chief Superintendent is a competent to dispose of
all questions of Pay and Allowances, leave, etc., in
accordance with the service regulations or rules in force
from time to time in this Union Territory. When, the Chief
Superintendent has any doubt he shall refer the matter to
the Inspector-General of Prisons/Government and comply
with the instructions issued by the Inspector-General of
Prisons/Government.
(e) It shall be competent to the Chief Superintendent as Head
of Office and appointing authority to take disciplinary
actions and to impose punishments on any of the staff,
in accordance with the relevant rules in force in the Union
Territory, Puducherry.
(4) Condemnation of articles:- He shall be the authority to
verify the articles in prisons set apart for condemnation and to certify
as to the fitness for their condemnation.
127
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(5) Stock verification:- He shall conduct the annual stock
verification in the Central Prison and in District Jails of Union territory
of Puducherry. In addition to this, he shall also conduct surprise stock
verification of all institutions in the Department.
(6) Inspection of Sub-Jail and special Sub-Jails:- He shall
inspect all district Jails and Sub-Jail and connected registers, register
of prisoners, cash accounts, stores, etc., in detail and report the result
of inspection to Inspector-General of Prisons for submission to
Government.
(7) To hold charge of correctional institutions and
programmes:- He shall be in-charge of all correctional institutions and
programmes for adult and young offenders in the Union Territory.
(8) To assist the Inspector-General:- He shall assist the
Inspector-General for management and Superintendent of Jail and in
addition, he shall also attend the other items of work connected with,
as may be assigned to him by the Inspector-General of Prisons from time
to time.
59. Staff Functions of the officers at the Headquarter.— The Chief
Superintendent of Jails shall assist the Inspector-General of Prisons in
all matters connected with prison administration and correctional
services. The Government from time to time will fix their powers and
duties.
60. Law Officer.— He shall be responsible for -
(i) Advising prison authorities on the protection of human
rights of prisoners within the limitations of imprisonment;
(ii) Interpreting legal and procedural rights of prisoners;
(iii) Assisting prison authorities in dealing with all prison
matters pending in Courts;
(iv) Arranging free legal aid for indigent prisoners;
(v) Preparing petition and appeals for deserving cases;
(vi) Assisting prison authorities in holding special Courts, Lok
Adalat and video-conferencing;
(vii) Advise prison administration in all matters having legal
bearing including agreements, contracts, affidavits and Court documents
keeping prison authorities abreast with judicial pronouncements and
directives on all prison matters.
128
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
CHAPTER–6
INSTITUTIONAL PERSONNEL
61. Fixation of strength of the Institution.— (1) Each institution
will have personnel in accordance with the requirements of security,
discipline and programme emphasis. The personnel strength will be
determined according to the duty posts, taking hours of duty per day
as the basis for each category of staff. The institutional set-up will be
fixed in accordance with the size of the institution, the inmate population,
workload and distribution of functions.
(2) The strength of custodial/guarding shall will be determined
keeping in view of the requirements of security, discipline, programme
emphasis, duty posts, workload and distribution of functions. In
principle, there has to be one guarding staff for every six prisoners.
Institutional personnel will comprise of the following:-
(i) Executive personnel:-
(a) Superintendent
(b) Deputy Superintendents
(c) Assistant Superintendents
(ii) Guarding staff:-
(a) Principal warders
(b) Warders
(iii) Medical personnel:-
(a) Medical Officers
(b) Nursing staff
(iv) Welfare Unit Personnel:-
(a) Welfare Officer
(b) Counsellor
(c) Social Worker
(d) Probation Officer
(e) Psychologist
129
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(v) Educational Personnel:-
(a) Teachers
(b) Physical Training Instructor
(vi) Technical Personnel:-
(a) Instructors
(b) Foremen
(c) Electricians
(d) Plumbers
e)
Mason
(f)
Drivers
(g) Motor Mechanic
(vii) Agricultural:-
(a) Supervisors
(b) Agricultural Assistants
Note: Due to financial constraints if, these technical posts are
not created or when created, such posts are not filled up,
suitable guarding personnel shall be trained for these
purposes and their services shall be availed of by
sanctioning them special allowances. If, emergency arises
the outside cook may be appointed on contract basis.
(iv) Ministerial:-
(a) Office Superintendent
(b) Assistant
(c) Upper Division Clerk
(d) Lower Division Clerk-cum-Cashier
(e) Storekeeper
(f)
Computer Operator
(g) Multi-Tasking Staff/Record clerk.
130
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
62. General duties, functions and responsibilities of the
Institutional personnel.— (1) The statutory duties and responsibilities
of institutional personnel will be as per the provisions of the laws and
rules governing prisons.
(2) Custody, security, discipline and preventive and control
action during an emergency, are the fundamental duties and
responsibilities of every staff member. The duties, responsibilities and
functions shall be assigned in writing to every staff member on his initial
appointment.
(3) The executive shall ascertain that the compliance of human
rights which the prisoners are entitled to, are not impinge upon and
restricted beyond the limit inherent in the process of incarceration itself;
and ensure that prison programmes are geared towards the overall
objective of imprisonment in terms of reform and rehabilitation of
prisoners.
SUPERINTENDENT
63. Appointment of Superintendent of Jail.— The Superintendent
of Jail shall be officer specially appointed by name. The Superintendent
of Jail shall be the Head of the Prison and all officers will be subordinate
to him.
64. Alternative arrangements during the absence of the
Superintendent.— During the absence of the Superintendent, the powers
and duties conferred on him by law shall be exercised and performed by
the Deputy Superintendent of Jail.
65. Superintendent of Jail to be in charge of the executive
management of the Prison.— The Superintendent shall, subject to any
order of the Government or IG of Prison and CSJ of Prison, be in charge
of the executive management of the prison in all matters relating to
executive of sentence, admission and release, remission, parole,
economy, discipline, labour, expenditure, punishment and control in
general, among other things. The Superintendent thus is responsible for
developing an atmosphere that is conducive and correctional in nature
and providing leadership in every aspect of prison management. He shall
take care of the duties, suggestions, planning organizing, directing,
guiding, coordinating, supervising and controlling all prison activities.
He should obey all the Court orders.
131
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
66. Functions and duties of the Superintendent of Jail in detail.—
(1) make himself thoroughly acquainted with these rules and with the
Prisons Act, regulations and orders relating to the prison and be
responsible for due observance thereof and for the correct execution of
all sentences of prisoners committed to his charge;
(2) generally supervise over security and custody arrangements
of prisons and prisoners;
(3) be responsible for the implementation of the policy of the
Government pertaining to correctional administration and the role they
have to play in a welfare state; organizing personnel training programmes
at the institutional level;
(4) have custody of secret and confidential documents and
ensure that all statutory and other records are correctly and
systematically maintained and are preserved;
(5) plan organize, guide, co-ordinate, supervise and control the
implementation of all Institutional programmes and operations for training
and treatment of prisoners;
(6) be responsible for care and welfare of the prisoners like
counseling, education and guidance required for correctional
administration, as per the orders of the Inspector-General Prison;
(7) endeavour to develop an institutional atmosphere conducive
to the correctional role and providing leadership in every aspect of
institutional management;
(8) inspect and supervise work and employment of prisoners
and production programmes;
(9) under his control, safety of the prison personnel, protection
of human dignity, rights and providing decent work conditions;
(10) be responsible for acquainting institutional personnel with
current policies of correctional administration;
(11) supervise the work of his subordinate officers in respect
of executive work attached to them along with the supervision of all the
registers being maintained by them and initial them in token of having
checked them and to ensure that pages in all registers and books of
Forms, etc., in use in prison are numbered and bear a certificate of pages
at the end of such registers and books under his signatures;
132
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(12) inspect the warder establishment and satisfy himself as to
its proficiency in drill and musketry and test ability of Deputy
Superintendent, Assistant Superintendents and Principal warder to drill
the guard;
(13) inspect the prison activities in every part of the prison
including kitchen, canteen, barracks, yards, cells, latrines atleast once a
week on any day. He shall visit the prison garden frequently to see that
the vegetables supplied to the prisoners are perfectly fresh and
wholesome;
(14) Visit the prison atleast once every working day and on
Sundays and holidays also whenever special circumstances render it
desirable that he should do so. If from any reason, he is prevented from
visiting the prison on any day on which he is by this rule required to
do so, he shall record the fact and the reason of his absence in his
journal. Atleast once in a week, he shall visit the prison at night and
satisfy himself that the guarding is being properly performed and that
everything is in order;
(15) monitor the sick prisoners to ensure that preventive and
curative measures are taken for the good health of prisoners and see
that proper arrangements are made for the safe custody of the sick
prisoners and others and that discipline is maintained, as far as it is
consistent with the medical treatment prescribed.
67. Representation or appeal from prison subordinates.— It shall
be open to Prison officers subordinate to the Superintendent to represent
or to appeal against an order or order of punishment to the
Inspector-General of Prisons. Every representation or appeal must be
forwarded through the Superintendent who shall forward the same with
his remarks and any necessary orders.
68. Maintenance of Journal.— (1) The Superintendent shall
maintain on half-margin foolscap and in his own handwriting, a journal,
in which he shall record as soon after the event as possible:-
(a) the times at which he enters and leaves the prison daily,
and the result of his weekly inspection of the prisoners,
guard and premises;
(b) the matters relating to inspection referred to in these
rules;
133
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(c) every occurrence of importance connected with the
management of the prison which is not otherwise disposed
of in the registers or correspondence and which it is
desirable to note for future reference;
(2) The Journal shall be forwarded to the Inspector-General of
Prisons on the first day of the month following that to which it relates
or as soon after as possible and shall be returned after perusal by him,
with such remarks as he may find necessary.
69. Weekly inspection of prisoners.— (1) On one morning in every
week, which shall usually be Monday, the Superintendent shall hold an
inspection parade of all prisoners, at which the Medical Officer shall
also be present.
(2) At each such parade the Superintendent shall satisfy
himself:-
(a) that every prisoner is properly classified as provided in
the rules in that behalf;
(b) that every prisoner is provided with proper clothing and
bedding;
(c) that the provisions of the Remission Rules are
understood by the prisoners;
(d) generally that the rules and orders applicable to prisoners
are being duly carried out.
(3) The Superintendent shall at every such parade, hear and
inquire into any complaints that the prisoners may wish to make, it shall
be his duty to listen to complaints and petitions of prisoners in a patient
and considerate manner, and to afford prisoners reasonable facilities for
making such representations.
(4) Nothing in this rule shall debar a prisoner from making a
complaint or application to the Superintendent at other times that the
weekly parade and it shall be the duty of every prison official to produce
before the Superintendent without delay any prisoner desiring to see
him.
134
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
70. Procedure regarding civil suits.— No Civil Suits shall be
instituted or defended by the Superintendent on behalf of Government
without the previous sanction of the Inspector-General of Prisons. Upon
the Superintendent receiving notice of suit, he shall immediately forward
the notice with a full statement of the facts of the case, to the
Inspector-General of Prisons.
71. Maintenance of Records.— The Superintendent of Jail shall
be responsible for the correct maintenance of the records prescribed in
section 12 of the Prisons Act, 1894 (Central Act IX of 1894) and of such
other records as are prescribed by these rules, and atleast once a month
shall examine every such record and shall satisfy himself that it is
up-to-date and shall affix his signature in such record as a token of
verification. When no provision exists in these rules prescribing the
officer by whom any register or record shall be maintained, the
Superintendent shall, by order, in the order book, from time to time assign
the maintenance of every such register or record to a specified
subordinate.
72. Death or Serious illness of prisoners.— When a prisoner dies
or is seriously ill, the Superintendent shall immediately intimate the fact
of such death or illness to the relatives and nearest Police Station of
such prisoner by e-mail or by post or by messenger and also can be
informed over phone and the fact reported to the Inspector-General of
Prison.
73. Presence at inspection.— The Superintendent shall accompany
the Inspector-General of Prisons or Deputy Superintendent of Jail during
his inspection of the prison and shall also accompany official visitors
if, they request his presence during their visits.
74. Report of important occurrences.— Any outbreak of epidemic
disease or unusual sickness, all serious breaches of prison discipline,
escapes, attempts to escape, re-capture, accidents, suicides, attempts
to suicide or deaths from violent or unnatural causes shall be at once
reported by the Superintendent to the Chief Superintendent of Jails and
Inspector-General of Prison.
75. Punishment Book.— Prisoners punishment book always on the
table of Superintendent of Jail.
76. Grievance meeting.— He should arrange the staff grievance
meeting once in a quarter and forward to the Inspector-General of Prison
for necessary action.
135
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT
77. Functions and duties of Deputy Superintendent.— The
Deputy Superintendent of Jail is the Chief Executive Officer of the Prison
and is immediately subordinate to the Superintendent. He is generally
responsible for the observance of all prescribed rules and orders. His
duties and functions shall be:-
(i) Maintenance of discipline among prisoners and subordinates.
For this purpose, he must be always present at the prison during the
day except when he leaves it for his meals, to attend a Court of Justice
or on permission from the Superintendent.
(ii) Supervision over personnel matters, staff welfare, assisting
the Superintendent in all matters pertaining to institutional management.
(iii) Supervision over security, custody and discipline, care and
welfare of prisoners;
(iv) He shall attend to classification of prisoners and their
training;
(v) Inspect every part of the prison daily and shall see every
prisoner at least once in every 24 hours.
(vi) He shall see that the prisoners are clean in their persons
and clothes and those they have the authorized amount of clothing and
bedding and no more with hygiene.
(vii) He shall be responsible for all sentence at irregular
intervals, but, at least once a week cause every prisoner, and all clothing,
bedding, workshops, wards and cells to be thoroughly searched.
(viii) He shall be responsible for the execution of sentence and
all orders regarding the labour of prisoners. He shall assign to each
prisoner his work on the recommendation of the Classifying Committee
constituted in the Central Prison for the purpose. The Board shall consist
of the Superintendent of the Prison, Medical Officer and the Deputy
Superintendent. He shall ensure that the prescribed tasks are performed.
(ix) He shall supervise the cultivation of the garden and be
responsible for the adequacy of the supply of vegetables. He shall
likewise supervise the prison farm and all the other outside operations.
(x) He shall, jointly with the Medical Officer, be responsible for
the proper preparation and distribution of the food to prisoners.
136
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(xi) He shall supervise the working of the guards. At least once
a week, at irregular interval, he shall visit the prison after 10.00 p.m. and
satisfy himself that the standing guard is present, the sentries posted
are on the alert, and that the rounds are being properly maintained.
(xii) He shall be responsible for the custody of all warrants and
for the strict enforcement of their terms and that no prisoner is on any
account released before his time or kept in prison beyond the termination
of his sentence.
78. Presence of Deputy Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent.—
The Deputy Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent shall not be
absent from the prison at the same time during the day. The hours for
meals should be so arranged that either the one or the other is present
at the prison.
79. Check of warrants.— The Deputy Superintendent shall, every
year usually in December, go through all the warrants in his possession,
compare them with the registers and satisfy himself that they are correct.
He shall enter in his report book and to be submitted to the
Superintendent every day.
80. Supervision of prison office and manufactory section.— The
Deputy Superintendent shall exercise frequent and periodical check over
all the registers and other records of the Remission Section of the office
as well as the stock, indents order book for supply of finished goods,
transit registers and other connected records of the Manufactory section.
81. Maintenance of report book.— (1) The Deputy Superintendent
shall keep a report book in which he shall duly record:-
(a) the hour of unlocking and locking and by what officers
they were performed;
(b) the number of prisoners admitted, discharged and locked
up;
(c) all reports made against subordinates and prisoners, the
offence charged, the time of its occurrence and other
circumstances connected with it;
(d) all cases in which he may have found it necessary to use
restraint on any prisoner;
(e) how far he has omitted any of the duties required by
these rules, and the reasons thereof;
137
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(f) the absence of any subordinate officer from duty and
requests for leave of absence;
(g) request for sanction of unusual expenditure;
(h) request for the employment of prisoners in any special
manner;
(i) any representations or recommendations he may deem
proper to make;
(j) any unusual occurrence or matter of importance;
(k) any matter on which he may require orders.
(2) Each day’s report shall be dated and a consecutive serial
number running through the calendar year shall be given to the subjects
dealt with.
(3) He can officiate as a Superintendent of Jail in is absent.
82. Superintendent to peruse report book.— The Deputy
Superintendent’s report book shall be laid daily and oftener if necessary,
before the Superintendent for his perusal and the issue of such orders
as may be necessary. If, the Superintendent has no remarks to make or
orders to give, he shall append his initials with the date.
83. Execution of Medical Officer’s orders.— The Deputy
Superintendent shall carryout forthwith emergent written orders of the
Medical Officer regarding the sick in hospital or regarding sanitary
arrangements, entering all such orders and the action taken thereon in
his report book for the information of the Superintendent.
84. Holiday to the Deputy Superintendent.— The Deputy
Superintendent may be allowed to avail all holidays.
ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT
85. General duty of the Assistant Superintendent.— (1) The
Assistant Superintendent is the immediate subordinate to the Deputy
Superintendent’s and assistant, whose duty is to take his place whenever
he is absent and to undertake whatever portion of the Deputy
Superintendent's duties as are delegated to him under proper authority
and shall make an entry of the performance of his duties in his report
book which he shall maintain in form similar and shall submit it daily to
the Superintendent.
138
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
86. Duties of Assistant Superintendent in detail.— The following
are the duties of Assistant Superintendent and if, there be more than
one Assistant Superintendent, they shall be apportioned by the
Superintendent by an order book, name:
(i) To assist the Deputy Superintendent in studying the
psychological and mental makeup of prisoners and taking steps to reform
them;
(ii) To be in charge of the ration stores as generally stated;
(iii) To be directly responsible for the storing and custody of
ration and other articles purchased and their issue from the stores;
(iv) To place indents and get supplies of all articles of diet and
non-diet articles required for the prisoners;
(v) To attend to the day-to-day maintenance of stock registers
and other connected records and to the proper maintenance of stock;
(vi) To attend to the maintenance of accounts for extra articles
purchased by civil debtors;
(vii) To check the correctness of the kitchen slips, hospital
indents and other indents placed on him for issue of ration and
miscellaneous articles;
(viii) To maintain separate accounts and to be responsible for
the safe custody of empty gunnies and other receptacles received and
disposed of;
(ix) To weigh and issue ration and other articles for
consumption;
(x) To supervise the cleaning of grains, vegetables and other
dietary articles and their grinding, if any;
(xi) To ensure that all ration articles taken to the kitchen are
actually utilized for the purpose they are meant;
(xii) To be custodian of all civil store articles entrusted to the
ration stores;
(xiii) To assist the Deputy Superintendent and to be present
with him at the time of supply of food to condemned prisoners;
139
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(xiv) To assist the Deputy Superintendent in searching the
condemned prisoners and examining the cells where condemned
prisoners are locked-up;
(xv) To conduct interviews with condemned prisoners;
(xvi) To assist the Deputy Superintendent in supervising the
work of all guarding staff in the gardens;
(xvii) To assist the Deputy Superintendent in supervision over
searches, counting opening and closing of prisons;
(xviii) Admission and search of prisoners on their admission;
(xix) Custody of prisoner’s property except cash;
(xx) The removal of private clothing from prisoners on their
admission, the issue of prison clothing and bedding, the correct making
of metal identification discs; and the placing of prisoners in quarantine
soon after their admission;
(xxi) The custody of prisoner's private clothing and prison
clothing stores; and the issue of fresh clothing to the prisoners;
(xxii) The maintenance of the clothing and registers in the
prescribed form;
(xxiii) Conducting prisoners’ interview, if, conversant with the
language spoken at the interview;
(xxiv) The supervision over the proper maintenance of dairy and
poultry units in prisons except the maintenance of accounts which shall
be attended to by the live-stock assistant. The Assistant Superintendent
shall, however, maintain the stock and the stock register for paddy straw,
etc.
(xxv) The charge of the quarantine and of the civil and leper
annexes where such annexes exist;
(xxvi) The censoring of letters addressed to and sent by the
prisoners and the disposal of such letters under the order of the
Superintendent;
(xxvii) To assist the Deputy Superintendent in all matters
pertaining to institutional management, including weekly parades;
(xxviii) To attend to any other duty that may be assigned to
him by the Superintendent;
140
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
87. Specific areas to which guarding personnel shall be assigned
duties.— The guarding personnel will consist of Principal Warder
(Principal Warder) and Warders. Specific duties of each member of the
guarding staff on various sections/points will be assigned by the
Superintendent on a rotation basis in keeping with his/her status within
the cadre in the following areas:-
(i) The main duty of the guarding personnel to supervise the
movement of the prisoner;
(ii) Security custody, discipline;
(iii) Searches and counting of prisoners;
(iv) Opening and locking-up of the prison;
(v) Reporting defects and short comings in prison buildings,
walls, locks, lighting arrangements, bars taking immediate action for
rectifying these and taking care of the custody of locks and keys,
handcuffs and other security equipment;
(vi) Care and welfare of prisoners;
(vii) Maintenance of discipline in institutional premises, gates,
quarantine, barracks, dormitories, cells, worksheds, punishment yards,
segregation yards, hospital, kitchen, farm and in every other section of
the institution;
(viii) Sanitation and hygiene in areas under his charge;
(ix) Guarding and sentry duties;
(x) Escorting prisoners for work, supervision of their work, care
and custody of tools, property, equipment, dead stock and livestock;
(xi) Supervision of distribution of food, canteen articles and
inmate equipment;
(xii) Helping the technical personnel in worksheds, management
and discipline, helping agricultural personnel in all related matters;
(xiii) Discipline in areas where educational, cultural and
recreational activities are conducted;
(xiv) Reporting violations of discipline to appropriate officers
for taking immediate action as per rules;
141
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(xv) Observing habits and behaviour patterns of inmates and
reporting the same to the authorities concerned, helping inmates improve
their habits and attitudes;
(xvi) Taking preventive and control measures for all emergency
situations;
(xvii) Discipline in staff quarters;
(xviii) P.T., drill parades and emergency practice.
88. Assistant Superintendent to officiate for Deputy Superintendent
during his absence.— On days when the Deputy Superintendent is
allowed the off-duty in a week and on other occasions when the Deputy
Superintendent is absent, the Assistant Superintendent shall officiate
for him keeping the report book for the day and performing all other
prescribed duties. On every such occasions whenever the Assistant
Superintendent officiates for the Deputy Superintendent, he shall possess
all the powers and responsibilities of the Deputy Superintendent.
89. Absence.— On days when the Deputy Superintendent is
allowed the off-duty in a week and on.
90. Inspection of guard.— The Assistant Superintendent shall visit
the guard at night at least once a week preferably after 10.00 p.m. and
satisfy himself that the standing guard is present, the sentries posted
are on the alert, and that the rounds are being properly maintained. It
shall be so arranged that the Deputy Superintendent and Assistant
Superintendent make night visit on different days within a week
91. Check of valuable property.— The Assistant Superintendent
shall, in the month of December, every year go through all the valuable
property in his possession, compare them with the registers and satisfy
himself that they are correct. He shall enter a certificate to that effect in
his report book and a copy of it shall be submitted to the
Inspector-General of Prisons by the 15th January next through the
Superintendent.
92. Maintenance of Report Book.— With the registers and satisfy
himself that they are correct. He shall enter a certificate to that effect in
his report book and a copy of it shall be submitted to the
Inspector-General of Prisons by the 15th January next through the
Superintendent.
142
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
93. Joint responsibilities with the Deputy Superintendent.— The
Assistant Superintendent shall share the Deputy Superintendent’s
responsibilities for carrying out of rules for the maintenance of security,
custody and discipline. He shall not be absent from his quarters at night
without the written permission of the Superintendent or Deputy
Superintendent.
94. Delegation of Deputy Superintendent’s duties to Assistant
Superintendent.— The Superintendent may by an order to be recorded
in the order book allot to Assistant Superintendent any portion of the
Deputy Superintendent’s duties.
95. Executive work and drill.— Every Assistant Superintendent
shall be liable to be required to undertake executive functions and shall
learn the drill and to take the drill.
96. Duties of Assistant Superintendent in absence.— The duties
of the Assistant Superintendent shall be performed by the Principal
Warder during his absence, on leave, off days or on other occasions.
PRINCIPAL WARDER
97. Principal Warder and his duties.— (1) The Principal Warder
is equal to Principal Warder shall, subject to the general control of the
Deputy Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent, be responsible
for the work of the guarding/warder establishment and for the due
carrying out of all rules relating to it and to the guarding of the prison.
The Principal Warder will look after the Principal Warder work and
Gatekeeper work.
(2) He shall have charge of the uniform and equipment's of every
description of the warders establishment and shall maintain all accounts
and registers relating thereto. He shall supervise the attendance of the
standing guard, the mounting of sentries, relief, etc.
(3) He shall assist the Deputy Superintendent at unlocking and
lock-up. He shall visit the guards and sentries frequently by day and
at least twice a week at night and shall make an entry of the hour of
these visits, and of any irregularities, he may discover, and report to
the Deputy Superintendent of jails. He shall be exempted from the duties
specified above during his absence on weekly off-days.
143
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(4) He shall be responsible for the smartness and cleanliness
of the warders and for their being properly dressed at all times. He shall
perform such other duties as the Superintendent may, by order to be
recorded in the Superintendent’s Order Book, assign to him. He/she are
the responsible personnel for the incident occur at the duty point.
THE GATEKEEPER
98. A Gatekeeper to be on duty.— In every prison, there shall be
a Gate-keeper of the rank of Principal warder and he shall be under the
immediate control of the Deputy Superintendent. He shall be on duty at
the main gate between the hours of opening the prison in the morning
and closing it at night, his place being taken during temporary absence
for meals, weekly off-days or the like by Principal Warder.
99. Record of Relief.— The Gatekeeper is incharge of outgoing diet
and non-diet items and incoming and also he has to note outgoing
person and incoming person hours and signature should be noted in
the Gatekeeper register. At every relief of a Gatekeeper, a note of the
hour of such relief shall be recorded and signed by both the relieved
and relieving officers.
100. Persons allowed to enter and leave the prison.— (1) The
Gatekeeper shall admit or pass out of the prison, as the case may be:-
(a) Ministers, all official and non-official visitors and officers
of Government Departments on duty;
(b) officers of the prison going on or coming off, duty inside;
(c) prisoners duly authorized to enter and leave;
(2) With the exception of the persons mentioned in sub-rule (1)
no person shall be permitted to enter or leave the prison, unless under
a written order from or when accompanied by the Superintendent,
Inspector-General of Prisons, Minister or Chief Secretary to Government.
(3) A list of the official and non-official visitors entitled to
admission shall be pasted between the gates.
(4) The staff in charge of the gate shall extend all due
courtesies to visitors, members of the public and Government servants
and every visitors shall be properly accommodated in a room or
convenient place near the gate until the escort is arranged.
144
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
101. Power to search such persons.— (1) All official and non-
official visitors, casual visitors admitted with or under the orders of the
Superintendent, respectable merchants, pleaders and the superior
subordinates of other departments visiting the prison on business or
on duty, and prison officers of the rank of Principal Warder and above,
shall ordinarily be exempt from being searched.
(2) If, the Gatekeeper have reasons to suspect that any person
ordinarily exempt from search is introducing or removing prohibited
articles, he shall detain such person between the gates, and send notice
to the Deputy Superintendent who shall himself, if he thinks necessary,
conduct a search.
(3) Females shall be searched only by a female warder, in private,
and without the presence of any male officer.
(4) The Deputy Superintendent shall occasionally and at least
once a week at unexpected times, search some of the officials of the
prison, subordinate in rank to himself, and who are ordinarily exempt
from search, on their way into or out of or when inside the prison, and
shall report the circumstances under which he has done so, with the
results, in his report book.
(5) The search of all officers ordinarily exempt from search shall
be conducted by the Deputy Superintendent with as much privacy as
possible.
(6) Should any person, other than a prison officer or prisoner,
decline to submit to be searched or decline to deliver up any transferable
articles in his possession to the temporary custody of the Gatekeeper,
when required to do so, he shall be denied admission.
Explanation:-This rule must be enforced with circumspection so
as not to offend the feelings of officers and others.
102. General duties of Gatekeeper.— (1) In addition to the duty
prescribed for Gatekeepers in section 21 of the Prisons Act, 1894 the
Gatekeeper shall maintain such registers and enter therein such
particulars as the Superintendent may from time to time prescribe.
(2) The Gatekeeper shall comply with all rules, regulations,
directions and orders for the time being in force, regulating the persons
who may be permitted ingress to, and egress from, and the articles which
may be taken into, and brought out of the prison.
145
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
103. Record of persons and things entering and leaving prison.—
(1) The Gatekeeper shall keep a record in the register of the name of
every person, and a brief description of every article of whatever kind,
that passes into or out of the prison, with the hour and a minute of
such passage and in the case of articles, the name of the person in whose
custody they passed through.
(2) He shall require the production of a pass signed by
competent authority, by every person not entitled to admission without
one, and in respect of every article without exception that he allows into
or out of the prison, and shall file all such passes as his authority for
action.
104. Particulars of records.— (1) The record of all persons who
pass into or out of the prison, shall be kept in separate registers.
(2) The description of articles shall be no more than sufficient
to permit of subsequent check. In the case of factory parcels, packed
and sealed, description of their contents is unnecessary.
(3) All entries relating to persons or articles shall be made at
the time of their passage through the gateway and in consecutive
105. Gatekeeper responsible for condition of main gate.— The
Gate-keeper shall be responsible-
(a) For the cleanliness and tidiness of the passage between the
gates and the security of articles placed therein, which shall, for the
time being, be in his charge;
(b) That the gates and wickets of the main gate, except when it
is necessary to open them for the purpose of passing any person or
thing into or out of the prison, are kept, shut and locked; and
(c) For the safety and correctness of the keys entrusted to his
charge.
106. Working of double gate system.— In prisons provided with
double gates with or without wickets, the Gatekeeper shall open only
one gate or wicket at a time and before doing so, shall satisfy himself
that the other means of entry and exit are secure. Ingress and egress
for ordinary purposes shall take place through the wicket doorways.
146
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
107. Method of passing prisoners into or out of prison.— (1) On
passing prisoners out of the prison, the Gatekeeper shall first let them
through the inner gate or wicket should be checked by the male prisoners
by male warders and female prisoners by female warders and, having
locked it shall write in full in the register provided for the purpose names
or register numbers of all the prisoners and the warders in charge. He
shall then open the wicket in the outer gate and count the prisoners as
they pass out, to verify the total.
(2) Every change in the constitution of a gang passed out of
the prison must be noted and attested in the gate register by the
signature or seal of the officer responsible for making the change, as
well as by that of the Gatekeeper who shall on the first opportunity report
the circumstances to the Deputy Superintendent.
(3) On passing prisoners into the prison the Gatekeeper shall
open the outer wicket and admit the gang to the passage between the gates.
He shall then lock the outer wicket and call out the name or number of
each prisoner and warder, as recorded in the registers. The gang having
been found correct, he shall open the inner gate or wicket gate and count
the prisoners as they pass into the prison to verify the total.
(4) The Gatekeeper shall be responsible to ensure that every
prisoner or gang taken out of the prison is incharge of a guard of the
proper strength duly authorized for this purpose.
108. Gate register to be submitted to Deputy Superintendent.—
The Gatekeeper shall submit the gate register daily to the Deputy
Superintendent, for scrutiny and initial and shall submit once a fortnight
to the Superintendent.
109. Power to detain persons committing offence.— Pending the
making of a report to the Deputy Superintendent, Gatekeeper may detain
or cause to be detained in custody any person who may, in his presence,
sight or hearing, commit any criminal or prison offence at or in the vicinity
of the prison gate.
110. Delivery of keys at lockup.— When the prisoners are locked
up for the night, the keys of the gates and wickets shall be locked into
the fixed key-almirah at the main gate. Duplicate keys of the lock used
on the outer gate or wicket shall be given by the Deputy Superintendent
to the visiting officers for the night, and the duplicate key of the lock
used on the inner gate or wicket to the warder detailed to sleep between
the gates.
147
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
111. Keys to be kept in bunch.—The keys of the main gates and
wickets of every prison shall be kept in one or two bunches, as may be
convenient and on a chain or ring, for safety and easy attachment to
the waist belt.
112. Bright light in night.— A light shall be kept burning brightly
in the passage between the gates throughout the night.
113. Articles to be kept between gates.— (1) In the passage
between the main gates, the following articles shall ordinarily be kept,
namely:-
(a) a clock;
(b) a weighing machine;
(c) spare handcuffs in a secure place;
(d) a desk with lock and key for the Gatekeeper’s books and
writing materials;
(e) a wall almirah or box for keys with glass frames;
(f) apparatus for extinguishing fire;
(g) a telephone;
(h) a siren;
(i) a first aid box;
(j) a notice-board;
(k) scanning machine and metal detector;
(2) The warder on night duty in-between the gates shall be in-
charge of the gate after lockup.
(3) Entries of ingress and egress or of any article entering and
leaving the prison between lock-up and unlocking shall be made by the
guard officer in his night report for the information of the Gatekeeper,
who shall incorporate these next day in the appropriate registers.
(4) A printed copy of these rules shall be pasted in the main
gate-way of every prison close to the Gatekeeper’s desk.
148
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
MEDICAL PERSONNEL
114. The Government shall appoint a Medical Officer (In Charge)
for every prison. During the absence of the Medical Officer (In Charge),
other officers like Staff Nurse shall attend to his duties in the prison.
These Medical Officers shall be under the administrative control of the
Chief Superintendent of Jails.
115. Functions of the medical personnel.— The medical personnel
shall be directly responsible for the medicare and health of prisoners.
They shall also ensure the maintenance of minimum standards of
hygienic conditions in the prison premises. The specific duties of each
of the medical personnel shall be assigned in the following areas:-
(i) Preventive Service:- Examination of all inmates on admission
and release periodical re-examination, immediate provision of whatever
treatment is indicated, immunization, segregation and treatment of those
having contagious or infectious conditions, inspection and advice regarding
diet, clothing, equipment, industrial safety, environmental and institutional
sanitation and hygiene, health education for inmates and personnel.
(ii) Curative Services:- Treatment of diseases, dental care,
treatment of skin ailments, correction of defects of sight, hearing, speech
and posture, provision of artificial limbs, glass eyes, trusses and other
prosthetic devices, prescription of special diets and exercise and
physiotherapy.
(iii) General:- Hospital administration, hospital discipline,
classification of prisoners, assessing work and employment potential of
inmates, suggesting special precautionary measures where necessary for
certain types of offenders, daily visit to prisoners under punishment,
prisoners under sentence of death, inspection of kitchen, canteen
provisions and supplies, medical treatment of personnel, assisting the
Superintendent in matters pertaining to institutional management, liaison
with local officers of Medical and Health Departments. The main
responsibility of the Medical Officer is to take-care of the sick prisoners.
116. Residential Quarters of the Medical Officer.— The Medical
Officer deputed to a prison hospital, shall be entitled for staff quarters
as per rules and entitlement.
117. Terms of Appointment.— The Medical Officer, Staff Nurse and
nursing orderlies should be appointed by the Prison/Directorate of Health
and Family Welfare Services, Puducherry.
149
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
WELFARE UNIT PERSONNEL
118. Welfare Unit.– Prison welfare officer should be appointed in
each central and district prison to look after the welfare and reintegration
programs of prisoners. It is advisable to have at least one welfare officer
for every 300 prisoners in a central prison and at least one for each
district prison.
119. Duties of Welfare Officer.— Government may appoint a
Welfare Officer in central prison based on requirement whenever needed
should be appointed on deputation through welfare Department,
Puducherry. It shall be duty his duty.
(a) To coordinate the work of the welfare unit;
(b) To help the inmates in overcoming problems of institutional
adjustment;
(c) To arrange for correspondence by every prisoner with his
relatives outside;
(d) Facilitate understanding between the inmates and
administration;
(e) To assist inmates in dealing with problems faced by their
families and dependents;
(f) Participating in the orientation, classification and
reclassification programmed;
(g) To assist the prison authorities in maintaining prison
security discipline;
(h) To identify the resources for rehabilitation of prisoners;
(i) Participating in the pre-release programme and helping the
inmate establish contacts useful to him after release.
120. Duties of Counsellor.— Government may place services of a
counsellor full time based on requirement in Central Prison.
(i) Dealing with emotional and psychological problems of
inmates;
(ii) Providing counselling to prisoners facing problems of
adjustment within the prison and in relation to their families outside;
150
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(iii) Helping inmates develop their self-image, self-confidence
and motivation for correctional treatment;
(iv) Helping the staff in understanding the problems faced by
the inmates;
(v) Aiding the psychiatrist in related matters.
121. Probation officer.— Government shall appoint a Probation
Officer in the Central Prison or empower any of the prison officers to
discharge the functions of Probation Officer. He shall look after all
matters relating to pre-mature release including probation service and
release of prisoners on leave and emergency leave, under the
supervision of Chief Superintendent of Jail. He shall discharge the
functions as required under the Probation of Offenders Act, 1958.
Probation Officer shall perform any other work assigned to him by the
Inspector-General of Prisons, Chief Superintendent of Jails and
Superintendent of Jail in correctional matters.
122. Duties of Social Worker.— Government may appoint a Social
Worker (Master of Social worker with Psychology) place services of
qualified person from other Department as per requirement in Central
Prison. His duties shall be:-
(a) To make a social study through personal interview in the
case of prisoners sentenced for a period of one year and above within
a week of their admission and to prepare a Social Case Study Report for
each prisoner and submit it to the Superintendent; to attend to cases of
prisoners sentenced to less than one year also within a week, if so
ordered by the Superintendent of Jail;
(b) To classify the problems of the inmates and deal with their
difficulties in institutional life;
(c) To be a member of the Classification Committee and to assist
the Superintendent in the classification of prisoners and in their
reclassification; to participate in the orientation process;
(d) To establish Co-operation and understanding between the
prisoners and the administration and to deal with all correspondence
relating to it;
(e) To assist the prisoner in developing his contact with his
family and to provide assistance to the prisoner and his family members
and to deal with all correspondence relating to it;
151
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(f) To conduct individual counselling for not less than two
prisoners per day and to send reports to the Superintendent;
(g) To hold not less than two sessions in a week for group
counselling and each group shall contain not exceeding ten selected
prisoners. He may hold such sessions after lock-up and before they go
to bed. At the time of group counseling, an Assistant Superintendent
shall be present representing the executive side and to take
precautionary measures from the security point of view;
(h) To assist the Superintendent in the preparation of
pre-release programme for prisoners sentenced to one year and above;
(i) To be responsible for the maintenance of prisoner’s case files
in connection with the classification by the Committee;
(j) To maintain a report book, wherein he shall report his daily
work and to send a special weekly report to the Superintendent. The
report book shall be placed before the Superintendent once in a week
on a day convenient to the Superintendent or oftener, if necessary;
(k) To submit monthly assessment report to the Superintendent
for transmission to the Chief Probation Officer (Philosophy in sociology
or Psychology) and forward it to the Inspector-General of Prisons with
his remarks. The report shall be returned to the Superintendent with the
orders of the Inspector-General for necessary action;
(l) To perform any other work assigned to him by the
Superintendent of Jail in correctional matters.
123. Duties of Psychologist.— Government may appoint a
psychologist in central prison. It shall be the duty of a Psychologist.
(a) to administer intelligence quotient test and personality test
to every prisoner sentenced to a period of one year and above:
Provided that the above tests shall also be administered in the
case of prisonerssentenced to less than one year, if so ordered by the
Superintendent or Assistant Director of Correctional Services.
(b) to be a member of the Classification Committee and to assist
the Superintendent in classification and re-classification.
(c) to conduct individual counseling for not less than two
prisoners per day and to sendreports to the Superintendent.
152
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
124. Other duties of welfare functionaries.— (1) Welfare Officer,
Probation Officer, Psychologist and Social Worker shall act in immediate
subordinate to the Superintendent of Jail and Chief Superintendent of
Jails and shall be subject to the general control of the Inspector-General
of Prisons. They shall co-operate with the custodial staff in matters
relating to security, custody, discipline or day-to-day day functioning
and administration of the prison and also in building prison morale.
(2) Requests shall be made by these officers to the
Superintendent of Jail in writing to arrange for interview or administering
the tests, etc. In no case, the interview of a prisoner after lockup shall
be allowed and there shall be no objection to the presence of the
guarding personnel within sight, but out of hearing, if so desired.
(3) They shall be present at the Superintendent’s weekly
inspection parade.
(4) The Superintendent of Jail shall equally distribute the work
among them.
125. Maintenance of registers and records.— (1) There shall be a
common dispatch register for Welfare Unit Personnel. The Psychologist,
Social Worker, Welfare Officer and the Probation Officer, shall maintain
separate current/receipts’ registers.
(2) Such of the records maintained by the Psychologist, Social
Worker, Welfare Officer and the Probation Officer shall also be inspected
by the Superintendent of Jail and Chief Superintendent along with the
other records of the Prison.
EDUCATIONAL PERSONNEL
126. Duties of educational personnel.— Education in prisons has
to be pursued as an important means of reformative treatment. It not
only implies providing literacy but also inculcating values among
prisoners as are considered conducive to their social mainstream.
Therefore, education personnel have to offer a comprehensive programme
of education to prisoners in which various educational functionaries will
perform their specific duties in the following areas:-
(i) Conducting diversified educational programmes for health,
academics, social and moral education;
(ii) Linking prison education with mainstream education;
153
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(iii) Screening of newly admitted inmates for the determination
of their educational aptitude, abilities and interests;
(iv) Participation in Classification Committee’s work;
(v) Conducting literacy, socio-cultural and spiritual development
programme;
(vi) Arranging tests and examinations; periodically assessing
educational progress of inmates, changing educational programmes when
necessary;
(vii) Maintenance of a library with sufficient reading material;
(viii) Audio-visual facilities;
(ix) daily 1 hour counselling programme to be given for all the
prisoners.
TECHNICAL PERSONNEL
127. Duties of Technical personnel.— The technical personnel are
responsible for the development of vocational training and diversified
programmes of productive work as an important component of the
reformative process. While technically qualified and trained staff has to
provide knowledge and skills for economic rehabilitation, the other
technical staff like Electrician and Plumber should be on round the clock
and they can be deputed from Public Works Department and Electricity
Department will have to ensure proper maintenance of the prison
infrastructure. The specific duties to be discharged by them are:-
(a) Instructors:- The specific duties of the Instructors shall
include:-
(i) Giving vocational aptitude test to inmates, interviewing
and collecting data about inmates’ vocational history,
skills abilities and interests;
(ii) Suggesting work and vocational training programmes for
inmates;
(iii) Preparing plans for vocational training projects;
(iv) Imparting apprenticeship, on-the-job and vocational
training to inmates;
154
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(v) Utilizing resources of service and maintenance unit for
training purposes;
(vi) Arranging arts and handicrafts projects;
(vii) Arranging vocational examinations for inmates;
(viii) Training of newly admitted prisoners;
(ix) Maintaining progress reports about the training of
prisoners;
(x) Suggesting improvements in work methods;
(xi) Keeping the equipment and machines in the workshop in
good working condition, custody and maintenance of
shops and factories;
(xii) Ensuring safety measures in workshops and factory
areas;
(xiii) Maintenance of discipline in the area under their charge,
attending to emergency situations;
(xiv) Distribution of work to inmates;
(xv) Maintaining muster rolls of inmates working in various
sections;
(xvi) Supplying inmates with production tools and materials;
(xvii) Supervision over quality and quantity of production;
(xviii) Maintaining task sheets;
(xix) Measuring tasks and apportioning wages;
(xx) Indenting raw material from the Storekeeper, storing raw
material in their charge, maintaining an account of raw
material and manufactured articles in their charge,
dispatch of manufactured articles to the Storekeeper,
monthly checking of stores under their charge and
reporting the same to the authorities concerned;
(xxi) Preparing work plans for worksheds under their control
and forwarding them to the officer in charge.
155
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(b) Maintenance Staff:- The specific duties of the maintenance
staff shall include:-
(i) Maintenance and repairs of prison buildings;
(ii) Maintenance and service of machines, tools and
equipment and transport;
(iii) Maintenance and service of electric lines, plumbing
facilities, water supply plant and power plant;
(iv) Periodical testing of emergency equipment likes
firefighting equipment and accident prevention measures.
AGRICULTURAL PERSONNEL
128. Agricultural personnel.— (a) Whenever if necessary, the
agricultural qualified person may be required from the Agricultural
Department, Puducherry on deputation basis.
(b) Keeping in view, the rural background of most of the
prisoners, training and development of agriculture in prisons, the
agricultural personnel have to be responsible for the upgradation of their
skills in this field. The specific duties to be performed by them are
indicated as under:
(i) Dealing with all matters pertaining to agriculture and
horticulture;
(ii) Distribution of agricultural work to prisoners,
maintenance of muster rolls, assessing the work done and
apportioning of wages;
(iii) Planning of training projects, imparting training to
inmates in improved methods and practices of agriculture
and horticulture;
(iv) Maintaining progress reports about the training of
inmates;
(v) Indenting of material from the Storekeeper; storing of
material, maintaining an account of the equipment,
material and produce, monthly stock taking;
(vi) Preparing plans for agriculture and related work;
156
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(vii) Security and maintenance of tools and equipments,
livestock;
(viii) Maintenance of discipline in area in their charge, daily
inspection rounds, weekly night inspection of forms and
attending to all emergency situations.
MINISTERIAL STAFF
129. Duties of ministerial staff.— Ministerial staff shall be so
organized as not to leave any scope for sharing their duties with
prisoners. The members of ministerial staff will be assigned duties by
the Chief Superintendent of Jails as per the position he/she holds and
the requirements. The specific duties of the Cashier and Storekeeper shall
be:-
(a) Accountants/Cashier:- He shall be responsible for
preparation of budget, maintenance of accounts of all branches and
stores, accounts and cash, daily checking of all stores and accounts
registers, financial returns, periodicals and statistics, monthly stock
taking of all stores.
(b) Storekeeper:- In charge of all stores that is, grain, provision,
supplies, raw material, accessories, manufactured articles, inmate
equipment, personnel equipment, dead stock and miscellaneous stores.
CHAPTER–7
PRISON STAFF DISCIPLINE
130. Division of staff into two parts.— The subordinate
establishment of the Prison Department exclusive of the Medical Branch
is divided into upper subordinate and the lower subordinate.
131. Liability to serve in any prison.— Every subordinate officer
shall be liable to be employed wherever it seems fit to the Inspector-
General to employ him. Whenever a warder is recommended for transfer,
the names of the Prisons in which he has previously served shall be stated.
132. Knowledge of rules.— Every subordinate officer shall make
himself fully acquainted with the rules and regulations relating to his
office, and no plea of ignorance will be accepted as an excuse for neglect.
The rules prescribed by the Government regulating the conduct of public
officers are applicable to all subordinate officers.
157
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
133. Duties towards superior officers.— Every subordinate officer
shall yield prompt and strict obedience to all orders of the superior
officers and shall treat all superior officers at all times with respect.
134. Absent without permission.— No subordinate officer shall be
absent during the hours fixed for his attendance without the permission
of the Superintendent or Deputy Superintendent. Any subordinate officer
disabled from the performance of duty by illness shall give or send
immediate notice to the Deputy Superintendent who shall make such
arrangements as may be necessary for the performance of the duty of
the disabled officer.
135. Restrictions on prison staff.— No member of the staff of
Prison Establishment shall, without the express sanction of the
Government of Puducherry or of the prescribed authority:-
(a) be a member of or be associated in any way with any Trade
Union, Labour Union, Political Association or with any class of trade
unions, of Political Associations; or
(b) be a member or be associated in any way with, any other
society, institution, association or organization that is not recognized
as part of Prison Administration of which he is a member or is not of a
purely social, recreational or religious nature; or
(c) communicate with the press or mass media or publish or
cause to be published any book, letter or other document except where
such communication or publication is in the bona fide discharge of his/
her duties or is of purely literary, artistic or scientific in character or is
of a prescribed nature.
136. Dress and personal appearances.— All members of staff shall
be clean in person and dress and those for whom a uniform is prescribed
shall at all times wear it while on duty and shall further conform to such
regulations concerning their personal appearance as may be established
by authority.
137. No officer to smoke or drink in the jail.— No officer shall
smoke or drink while on duty or introduce liquor, tobacco or any other
drug, mobile phone/cell phone or any other prohibited articles into the
prison.
138. No officer to receive private visitors.— No subordinate
officer shall receive any private visitor within the Prison, except with
the written sanction of the Superintendent.
158
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
139. Conditions as to residence.— (1) All officers, both gazetted
and non-gazetted shall reside in the prison premises or in such quarters
as may be approved by the Government in the case of gazetted officers,
and the Inspector-General of Prisons in the case of non-gazetted officer.
(2) Every gazetted and non-gazetted member of the prison
establishment shall be entitled to rent-free residential accommodation
on modern lines with adequate community services and facilities. Each
institution should have provisions for lodging officials, guests and other
visitors, visiting the institutions.
(3) No officer shall, except with the written permission of the
Government, allow any person other than the members of his family to
reside with him/her, either temporarily or permanently, in his/her quarters
in the prison premises. Prison personnel who are entailed to rent free
accommodation but, are not provided with such accommodation should
be paid house-rent allowance at par with Government employees in other
departments.
Explanation:- (a) In this rule, the expression 'members of the
family’ includes:-
(i) the wife or husband, as the case may be, of the official;
(ii) son, daughter or step-son or step-daughter of the official
and wholly dependent on him/her;
(iii) Any other person related, whether by blood or marriage,
to the official's wife or husband and wholly dependent
on the official.
(b) The following facilities should also be extended to staff
quarters and premises:-
(a) Periodical disinfection.
(b) Conservancy and sanitation services in staff quarters.
(c) Maintenance of parks and other utilities on the premises.
140. Prohibition against quarrelling.— Quarrel between Prison
Officers is strictly prohibited. Any disagreement between subordinates
relating to their duties shall be referred to the Superintendent or
Chief Superintendent of Jails or Inspector-General of Prisons. Any
complaint made by one officer against an equal or superior officer shall
be made to the Superintendent. Officers making frivolous or false
complaints shall be severely punished.
159
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
141. Officers to prevent escapes and introduction of prohibited
articles:- Every prison officer shall:-
(a) exert the utmost vigilance to prevent escapes;
(b) prevent to the best of his power the introduction into the
Prison and the giving to any prisoner of any prohibited articles; and
(c) prevent any communication between prisoners and outsiders
except as permitted by rules.
142. Prohibition against entering a ward or cell at night.—
Except as elsewhere provided, no subordinate officer shall enter a ward
or cell at night. Provided that in case of sickness or other emergency he
may so enter along with another authorized officer Provided further that
the Superintendent may by order in writing relax this rule during the
presence in the prison of an epidemic disease.
143. Responsibility of Warder for charge of gang.— No Warder
shall be deemed to be free of responsibility for the charge of a gang of
prisoners until he is relieved by another Warder detailed for the duty,
in the presence, and under the signature made at the time of relief of
the Warder whose duty is to conduct such relief.
144. Duties of officer in charge of gang.— Every officer in charge
of a gang shall make his prisoners march in file and shall prevent all
straggling and disorderly conduct, the holding of unauthorized
communications with each other or with any unauthorized person or the
procuring of any prohibited articles.
145. Care of Keys.— No subordinate officer entrusted with prison
keys shall remove them from the prison, leave them lying about or lend
them to any person on any pretence whatever, but shall, when leaving
the prison or going off duty, deliver them to such officer as may be
authorized to receive them. The keys of wards, cells or outer gates are
not on any account to be delivered to any prisoner.
146. Care of Government property.— (1) When an officer entrusted
with the care of Government property, such as warrants, cash, stores,
machinery, etc., is transferred, proceeds on leave (other than casual
leave), resigns, is suspended or discharged, he shall make over all
property in his care to the officer appointed to relieve him and the
relieving officer shall compare all articles thus made over with the entries
in the prescribed registers and satisfy himself that they are correct and
160
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
shall then initial each register in its proper place in token of having
correctly received charge of the articles entered therein. Until charge is
thus taken and the registers initialed by the relieving officer, the officer
relieved shall be wholly responsible for all errors and deficiencies in the
property.
(2) All officers shall, on relief, hand over all current files,
accounts and registers in their charge and obtain the signatures of the
relieving officers in the list maintained by them, in token of the correct
handing over and taking over of the various records.
147. Officers to instruct their successors.— All officers, on being
relieved from any particular duty or transferred to another part of the
prison, shall point out to their successors, all matters of special
importance connected with their charge and explain any directions of
any superior officer affecting any particular prisoner or matter.
148. Prisoners to be treated to with good temper.— All prison
officers shall treat prisoners with good temper, humanity and strict
impartiality, and shall listen patiently and without irritability to any
complaint or grievance, while at the same time maintaining strict
discipline and enforcing observance of the rules and regulations. It is
important that every complaint made by a prisoner should be heard with
attention, in order that grievances may be redressed and no cause for
discontent may be allowed to remain. The directions issued by the
National Human Rights Commission, from time to time, in such matters,
shall be strictly complied with.
149. Prohibition against punishing or abusing prisoners.— No prison
officer shall, in any circumstances, punish any prisoner except under
the Superintendent's order or threaten any prisoner with punishment or
use violent, abusive or insulting language to any prisoner. All conduct
intended merely to irritate or annoy any prisoner shall be avoided.
Prisoners shall be addressed by their proper names or numbers.
150. Prisoner not to be struck.— No prison officer shall on any
pretext strike a prisoner except in self-defence or in the repression of
disturbance, and no more force shall then be used than is absolutely
necessary.
151. Immediate report of misconduct to be made.— No subordinate
officer shall, either through favor or a mistaken notion of kindness, fail
to make an immediate report to his superior officer of any misconduct
or willful disobedience of the prison rules.
161
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
152. Familiarity with prisoners forbidden.— No prison officer
shall unnecessarily converse with or treat him with familiarity or allow
any familiarity between a prisoner and any other officer in the prison
nor shall he discuss matters of discipline or prison duties or
arrangements with or in the hearing of prisoners.
153. Officers not to have dealings with prisoners or their
friends.— No prison officer shall lend money to, borrow money from or
incur any obligation in favor of any other prison officer or any prisoner
or correspond with or hold any intercourse with the friends or relatives
of any prisoner or have any unauthorized communication with any
prisoner or with any person whatever as to matters concerning the
prison.
154. Officers not to receive prisoners’ property.— No prison
officer or other person in any way connected with the prison shall
receive or use any article belonging to a person who either is or has
been confined in the prison.
155. Intercourse with discharged prisoners forbidden.— No prison
officer shall correspond with or have any interaction with any discharged
prisoner or with the friends or relatives of such prisoner or allow any
such prisoner, friend or relative to visit or remain in his quarters, except
with the written special permission of the Superintendent.
156. Officer not to be interested in jail contract.— No prison
officer shall, directly or indirectly be concerned in any contract or
agreement for the supply of any article for the use of the prison.
No prison officer shall receive directly or indirectly any fee, gratuity,
present or loan from any contractor or person tendering for any contract
with the prison or from any prisoner, prisoner’s friend or any person
visiting the prison.
157. Officers not to engage in trade.— No prison officer shall,
either directly or indirectly engage in any trade, business or employment
other than his legitimate prison duties.
158. Permission to subordinate officers to maintain a cow.— The
Superintendent may permit the maintenance of a cow each by
subordinate officers and guarding personnel who apply for it and also
allow them to sell the surplus milk.
162
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
159. Inspector-General Prisons to decide when prosecution
should be instituted.—(1) The Inspector-General of Prisons shall decide
whether or not a prosecution shall be instituted in respect of any offence
punishable under section 54 of the Prisons Act, 1894 (Central Act IX of
1894). Whenever a prosecution is determined on the officer concerned
shall be suspended from duty.
(2) For minor offences and in cases of more serious misconduct
when a subordinate officer has a previous good record, the punishments
of censure and fine may be held in abeyance for a stated period ranging
from three to six months at the end of which period the order of
punishment shall be cancelled, if, the officer’s conduct while on duty
during the period of postponement has been good. If, the subordinate
officer’s conduct is found to be unsatisfactory at any time during the
period of postponement, the punishment may at once be confirmed.
A deferred punishment shall be entered in the defaulter sheet or the
confidential report, as the case may be, if it is confirmed.
(3) When the punishment held in abeyance is a censure and is
subsequently confirmed, it shall have effect from the date of offence to
which it relates.
160. Prosecution of Prison Officials.— For the following offences,
if, committed by any prison officer or subordinate officer, a prosecution
shall be instituted unless the Inspector-General of Prisons otherwise
orders, in which case the offender shall be punished departmentally,
namely:-
(1) Willfully or negligently permitting an escape;
(2) Committing any offence punishable under section 42 of the
Prisons Act IX of 1894 relating to the introduction of or supply to
prisoners of prohibited articles, unauthorized communication with
prisoners and abetment of such offences;
(3) Receiving any presents directly or indirectly, receiving any
monetary gain from contractors and private persons who have business
dealing with the prison;
(4) Immoral conduct with regard to any prisoner;
(5) Any offence punishable under the Indian Penal Code, 1860
or other Criminal Law.
163
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(6) Issuing cell phone to the prisoners by the officials will be
treated as per G.O. No. 5/V-17013/18/2010-PR of Government of India
and also Punishment will be awarded as per the Order of the Joint
Secretary No. 140/Home/P.II/2011, dated 01-04-2011 of Government of
Puducherry.
161. Acquitted officers to be reinstated.— (1) A prison officer
acquitted of a charge by a Criminal Court shall be reinstated in the
service, unless the Inspector-General of Prisons, for reasons to be
recorded in writing, otherwise directs.
(2) If, any directions issued by the Court regarding the
reinstatement of the acquitted officer in service, it shall be complied with.
162. Offences ordinarily punishable by dismissal.— All prison
officials who commit any of the following offences shall ordinarily be
punished by dismissal, unless the previous character of the offender
and the circumstances of the case render a milder punishment sufficient:-
(1) Appearing on duty in a state of intoxication from liquor or
any drug;
(2) Striking a prisoner, except in self-defence or to suppress an
outbreak or unlawfully punishing any prisoner;
(3) Sleeping on duty;
(4) Entering or permitting any person to enter the female
enclosure without proper authority;
(5) Committing or conniving at irregularities in the supply or
distribution of food;
(6) Being concerned, directly or indirectly, in a prison contract
or receiving a present from contractor;
(7) Having dealings with any prisoner or prisoner’s friend;
(8) Supplying any prohibited articles or money to the prisoners;
(9) Insubordination towards any superior officer; and
(10) Any other breach of Prison Rules.
163. Procedure prior to inflicting punishment.— (1) In every case,
where it is proposed to inflict on a member of the service any
punishment, he shall be given a reasonable opportunity of making any
164
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
representation that he may desire to make and such representation, if
any, shall be taken into consideration before the orders imposing the
penalty is passed:
Provided that the requirement of this sub-rule may, for sufficient
reasons, to be recorded in writing, be waived when there is genuine
difficulty in observing them and they can be waived without injustice
to the person concerned.
(2) In every case, where it is proposed to inflict on a member
of the service any punishment, the procedure laid down in the Central
Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965 and the
procedure laid down by the Government from time to time shall be
followed.
164. Officer to quit the Prison on termination of appointment.—
(1) Every subordinate officer or servant, dismissed, discharged or
allowed to resign his appointment, shall be required at once to quit the
prison and the quarters occupied by him, and shall give up any uniform
or other property of Government, entrusted to him. Every subordinate
officer or servant suspended shall be required to give up any uniform
or other property of Government entrusted to him and quit the prison
forthwith. He shall also quit the quarters occupied by him within one
month from the date of such suspension.
(2) Any subordinate officer transferred from one prison to
another shall also be required to quit the quarters occupied by him,
unless otherwise ordered by the Superintendent or higher authority.
(3) Where a subordinate officer dies while in service, his family
shall be permitted to occupy the quarters for a period of not exceeding
six month from the date of his death, subject to the payment of rent as
prescribed by Government from time to time.
(4) The conditions mentioned under sub-rule (1), (2) and (3)
shall equally apply to all officers of the Prison Department.
165. Caution to officers under suspension.— (1) When a
Government servant is suspended, he shall remain at the Headquarters
fixed in the order. He shall leave the Headquarters only on obtaining
prior permission of the appropriate authority.
(2) He must obey all orders to attend an inquiry into his
conduct, and if he fails to do so, the inquiry may be held in his absence.
165
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
166. Prison Officials convicted by Court.— Any prison official
sentenced to imprisonment by a Court shall be dismissed from service,
except when retention is authorized by Government and or the
Inspector-General on account of consideration such as long service,
good character, and the petty nature of the offence for which he was
convicted. The order of dismissal shall not, however, be passed till
expiration of the period allowed for appeal and till decision of the appeal
in case an appeal is filed and in the meanwhile, the convicted official
shall be continued under suspension.
CHAPTER–8
CUSTODIAL MANAGEMENT
167. Objective of prison custody.— Secure custody of inmates is
the primary responsibility of the prison. The overall objective of reform
and rehabilitation has to be pursued within the framework of custody.
Further, prison custody implies certain restrictions on the basic rights
of prisoners as human beings under the process of incarceration that
prisoners are required to undergo.
168. Security and Custody.— Security measures in each prison
shall be adopted in accordance with its specific requirements. The norms
in respect of security and custody are:-
(i) Demarcation of an ‘out-of-bound’ area as a sterile zone of
atleast 150 metres around the prison premises-Central prison 150 mtrs.,
District prison 100 mtrs., Special sub-prison and sub-prison 50 mtrs;
(ii) Secure walls, building gates, barracks, cells, hospital areas
and other places, daily inspection of the same and proper maintenance
of prison buildings and premises.
(iii) A system of good lighting inside and around the prison;
(iv) A system of thorough searches of all incoming and
outgoing prisoners, articles and vehicles. Daily searches and periodical
surprise searches of all prison sections and equipment;
(v) A central-point monitoring for the control of the movement
of prisoners;
(vi) A thorough system of the control of prohibited articles;
(vii) A thorough system of counting prisoners;
166
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(viii) A system of custody and control and inspection of locks,
keys, handcuffs and other security equipment, maintenance and service
of all security equipment;
(ix) A system of custody, control, inspection and counting of
tools equipment;
(x) A system of accident prevention and of meeting requirements
during emergencies such as escapes, riots, assaults and fires;
(xi) A system of fire arms control, quarter guard, magazine and
weaponry practice;
(xii) Adequate guarding and security measures by adopting
proper norms for staff and equipment, and periodical testing and
inspection thereof, by executive personnel;
(xiii) Effective system of censoring prisoners' mail and checking
of interviews;
(xiv) Utilization of local intelligence branches wherever
necessary and maintaining an intelligence system to collect information
within the prison;
(xv) Installation of close circuit television system and other
electronic gadgets to effectively monitor and maintain a close watch for
any breach of security inside the prisons;
(xvi) Watch towers, wherever necessary, to watch inside and
outside of the prison, to be constructed and search lights and binoculars
made available; The Prison infrastructure consists of 3 tier wall security,
the 1st wall should be guard by the Armed Police by Police Department,
2nd and 3rd wall will be guarded by the Prison Department;
(xvii) Installing power fencing on the walls of prisons wherever
necessary to prevent escapes, ensuring safety of the prisoners’ lives;
(xviii) A system of thorough search for unearthing explosives
and narcotic substances among prisoners;
(xix) Effective wireless communication system and intercoms to
be established within the prison and also from one prison to another;
(xx) Constructing a second security wall in every prison, making
the prison building as inaccessible an area to the general public as
possible, and also to avoid trespassing also;
167
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(xxi) A good road inside and outside the main walls for better
patrolling;
(xxii) A modern interview room with sound absorption to ensure
smooth conversation and human dignity, without overlooking the
security;
(xxiii) Effective segregation of prisoners on the basis of security
requirements;
(xxiv) Installation of high pitch sirens to alert prison staff,
public and nearby Police Stations about any untoward happening;
(xxv) Untrained personnel not to be posted inside the prison,
prison premises, under any circumstances for guarding purposes;
(xxvi) Electronic gadgetry may be used for guarding purposes.
169. Guarding establishment.— There will be a guarding
establishment in every prison, responsible for the guarding of prisoners,
prison premises, gate and carrying out any other duties which may be
assigned to them. The guarding establishment includes the Warders
performing their duties in rotation.
170. Quick Reaction Team.— (i) In all Central and District Prisons,
there will be a Quick Reaction Team consisting of eight to twenty
warders, who have undergone commando training, with use of modern
weapons and unarmed combat. This Quick Reaction Team shall be under
the charge of the Assistant Superintendent and will always be ready in
the guard room to meet any emergency. The SOP on the Quick Reaction
Team should be available in each prison.
(ii) The Quick Reaction Team will be divided into two groups
used on alternate days to handle any emergency in the prison. They
will be kept on alert with facilities for fast movement. The Quick Reaction
Team will be used for its specified duties only. As far as possible, the
Quick Reaction Team must be selected from young warders.
(iii) The Quick Reaction Team will always be commanded by an
officer during day and night. There will be two officers in the rank of
Assistant Superintendent to look after the operations.
(iv) Personnel in the Quick Reaction Team will carry the required
modem weapons like pistols, carbines, S.L.R., pump action guns and
authorised quality of rubber bullets, plastic bullets and live ammunition
so that these can be used in emergencies.
168
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(v) The Superintendent will personally satisfy himself that the
Quick Reaction Team is properly trained, equipped and alert all the time.
When the Quick Reaction Team is detailed, each man under it will carry
the authorised ammunition.
(vi) When one set of the guard is relieved, all arms and
ammunition will be handed over to the relieving guards. The Assistant
Superintendent (Quick Reaction Team) in command will be responsible
for the correct handing over of arms and ammunition.
171. Armed Sentry and his duties.— (1) The watchtowers at the
surrounding of the prison will be guarded by armed sentries and other
portions of inside the prison will be guarded by Warders without arms.
The Reserve Guard shall furnish sentry at the main gate and such other
sentries as the Superintendent may direct. All these guards and sentries
will perform their duties in rotation.
(2) Armed sentries will perform duties in two hourly shifts. It
is the duty of a sentry, both in day and night, to challenge all unknown
or suspicious persons approaching his beat, forbidding them to approach
nearer unless they can satisfactorily account for themselves or, at night,
give the password. No convict will be permitted to approach within
5 mtrs. of any sentry. It is the duty of a sentry to resist all attempts to
break into or out of the prison or of any part of it and to prevent escapes
or illicit communication with prisoners. At night every sentry will report
to the Patrolling Officer if, anything suspicious or unusual comes to his
knowledge. He will give the required assurance that all is well each time
the Patrolling Officer passes by.
(3) The sentry on duty will carry the required arms and
ammunition, which will later be handed over to the relieving sentry.
172. Morning and Evening Muster of Reserve Guard.— Before the
prison is unlocked in the morning, the Reserve Guard and Warders
whose duties for the day have not been fixed will be mustered under
arms outside the main gate, and the Assistant Superintendent will at
once post the day sentries. The guard will be drilled and afterwards shall
remain under arms till the entire team is marched out and dismissed to
the guard-room. The Reserve Guard will again be under arms from the
hour fixed for the cessation of work till the prisoners are locked up for
the night.
169
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
173. General guarding duties.— The general guarding will be
undertaken by the Warder establishment. They will carry on the internal
and external (Main gate) guarding of the prison, the supervision of the
prisoners during labour and at other times as well as the work of
guarding and maintaining security of wards, blocks, workshops, tools
and plants and other Government properties, posts and tower. The arms
guard of the prison staff should be the main gate during the round the
clock. They must be trained Commando and bomb blasting training. The
Reserve Warders to serve inside the Jail, if it is necessary.
174. Conditions to be observed by the guarding personnel.—
(1) The sentry or guard shall, on no account, quit his post without being
relieved. In case, he finds himself incapacitated due to sudden illness
or any other reason to perform his duties, he shall send intimation to
the officer in charge who shall make necessary arrangements.
(2) No sentry or guard while on duty will take off his uniform
and this does not apply while taking his meals or while resting.
(3) Guards and sentries will be made to understand their duties
and responsibilities. They shall not hold any communication with any
prisoner, unless it is required as a part of their official duty.
(4) The officers and men of the Guard are strictly prohibited to
bring anything from outside the prison to any prisoner and from
receiving anything from a prisoner to be conveyed outside the prison.
(5) In case, any prisoner attempts to escape, the guard will at
once raise an alarm and will also prevent damage to Government property.
(6) All guarding personnel, being part of essential services, will
be deemed to be on duty round the clock and will not to be allowed to
leave the premises without permission of the Competent Authority.
(7) The Assistant Superintendent shall maintain a daily report
book in which they shall record all important events and reports of
disposals or incorporation to be shown for appropriate action.
(8) In case of any emergency in prison, Police Personnel may
interact inside the prison.
175. Maintenance of Duty Roster.— (1) A Duty Roster shall be
maintained in each prison. The Deputy Superintendent and Assistant
Superintendent will be responsible for the proper maintenance of this
register. The register will contain all the names of guards on duty with
170
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
their hours of duty and their signature for having understood the duty
hours. The register will be put up to the Superintendent through proper
channel every day for checking and signature.
(2) It shall be the responsibility of the Assistant Superintendent
and the Deputy Superintendent to ensure that the Warders stick to their
post according to the Duty Roster and any violation in this regard shall
be immediately brought to the notice of the Superintendent. The
Superintendent shall also verify this during his surprise visits to different
parts during day and night. Care shall be taken that the night duty is
allotted in rotation.
WARDER ESTABLISHMENT
176. Government to fix permanent strength.— The permanent
strength of the guarding/warder establishment in each prison shall be
determined from time to time by the Government in accordance with
ordinary requirements. There has to be at least one guarding staff for
every six prisoners.
177. Power to sanction temporary addition.— The Government
may sanction the entertainment of such temporary establishment in
addition to the permanent establishment provided for in the last
preceding rule as may, at any time, if urgently necessary.
178. Sanction of temporary establishment.— The Government may
sanction the temporary guarding or Warder establishment in the
following special cases where the ordinary prison establishment is
insufficient to supply the necessary guards:-
(i) A staff not exceeding one Principal Warder and three
Warders to guard a prisoner under sentence of death
provided that when there is more than one such prisoner
in the prison at the same time one extra Principal Warder
shall suffice for all;
(ii) A staff of one more Warder, as may be necessary to guard
any mentally ill prisoner or other persons required to be
kept under observation or specially guarded;
(iii) Staff not exceeding one Principal Warder and three
Warders in all to guard a prisoner or prisoners removed
to segregation sheds outside the prison as decided by
the Deputy Superintendent.
171
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
179. Assignment of duty to warders.— Every Warder shall have a
particular duty assigned to him by the Superintendent or Deputy
Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent or Principal Warder, such
as the charge of a particular ward or set of wards or a particular workshop
or set of workshops or of a particular gang of prisoners inside or outside
the prison.
180. Summary of duties of warder.—The Warders prime duties are,
to look after the movement of the prisoners:-
(a) to see that all convicts sentenced to labour in their charges
are steadily at work and to report to higher authority all cases of idleness,
short work or breaches of prison rules;
(b) to prevent all unnecessary talking, laughing, singing,
playing, quarrelling and other unseemly behaviour and to report the
offender;
(c) to see that the prisoners keep order in moving about and
do not loiter about the prison;
(d) to see that no prisoner leaves his own enclosure or
communicates in any way with any prisoner in a different enclosure or
with any person outside the prison;
(e) to abstain from all familiarities and unnecessary
communication with prisoners;
(f) to see that there is no dirt or litter in any part of the prison
of which they are in charge, and that the drains are kept properly clean;
(g) to see to the cleanliness of the persons and clothes of the
prisoners in their gangs, that the prisoners bathe as often and at such
hours as may be ordered, and that the bedding and clothing are well
aired according to order;
(h) to bring at once to the notice of the Deputy Superintendent
any signs of sickness or any prisoner complaining of sickness;
(i) to prevent any breaking up of the gang of the prisoners
entrusted to their special charge, except only when any prisoner desiring
to go to the latrine and to see that he is not too long away from his
work and is not permitted to go to any place hidden from view whence,
he may affect his escape; to report any prisoner urinating in or otherwise
be fouling any drain or any part of the prison not set apart for the
purpose;
172
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(j) to report any case of willful injury to clothing or materials
for work or other Government property;
(k) to prepare the prisoners for morning and evening muster by
the Deputy Superintendent, to report at once to that officer any prisoner
who may be absent; to see that each prisoner comes to his proper place
in proper order and behaves well and keeps silent during meals;
(l) to examine the wards, cells, bedding and clothing directly
the prisoners have turned out, and to report at once any prohibited
articles found therein;
(m) to see that each prisoner gets a proper amount of food, and
that no food is secreted by the prisoners;
(n) to bring at once to the notice of the Deputy Superintendent
if, any prisoner is in possession of any contraband articles or having
any unauthorized prison property in his custody;
(o) to ensure the care and welfare of the prisoners.
(p) All the inmates have to be watched closely, if they feel ill
or mentally absent then the duty Warder have to inform to the concerned
Prison Officer through hierarchy.
(q) the warders should maintain proper register for the prisoner
who feel ill or commit any assault inside the yard, and a written letter
should be submitted to the superior officer regarding the assault or ill
of a prisoner.
(r) Warders are the first responsible personnel for the incident
occur in the duty point.
181. Duty of Warders on relief.— (1) No warder shall, in any
circumstances, leave his post till properly relieved, and his responsibility
shall continue till so relieved. Provided that he may leave his beat to
prevent or to assist in subduing a disturbance taking place within his
sight when he is on main wall patrol duty or when he is in charge of
prisoners, if, he can do so without serious risk to the safe custody of
those prisoners.
(2) If, the Warder concerned fails to do all in his power to
prevent an escape or to assist in subduing a disturbance taking place
within his sight, it rests with him to show that the circumstances were
so exceptional as to justify his abstaining from preventing such an
escape or refusing to assist in subduing such a disturbance.
173
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(3) A Warder relieved by another Warder shall explain to his
successor his duties and any special orders that may have been given
to him by his superior officers. The relieving officer shall satisfy himself
that the property or number of prisoners made over to him is correct.
182. Duty of Warders in charge of work-shed.— (1) Warders in
charge of work sheds shall see that all tools and property kept in them
are carefully put away or stored on cessation of labour and that no ropes,
bamboos, ladders or other things likely to facilitate escape, are left about
or secreted by prisoners. Similarly, it shall be ensured that no sharp
instrument or materials that will facilitate not only escape by prisoners
but also causing injury to them or other should be left about or secreted
by prisoners.
(2) It shall be the responsibility of Warders to report to the
Superintendent or Deputy Superintendent immediately when such articles
as mentioned in (1) above are noticed by them outside the workshed,
taking care to see that they are not in the meantime removed by the
person concerned to escape from punishment.
(3) It shall also be the responsibility of Warders to report
defects in prison buildings, wall locks lighting arrangements, bars, etc.,
to the Superintendent or Deputy Superintendent.
183. Relief and supervision of sentries.— As a rule, sentries will
be relieved at the end of every two hours. During the day, the Assistant
Superintendent will conduct the relief and at the same time check and
satisfy himself that the sentries are alert and attending to their duties
properly. To discharge these functions during the night, two Patrolling
Officers will be appointed from among the senior Warders. Each
Patrolling Officer will record the hour of his visits by appropriate means.
184. Duty to disclose relations with prisoners.— If, any co-Warder
has relations or connections among the prisoners or has had any
pecuniary dealings or close acquaintance with any of them, it is his duty
to inform the Superintendent or Deputy Superintendent of the fact,
immediately.
185. Guarding establishment.— There will be a guarding
establishment in every prison, responsible for the guarding of prisoners,
prison premises, gate and carrying out any other duties which may be
assigned to them. The guarding establishment includes the Warders
performing their duties in rotation.
174
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
186. Armed Reserve Guard and its functions.— (1) The Reserve
Guard shall consist of eight to twenty Warders, who have undergone
commando training, with use of modern weapons and unarmed combat.
The guarding of the main gate outside shall devolve on the Reserve
Guard as with arms sentry. This Reserve Guard shall always be ready in
the guard room to meet any emergency.
(2) The Reserve Guard shall be divided into two or three groups,
used on alternate shifts of round the clock to handle any emergency in
the prison. They will be kept on alert with facilities for fast movement.
The Reserve Guard shall be used for its specified duties only.
(3) The Reserve Guard shall always be commanded by an officer
during day and night. There will be two officers in the rank of Assistant
Superintendent to look after the operations.
(4) Personnel in the Reserve Guard shall carry the required
modern weapons like pistols, carbines, S.L.R., pump action guns and
authorized quality of rubber bullets, plastic bullets and live ammunition
so that these can be used in emergencies.
(5) The Superintendent of Jail shall personally satisfy himself
that the Reserve Guard is properly trained, equipped and alert all the
time. When the Reserve Guard is detailed, each man under it shall carry
the authorized ammunition.
(6) When one set of the guard is relieved, all arms and
ammunition shall be handed over to the relieving guards. The Assistant
Superintendent (Reserve Guard) in command shall be responsible for the
correct handing over of arms and ammunition.
(7) The Reserve guard may also be used for emergency of
Hospital guard, Court guards, etc.
(8) The duty of guarding the main gate outside shall devolve
on the Armed Reserve Police. For this purpose, sufficient number of
Reserve Police Constables and Head Constables shall be deputed by
the Police Authorities. They will be governed by the guard rules issued
by the Police Department. They shall obey all orders of the
Superintendent of Jail. They should be on round the clock duty. The
interior guarding of the main gate shall be done by warders.
175
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
187. Salutes by Armed Guards.— (1) Guards and sentries are
required to salute the persons mentioned in column (1) of the table below
in the manner mentioned in column (2) thereof:-
Person
Manner of salute
(1)
(2)
The Chief Secretary, Secretaries to Government,
By presenting arms
Inspector-General of Prisons,
Chief Superintendent of Jails (CSJ),
Official and Non-official Visitors,
the Medical Officer, the Superintendent
All other Gazetted Officers of Government and
By sloping arms and
Deputy Superintendent
placing the right
hand smartly on
the butt, fingers
extended
Assistant Superintendent, Principal Warder
By coming to in
a t t e n t i o n w i t h
ordered arms.
Explanation:- (1) The Guard Officer will always bring it to the
notice of the Deputy Superintendent, any failure on the part of the
sentry to comply with this rule.
(2) As a rule the guard will not be turned out under arms for
saluting purposes after sunset.
188. Condition for the Award of good conduct stripes.— Good
conduct stripes may be awarded to Principal Warder and Warders by
the Inspector-General of Prisons on the recommendation of
Superintendent of Jail subject to the following conditions:
(a) for conspicuous good service like preventing escapes by
special intelligence or alertness or detection of jail offence of serious
nature = I stripe.
(b) For two years of uninterrupted good conduct = I Stripe,
(c) for every further two years of uninterrupted good conduct =
I Stripe.
(d) without any punishment for Warders and Principal Warders
total of 10 years of service shall be given good conduct with 2 stripes
alongwith incentives of ` 1,000.
176
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
189. Award of good conduct allowance.— The Inspector-General
of Prisons shall sanction good conduct allowance to the Principal Warder
and Warder at the rate of ` 500 per mensem who have earned three good
conduct stripes under the last preceding rules and an additional
allowance of ` 500 per mensem on their securing six stripes.
190. Loss of good conduct stripes.— The Inspector-General of
Prisons may withdraw the good conduct stripes awarded to the Principal
Warder and Warder on the interruption of good conduct as detailed
below:-
(a) One good conduct stripe last awarded shall be withdrawn
when the Principal Warder or Warder receives two minor punishments
as defined in the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and
Appeal) Rules, 1965.
(b) Two good conduct stripes last awarded shall be withdrawn
when the Principal Warder or the Warder receives one major punishment
as defined in the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and
Appeal) Rules, 1965.
191. Future award of good conduct stripes.— The loss of good
conduct stripes under the preceding rule will not debar an officer from
future award of good conduct stripes according to rule.
192. Withdrawal of good conduct allowance.— As soon as the
number of good conduct stripes is reduced below six and three
respectively, the second and the first good conduct allowance shall also
withdrawn respectively.
193. Treatment of good conduct allowance.— The good conduct
allowance shall be treated as personal allowance not counting for
pension and any other purposes. The Principal Warders and Warders
are entitled for the good conduct allowance even when they are on
privilege leave but not when they are on extraordinary leave or on leave
without pay.
194. Wearing stripes.— The good conduct stripes awarded will be
worn by Principal Warder and Warders on both sides of their upper arms,
but not more than three stripes shall be worn. The stripes will be of
white cloth.
195. Recording in service book.— (a) The award and withdrawal
of good conduct stripes and rewards shall be recorded in the service
book of the concerned officer.
(b) The extraordinary service and bravery services may be
consider for State and Central award.
177
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
CHAPTER- 9
UNIFORM OF PRISON OFFICERS
196. Uniform should be prescribed for all custodial and executive
staff, including the Inspector-General of Prisons. Badges of rank for all
uniformed cadres in the Correctional service.
197. Uniform of Inspector-General and other Prison Officers:-
(1) Where the Inspector-General and Chief Superintendent of Jails both
are from Correctional service, they shall wear the badges of ranks as
prescribed in the Correction service Uniform rules and shall be governed
by those rules. Working dress and ceremonial dress as prescribed as
mentioned correctional service.
Note: In case any IAS/IPS/PCS officers are appointed as
Inspector-General of Prisons and Chief Superintendent
of Jails they should wear coat suit with tie along with
name badge.
Uniform of Inspector-General of Prison:-
A - Ceremonial :
Pant
Khaki
Shirt
Khaki
Head wear
Peak cap Khaki serge with khaki peak of the
same material.
Belt
Sambrown regulation pattern with PJS silver
mountings.
Whistle
Metropolitan with blue lanyard and carrying
in the left breast pocket.
Button
Khakki Button
Tie
Dark blue silk
Shoe
Plain brown leather with plain toe caps
Socks
Nylon
178
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
Badges and Rank :
Cap badge
In silver similar to the pattern initials PJS
(Puducherry Jail Service) in centre surrounded
by laurel wreath surrounded by the State
Emblem
Shoulder badges
Crossed sword, baton and one star
Shoulder side badges PJS name with side badge of colour red and
blue
Working dress
Khaki dress with two breast pockets with flats,
Name plate and button, shoulder strap with
badges, pant, nylon socks, brown shoes,
sambrown belt, and whistle with cord, peak cap
or pith hat, bush coat can also be used in place
of shirts.
Uniform of Chief Superintendent of Jails (CSJ):-
A - Ceremonial :
Pant
Khaki
Shirt
Khaki
Head wear
Peak cap Khaki serge with khaki peak of the
same material
Belt
Sambrown regulation pattern with PJS silver
mountings.
Whistle
Metropolitan with blue lanyard and carrying
in the left breast pocket.
Button
Plain Khakki Button
Tie
Dark blue silk
Shoe
Plain brown leather with plain toe.
Socks
Nylon
179
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
Badges and Rank :
Cap badge
In silver similar to the pattern initials PJS
(Puducherry Jail Service) in centre surrounded
by laurel wreath surrounded by Ashoka State
Emblem
Shoulder badges
Crossed sword and baton
Shoulder side badges PJS name with side badge of colour red and
blue
Working dress
Khaki dress with two breast pockets with flats,
Name plate and button, shoulder strap with
badges, Pant, nylon socks, brown shoes,
sambrown belt, whistle with cord, peak cap
or pith hat, bust coat can also be used in
place of shirts.
198. Uniform of the Superintendent of Jail.—
A - Ceremonial :
Pant
Khaki
Shirt
Khaki
Head wear
Peak cap Khaki serge with khaki peak of the
same material
Belt
Sambrown regulation pattern with PJS silver
mountings.
Whistle
Metropolitan with Blue lanyard and carrying
in the left breast pocket.
Button
Plain Khakki Button
Shoe
Plain brown leather with plain toe
Tie
Dark blue silk
Socks
Nylon
180
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
Badges and Rank :
Cap badge
In silver similar to the pattern initials PJS
(Puducherry Jail Service) in centre surrounded
by laurel wreath surrounded by Ashoka State
Emblem
Shoulder badges
Silver PJS (Puducherry Jail Service) monogram
with three silver five pointed stars.
Shoulder side badges PJS name with side badge of colour red and
blue
Working dress
Khaki dress with two breast pockets with flats,
Name plate and button, shoulder strap with
badges, pant, nylon socks, brown shoes,
sambrown belt, and whistle with cord (Blue),
peak cap or pith hat, bush coat can also be
used in place of shirts.
199. Uniform of Deputy Superintendent of Jail.—
A - Ceremonial :
Pant
Khaki
Shirt
Khaki
Head wear
Peak cap Khaki serge with khaki peak of the
same material
Belt
Sambrown regulation pattern with PJ silver
mountings.
Whistle
Metropolitan with brown lanyard and carrying
in the left breast pocket.
Button
Plain Khakki Button
Shoe
Plain brown leather with plain toe caps
Socks
Nylon
181
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
Badges and Rank :
Cap badge
White metal Ashoka State Emblem occupying
the centre and top of the badges with words
“PJ (Puducherry Jail)” around.
Shoulder badges
Silver PJ (Puducherry Jail) monogram with three
silver five pointed stars.
Shoulder side badges PJ name with side badge of colour Red and blue
Working dress
Khaki dress with two breast pockets with flats,
Name plate and button, shoulder strap with
badges, pant, nylon socks, brown shoes,
sambrown belt, and whistle with cord (brown),
peak cap or pith hat, bush coat can also be
used in place of shirts.
200. Uniform to be worn on duty.— Officers borne on the cadre
of Prison Department shall wear uniforms. All officers shall, when on
duty, always appear in the uniform prescribed for them.
201. (i) Uniform of Assistant Superintendent.—
(i) Ceremonial :
Pant
Khaki
Shirt/full arm
Khaki with pockets and shoulder straps
Head wear
Khaki peak cap with khaki peak of the same
material.
Belt
Sambrown with brass mounting
Whistle
Metropolitan with khaki silk cord
Button
Plain Khakki Button
Shoe
Plain brown leather with plain toe caps
Socks
Nylon
Name plate
In plastic
182
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
Badges of Rank :
Cap badge
White metal Ashoka State Emblem occupying
the centre and top of the badges with words
“PJ (Puducherry Jail)” around.
Shoulder badges
Two five-pointed white metal stars with PJ
(Puducherry Jail) monogram is white metal.
Shoulder side badges PJ name with side badge of colour red and blue
Working Dress :
Peak cap or pith hat
Pant
Khaki shirt full arm with pockets, Name plate and shoulder straps
Nylon socks
Brown shoes
Web belt
Metropolitan whistle with khaki cord
Rank badges
(ii) Uniform of Principal Warder:-
(i) Ceremonial :
Pant
Khaki
Shirt/full arm
Khaki with pockets and shoulder straps
Head wear
Khaki Barrehcap
Belt
Sambrown with brass mounting brown leather
Whistle
Metropolitan with khaki silk cord
Button
Plain Khakki Button
Shoe
Plain Brown leather with plain toe
Socks
Nylon
Name plate
In plastic
183
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
Badges of Rank :
Cap badge
White metal Ashoka State Emblem occupying
the centre and top of the badges with words
PJ (Puducherry Jail) around.
Shoulder badges
One five-pointed white metal stars with PJ
(Puducherry Jail) monogram is white metal.
Shoulder side badges PJ name with side badge of colour Red and blue
Working Dress :
Barreh cap
Pant
Khaki shirt full arm with pockets and shoulder straps
Nylon socks
Brown shoes
Web belt
Metropolitan whistle with khaki cord
Rank badges
(iii) Uniform of Warders:-
Pant
Khaki
Shorts
Khaki
Shirts
Khaki half arm with two breast pockets
Shoe
Plain black with plain toe
Belt
Black leather waist belt with Jail Department
clasp with Ashoka State Emblem surrounded
by words “PJ” (Puducherry Jail), Puducherry.
Whistle
Regulation pattern with Khakki lanyard
Button
Plain Khakki button
Head wear
Kepi cap (French pattern) khaki woolen glaced
black peak with brass Ashoka State Emblem
Baton
Warders will be provided with male bamboo
baton 75 cms, lon and weighing not more than
625 gms.
Canvas shoe
Brown
184
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
Badges of Ranks:
Shoulder badges
Warders will wear PJ (Puducherry Jail)
monogram in white metal in the shoulder straps
and numerals
Shoulder side badges PJ name with side badge of colour Red and blue
(iv) Uniform of the Female Warders:-
Saree/pant
Plain khaki colour
Blouse/shirts
Plain white colour/Khakki colour with shoulder
straps
Badge
“PJ” letters in white metal to be worn on both
the shoulders
Sandals/shoe
Black leather
202. Arms to be carried on duty.— Every member of the Warder
establishment shall, when on duty inside the Jail carry a baton or a male
bamboo lathi.
203. Prison Officers to be smartly dressed.— The Superintendent
shall always see that the Jail Officers are smartly dressed and that their
uniform is kept clean and properly put on.
204. Washing allowance to the non-gazetted executive personnel
of the prison.— Every non-gazetted executive personnel of the prison
shall be paid washing allowance every month at the rate as fixed by
Government from time to time.
205. Uniform to be looked upon as badge of service.— The
Superintendent will impress upon the staff that they should look upon
their uniform as the badge of their service and not as a penal dress to
be thrown aside the moment the duty is over.
185
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
CHAPTER–10
ADMISSION OF PRISONERS
206. Time of admission.— (1) Civil Debtors shall be admitted to
the prison at any hour at which they may be brought.
(2) No other prisoner shall be admitted to the prison on any of
the recognized prison holidays, except with the written orders of the
District and Sessions Judge/Judicial Magistrate.
(3) No prisoner except such as may have been temporarily
absent attending Court, shall be admitted to any prison before sun rise
(unlocking of the prison) on any day or after lockup. Provided that a
prisoner:-
(a) On the special written order of a Sessions Judge or a
Judicial Magistrate or a District Magistrate or the
Superintendent; or
(b) On transfer after due intimation, shall be admitted into
the prison after the hour of its lockup.
(4) Before admitting a transgender, the Medical officer should
check whether he/she has undergone surgery or not. If, surgery is done,
they should thoroughly search by the Female Warder or else they should
be check by the Male warder if, they are not done surgery. After checking
is over for the Transgenders, they should be kept in separate yard and
they should not communicate with other yard prisoners.
(5) The admitting after sunset prisoner may be kept in separate
place near the main gate after sunrise the Gatekeeper and other Warders
can do their thorough checkup and then send inside the jail.
(6) Prisoners who are admitted in the prison after the hour of
its lockup shall be kept in a separate cell specially earmarked for such
purpose.
207. Warrant to accompany of every prisoner for admission.—
No person will be admitted in a prison as a prisoner unless accompanied
by a warrant or order in the prescribed form, signed, dated and sealed
by the Competent Authority. There will be a separate warrant or order
for every prisoner, even if two or more prisoners have been jointly
charged.
186
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
208. Verification as to the identity of a prisoner.— (1) Before
admitting a prisoner, the Assistant Superintendent or Deputy
Superintendent shall examine the warrant and by questioning the
prisoner regarding his name and other particulars and by verifying the
identification marks of the prisoner with those mentioned in the warrant,
shall satisfy himself that he is the person referred to in the warrant.
(2) In the event of a prisoner refusing to answer the Assistant/
Deputy Superintendent or denying the accuracy or the particulars
entered in the warrant, may not be admitted.
209. Examination of warrant for every prisoner.— (1) Before
admitting the prisoner the officer acting as a Gatekeeper or Assistant
Superintendent shall examine the warrant and by questioning the
prisoner as to his name and other particulars shall satisfy himself that
he is the person referred to in the warrant.
(2) Jail officers receiving the prisoners shall also examine the
warrants and see whether there are any discrepancies in it making the
warrant irregular or illegal. If, any discrepancies are noticed in the warrant
the officer concerned shall bring the same to the notice of the Jailor or
Superintendent immediately.
210. Classification of warrant as irregular and illegal.—
Warrants with discrepancies shall be classified as irregular and illegal
warrant.
211. Irregular warrants.— Warrants with the following discrepancies
should be considered as irregular warrants:
(a) Warrant/Order not issued in the prescribed Form,
(b) Warrant written in pencil,
(c) Warrant with incomplete and/or incorrect name of the
offender,
(d) Warrant without the seal of the appropriate Court,
(e) Warrant without the signature of the appropriate Court or
other Competent Authority,
(f) Undated warrant,
(g) Warrant not stating whether fine is paid or not,
187
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(h) Warrant without mention of previous convictions in case
of a habitual prisoner,
(i) Warrant with incomplete columns,
(j) Warrant with any other omission or discrepancy.
212. Illegal warrants.— Warrants with the following discrepancies
should be treated as illegal warrants.
(a) Warrant awarding sentence beyond the competency of the
awarding Court,
(b) Warrant awarding sentence more than what is prescribed by
law,
(c) Warrant awarding sentence less than the minimum laid down
by law,
(d) Warrant issued contrary to the provision of law.
213. Procedure if warrants are irregular and illegal.— (1) If, the
Superintendent Classifies a warrant as irregular due to discrepancies
therein he shall bring such irregularities to the notice of the Court with
a request to send a fresh warrant correctly drawn up. On receipt of such
correct warrant the irregular warrant shall be returned to the Court for
cancellation.
(2) If, the Superintendent considers a warrant to be illegal, he
shall make a reference to the Government together with a copy of such
warrant.
214. Identification of prisoners.— (1) It is the duty of the authority
issuing the warrant to see that the identification roll in the warrant
contains at least three specific permanent identification marks like deep
scars, birth marks, moles, etc., indicating their exact location on the body.
(2) The Officer on duty at the gate shall initially scrutinize the
documents and verify the identification marks mentioned therein on the
prisoner.
(3) The Officer on duty is authorised to refuse admission to a
prisoner in whose case the warrant is found to contain discrepancies in
name or identification marks or if the warrant has not been signed by
the Competent Authority. In such cases, immediate report shall be sent
to the concerned authorities.
188
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(4) In the event of a prisoner refusing to answer to the name or
denying the accuracy of the particulars entered in the warrant the officer
on duty should request the officer-in-charge of the Police Escort to
identify the prisoner on the basis of information at his disposal, as the
person is the name person named in the warrant.
215. Acknowledgment of prisoner and their property.— (1) If, the
officer of the escort delivering the prisoner request for a receipt
acknowledging the receipt of the prisoner, the Gatekeeper shall issue a
receipt to the effect.
(2) The Gatekeeper shall furnish the officer who delivers a
prisoner at the Jail with a receipt noting therein the properties received
with the prisoners. The property shall be carefully examined and shown
to the prisoner and an acknowledgment obtained from the prisoner to
the effect that he has seen the property and it is correct.
216. Search of prisoners on admission.— Prisoners will be
thoroughly searched by a prison official. Female prisoners will be
searched by female staff. Prisoners will wash and be searched in their
yard or respective cell and not in the presence of other prisoners.
Searchers of prisoners will be made, due regard to decency and with
reasonable privacy.
217. Removal of articles from Prisoners.— During the search,
every article, whether clothing, bedding, jewellery, money documents
or otherwise, shall be taken away from the prisoners to whom prison
clothing and bedding will be issued in accordance with the rules. From
prisoners every article shall be taken away except personal clothing.
Other necessities of life such as bedding will be permitted by
Inspector-General of Prisons.
218. Prisoners to wash themselves and their clothing.— On
admission to prison, every prisoner will be required to wash his person
and his clothing thoroughly. If, an epidemic disease exists in the
neighbourhood from which he comes, his clothing shall also be
disinfected. In such cases, special care shall also be taken to cleanse
the prisoner's person especially his/her hair.
219. Entry in admission register.— After enter into the Jail the
entry should be made entry in the gate register.
189
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
220. Registering and serial numbering of prisoners.— The name
of every convicted prisoner shall be entered in Convict Register, the
entries being numbered serially from 1 to 5,000 or such number as shall
be fixed by the Inspector-General of Prisons and the name of every
undertrial prisoner shall be entered in the Register of Undertrial
prisoners, the entries being serially numbered. The number of each Civil
Prisoner shall be entered in the Register of Civil Prisoners in the entries
in which shall be numbered serially from 1 to 5,000. This register will be
maintained by Assistant Superintendent or equivalent in prescribed
Form. The entries in this register will be numbered serially.
221. Use of Register number.— The register number thus given will
be the means of identifying the prisoner-a fresh number being given on
every transfer to another prison. The articles of clothing and bedding
of each prisoner sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for life will be
marked with his number, and in all official communications, the number
will precede the name, e.g., Convict No. 1736, Ashok. If, a prisoner has
to undergo two or more sentences under different warrants, it is not
necessary to re-enter him in the Convict Register on the expiry of one
sentence or to give him another number. However, every prisoner will
be called by his name and not by his number in the register.
222. Reception Ward.— Prisoners, on first admission to prison
shall be kept in a separate reception ward until the initial formalities for
his placement there are completed. The procedure to be adopted on their
admission shall be as under:-
(i) Haircut and shave, issue of soap and disinfecting lotion;
(ii) Disinfection and storing of prisoners’ personal clothes and
other personal items;
(iii) Issue of disinfected prison clothing, bedding and utensils;
(iv) Issue of authorized personal belongings;
(v) Housing as per the principles of basic segregation;
(vi) A thorough medical examination within 24 hours;
(vii) Attending to immediate and urgent needs of prisoners, like
letters, interviews, family welfare, immediate personal problems, etc.;
190
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(viii) Verification by the Assistant Superintendent in-charge of
admission of committal papers, identification marks, entries in registers,
prisoners’ cash property, appeal and other legal matters, etc.;
(ix) Finger printing and photograph as per rules;
(x) Identification of drug addicts.
223. Orientation of prisoner on admission.— Every newly
admitted prisoner shall be subjected to a programme of orientation so
as to inform him about the rules and regulations. His rights and duties
as a prisoner shall be clearly displayed at each part of the prison and
explained to him in a language he understands. A general assessment
of his background and needs shall also be made by the officials to decide
the appropriate placement within the prison.
224. Entries to be made by Medical Officer in History Tickets.—
(1) In the History Ticket of every prisoner, the Medical Officer shall enter
or have entered under his supervision the following:-
(i) The prisoner’s weight on admission;
(ii) His state of health;
(iii) The class of labour for which he is fit, if sentenced to
labour;
(iv) Whether he has been protected by vaccination/
inoculation for smallpox.
(2) The Medical Officer shall also subsequently enter or have
entered the following:
(i) Details of the vaccination given and the result;
(ii) Admission to and discharge from hospital on every
occasion, with the disease for which admitted;
(iii) Admission to and discharge from convalescent group.
(3) The Medical Officer shall himself enter such other directions
or recommendations, as he may from time to time, consider necessary,
for the maintenance of the health of the prisoner.
225. Particulars to be entered and the officers who shall make
entries in the History Ticket.— (1) On the History Ticket of every
prisoner, following entries, as may be applicable, shall be made by the
Assistant Superintendent:-
191
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(i) The date of admission into prison;
(ii) The number and name of every article of clothing and
equipment issued on admission and later;
(iii) Any complaint made by the prisoner of sickness or report
of his sickness;
(iv) Application for a copy of judgment, if, the prisoner
desires to appeal;
(v) Receipt of the copy of judgment;
(vi) Substance of the order of the Appellate Court;
(vii) The fact of an appeal not having been made before the
expiration of the term allowed for appealing;
(viii) The amount of remission awarded quarterly;
(ix) The total remission in days earned up to the end of each
quarter;
(x) Every prison-offence alleged to have been committed;
(xi) Every interview allowed and the receipt or dispatch of
private letters;
(xii) Dispatch to a Court or transfer, discharge, escape or
death;
(xiii) The number of cells in which placed on account of
warrant confinement;
(xiv) The fortnightly or weekly measurement of weight;
(xv) The total confinement undergone on warrant on each
occasion of removal, etc.
(2) The under mentioned particulars shall be made by the
Deputy Superintendent:-
(i) The particular work and task in weight, number or
measurement, to which the prisoner is put;
(ii) Every change of work or task for reasons other than
medical;
(iii) The action taken on any direction or recommendation of
the Medical Officer;
(iv) Dispatch of appeal;
(v) Action taken on any order entered by the Superintendent.
192
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
226. Entries to be made by the Superintendent on the History
Ticket.— On the History Ticket of every convict, the Superintendent
shall record:-
(i) Any special order he may have to give related to any
prisoner, e.g., permission to hold an interview or write a letter, separation
by night;
(ii) The award of every punishment;
(iii) Sanction for employment on extra-mural work;
(iv) The award of special remission.
227. Retention of History Ticket after release or death.— The
History ticket of every prisoner shall be retained in safe custody:-
(i) In the event of his escape, for one year,
(ii) The event of his release, for one year,
(iii) In the event of his death, for two years after it occurs, and
(iv) In the event of release on bail, for a year after the result of
appeal is known.
228. Preparation and maintenance of History Tickets, Medical
sheet and Weighment chart.— Immediately on reception of a prisoner
into prison, a History Ticket and nominal roll (Undertrial prisoner) shall
be prepared for and provided to him. Such History Ticket shall be
maintained in the manner hereinafter provided, throughout the period
during which such prisoner remains in confinement. His records will also
be entered in the digital database of the prison.
¡ Every History Ticket shall contain the following particulars:-
(i) The name, prisoner number and other particulars
necessary for the identification of the prisoner.
(ii) A brief entry of every order passed and direction given
relating to, and punishment inflicted on, the prisoner.
(iii) A brief record of every other occurrence of any
importance, affecting the prisoner, which takes place
while he remains in confinement.
193
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
The History Ticket of every convict shall also contain the
following:-
(i) The nature of the offence of which he has been convicted
and the provision of the law applicable thereto.
(ii) The date, nature and extent of the sentence passed.
Every entry made on the History Ticket shall be done at the
time of or as soon as possible after, the occurrence of the event to which
it relates, and shall be dated and signed by the officer who makes it.
¡ Every History Ticket shall contain the following particulars:-
1. The name of the prisoners, address.
2. Crime number and Police Station.
3. Identification marks.
(2) Every entry made on the History Ticket shall be done at the
time of or as soon as possible after the occurrence of the event to which
it relates, and shall be dated and signed by the officer who makes it.
(3) A duplicate history ticket will be issued when original
history ticket is lost. The new history ticket will be marked duplicate
and signed by Competent Authority. The ticket will be reconstructed
by registering all previous entries.
229. Prisoners to be brought before Medical Officer and
Superintendent.— After a prisoner's admission, he shall be brought
before the Medical Officer for entries to be made by him in the relevant
register and also to be produced before the Superintendent of Jail and
other entries should be made. Superintendent shall be personally
responsible that no undue delay is allowed to occur in this matter.
230. Custody of History tickets, Medical sheets and Weighment
charts.— The History tickets, Medical sheets and Weighment charts
shall be kept under the custody of a subordinate to whom the
Superintendent may assign the work and he shall maintain them. He shall
produce the History Tickets of prisoners whenever required by an officer
of the prison. At the weekly parades, each prisoner shall hold his ticket
in his hand for inspection. The History Ticket shall be produced, with
the prisoner, whenever he is reported for an offence or is brought before
the Superintendent or Medical Officer for any reason. The Medical
sheets, weighment charts shall be issued to prisoners for weighment
parades, inspections, attendance at hospital and the like.
194
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
Note 1: Every under-trial and civil prisoner may be allowed to
retain possession of his History Ticket.
Note 2: At weekly inspections the tickets will be issued just
before, and removed immediately after, the inspection of
the Superintendent.
231. Superintendent to check entries.— When the prisoner is
produced before him, the Superintendent shall compare the entries in
the Registers and History Ticket with those in the warrant and initial
the Convict Register or Register of under-trial prisoners or Register of
civil prisoners, as the case may be, in token of its correctness.
232. Record of date of release, etc.— In the case of convicts, the
date on which the sentence will expire shall be entered in the Convict
Register. If, the convict is under sentence of less than two months, an
entry of his number shall be made in the Register of Prisoners to be
released under that date, but, if the sentence is two months or more, the
date of expiry shall be entered on his Remission Sheet. At the same time,
the prisoners’ register number, name, sentence, date of sentence and
date of release shall be endorsed on his warrant and the endorsement
signed by the Deputy Superintendent and Superintendent after
examination and comparison with the body of the warrant and with the
entries in the Convict Register. In cases, where imprisonment is awarded
in default of payment of fine, the alternative dates of release shall both
be included in the endorsement on the warrant, in the Convict Register,
and in the Register of Prisoners to be released or Remission Sheet.
233. Custody of Warrants.— Prisoners’ warrants shall be arranged
according to dates of release and kept in monthly bundles, the warrants
of prisoners to be released in a particular month being placed in one
bundle and each bundle being docketed outside with the month and year.
They shall be kept in a locked drawer or almirah of which the Deputy
Superintendent shall keep the key. Copies of judgments orders of
Appellate Courts and orders of Government, disposing of prisoner’s
petitions, together with correspondence relating to payment of fine,
classification and the other connected records shall be filed and kept
with the warrant of the prisoner to whose case they relate. The final
disposal of warrants shall be made as prescribed in the rules.
195
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
234. Medical examination of prisoners.— (1) The weight of
prisoners on admission shall be taken in the presence of the Medical
Officer and be verified by him. If, the Medical Officer is not present when
prisoners are admitted to prison, they will be weighed by the medical
subordinate on duty during admission if possible and in any case not
later than the following morning. Their weight shall be noted at the time
in a book kept at the main gate, so as to be subsequently verified by
the Medical Officer when their examination takes place. The Medical
Officer shall carefully examine the prisoner and shall himself
recordrelating to health screening on admission and shall simultaneously
record in the appropriate register, as the case may be, his weight, age
and state of health. The Medical Officer shall also supervise the entry
of the prisoners' identification marks. Medical Examination of prisoners
shall be made with due regard to decency and with reasonable privacy.
(2) If, a prisoner looks younger than his age, the matter shall
be referred back to the Court concerned after the due Medical
Examination on the determination of his/her age for further directions,
as no juvenile shall be kept in prison in any case and they are sent to
the juvenile institution laid down in the Juvenile Justice Act.
235. Certification of appropriate class of labour.— In the case
of convicts sentenced to rigorous imprisonment or imprisonment for life,
the Medical Officer shall enter the class of labour on which he will be
employed in the appropriate column of the Convict Register and History
Ticket. A corresponding entry shall also be made in the History Ticket
of the convict.
236. Tickets to be worn by convicts.— (1) Every convicted
prisoner shall wear a metal, plastic or card breast ticket attached to a
brass wire or hook which will be hung on the left breast of the jacket.
(2) Female prisoners shall suspend the ticket to the neck by a
string.
(3) On the face of the ticket the register number and the name
of the convict, the crime, date of sentence and date of release shall be
stamped as under:-
5001
Kumaran
xxx, yyy, I.P.C
14-06-2010
13-03-2021.
196
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(4) No other particulars such as stars denoting health or the
like shall be entered thereon, and nothing shall be entered on the back
of the ticket. For convictions under sentence for life, date of release
shall be taken as 20 years from the date of sentence. In the case of a
convict having a term of alternative imprisonment, the alternative date
of release should also be shown.
CHAPTER–11
CLASSIFICATION, SEPARATION AND TREATMENT OF PRISONERS
237. Convict to be separated.— All convicts shall, as far as the
requirements of labour and the cell accommodation of the prison shall
allow, be kept separate from each other both by day and night.
238. Separation of categories.— Subject to the availability of
accommodation, the prisoners; shall be segregated as follows:-
(a) “A” class prisoners from “B” class prisoners;
(b) Civil prisoners from Criminal prisoners;
(c) Female prisoners from male prisoners;
(d) Adult prisoners from adolescents;
(e) Convicted prisoners from under-trial prisoners;
(f) Habitual prisoners from non-habitual prisoners
(g) Prisoners suffering from communicable diseases;
(h) Prisoners suspected to be suffering from mental disorders;
(i) Homosexuals;
(j) Sex perverts;
(k) Drug addicts and traffickers in narcotics;
(l) Inmates having suicidal tendencies;
(m) Inmates exhibiting violent and aggressive tendencies;
(n) Inmates having escape discipline risks;
(o) Known bad characters.
Note: No criminal or non-criminal mentally ill prisoner will be
kept in the prison. Such prisoners shall be immediately
transferred to appropriate Psychiatric hospital or
Psychiatric nursing home with the sanction of the
Competent Authority.
197
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
239. Occupation of vacant cells.— Whenever all the cells are not
occupied by prisoners undergoing solitary confinement on warrant or
by prisoners under sentence of death, mentally ill persons or lepers, the
vacant cells shall ordinarily be occupied in the following order, namely:-
(a) by adolescents, if, there are adolescents in the prisons and
there are no sufficient means of separating them by night in the
adolescent ward;
(b) by approvers whom, under the orders of a Court or in the
opinion of the Superintendent, it is desirable to keep apart;
(c) by prisoners of any class who, in the opinion of the
Superintendent, are of a bad or desperate character or who have escaped
or attempted to escape from lawful custody or whom it is considered
desirable for any other reason to keep apart from others;
(d) by prisoners convicted under section 376 or section 377 of
the Indian Penal Code, 1860.
(e) by prisoners of the habitual class; and
(f) by other prisoners.
Explanation (1):- Separation under this rule is distinct from
solitary and separate confinement, and as it is a disciplinary measure
only and not a punishment, it shall not have irksome conditions attached
to it other than such as are necessary to secure the ends in view.
Explanation (2):- The age of the prisoners for the purposes of
their segregation and treatment under the Prisons Act, 1894 (Central Act
IX of 1894) shall be fixed by the Medical Officer of the prison.
240. Procedure when separation by day is not feasible.— A convict
who would ordinarily come under the operation of the preceding rules
relating to the separation of prisoners but, who cannot owing to the
requirements of labour, technical and vocational training and reformative
treatment to be given to them, be confined in a cell by day, shall be
confined in a cell by night.
241. Division of convicts into habitual and others.— In addition
to the foregoing provisions all convicted prisoners shall be divided into
two main divisions, namely, habitual convicts and others. They shall be
further divided into two divisions or classes, namely, “A” and “B”.
198
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
242. Gradation of under-trial prisoners.— There shall be two
divisions of classes of under-trial prisoners, namely, special and ordinary.
The definition of under-trial prisoners falling within special or ordinary
class and the treatment accorded to them are laid down in Chapter-34.
243. Definition of habitual Criminal.— The following persons
shall be liable to be classified as habitual criminals, namely:-
(i) Any person convicted of an offence punishable under
chapters XII, XVII, XVIII of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 whose previous
conviction or convictions, taken in conjunction with the facts of the
present case, show that he is by habit a robber, house breaker, dacoit,
thief or receiver of stolen property or that he habitually commits
extortion, cheating, counterfeiting coin, currency notes or stamps or
forgery;
(ii) Any person convicted of an offence punishable under
Chapter XVI of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 or under the Suppression
of Immoral Traffic in Women and Girls’ Act, 1956 whose previous
conviction or convictions, taken in conjunction with the facts of the
present case, show that he habitually commits offences against the
person or is habitually engaged in immoral traffic in women or girls;
(iii) Any person committed to or detained in prison under
section 122, read with sections 109 or 110 of the Code of Criminal
Procedure, 1973;
(iv) Any person convicted of any of the offences specified in
clauses (i) and (ii) above when it appears from the facts of the case,
even though no previous conviction has been proved, that he is by habit
a member of a gang of dacoits or of thieves or a dealer in stolen property
or a trafficker in women or girls for immoral purposes;
(v) Any person convicted of an offence and sentenced to
imprisonment under the corresponding sections of the Indian Penal
Code, 1860 and the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973;
(vi) Any person convicted by a Court or Tribunal acting outside
India, of an offence which would have rendered him liable to be classified
as a habitual offender if, he had been convicted in a Court established
in India.
(vii) Any person who is a habitual offender under the Habitual
Offenders Act or other corresponding Acts;
199
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(viii) If, a prisoner was previously classified as habitual prisoner
by a Court, he shall be continued to be classified as habitual prisoner
whatever be the nature of offences for which he is later convicted.
Explanation:- For the purposes of this definition, the word
conviction shall include an order made under section 117, read with
section 110 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.
244. Classification of convicts as habitual Criminal.— (1) The
classification of a convicted person as a habitual criminal shall ordinarily
be made by the convicting Court, but, if, the convicting Court omits to
do so, such classification may be made by the Chief Judicial Magistrate
or in the absence of an order by the convicting Court or Chief Judicial
Magistrate, and pending the result of a reference to the Chief Judicial
Magistrate, by the Officer in charge of the prison where such convicted
person is confined, Provided that any person classed as a habitual
criminal may apply for a revision of the order.
(2) The convicting Court or the Chief Judicial Magistrate may,
for reasons to be recorded in writing, direct that any convicted person
or any person committed to or detained in prison under section 122, read
with section 109 or section 110 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973,
shall not be classed as a habitual criminal and may revise such direction.
(3) Convicting Courts or Chief Judicial Magistrate, as the case
may be, may revise their own classification, and the Chief Judicial
Magistrate may alter any classification of a prisoner made by a
convicting Court or any other authority provided that the alteration is
made on the basis of facts which were not before such Court or Authority.
(4) Every habitual criminal shall, as far as possible, be confined
in a special prison in which no prisoner other than habitual criminals
shall be kept. Provided that the Inspector-General may transfer to this
special prison any prisoner, not being a habitual criminal, whom for
reasons to be recorded in writing, he believes to be of so vicious or
depraved a character and to exercise or to be likely to exercise, so evil
an influence on his fellow prisoners that he ought not to be confined
with other non-habitual prisoners. But, a prisoner so transferred shall
not otherwise be subject to the special rules affecting habitual criminals.
245. Duty of Superintendent in regard to classification.— (1) In
order to facilitate the identification of habitual criminals, special care
shall be taken in filling up the column relating to character in the Convict
200
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
Register. The Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent shall on
receipt of a prisoner, endeavor to ascertain from prison subordinates
and long term convicts, as well as from prison records, whether he has
more convictions than as recorded against him in the warrant.
(2) In cases in which there is room to occasion doubt whether
a prisoner should be classed as a habitual or not, the Superintendent
may refer the case for the orders of the convicting Court or of the
District Magistrate.
(3) When the Superintendent discovers that a prisoner has a
previous conviction against him which has not been recorded, he shall
immediately communicate the fact to the Court which convicted the
prisoner, and to the Superintendent of Police.
246. Separation of habituals.— When not confined in special
prison, habitual criminals shall, as far as possible, be separated from
others. A separate barrack or ward shall be set apart for habitual
criminals, and by these means separation at meals, parades, etc., shall
be generally affected. If, it is impossible to separate the classes entirely
during work, Superintendents shall do as much as can be done in this
direction by locating habitual criminals in a definite part of the several
worksheds or otherwise.
247. Superintendent to discover and report previous conviction
of under-trials.— If, it shall come to the notice of the Superintendent
from the prison records or otherwise that an under-trial prisoner or a
convict committed to his prison has previously served a sentence of
imprisonment, he shall, if, he has reason to believe that the local Police
are unaware of the fact, immediately inform the Superintendent of Police
concerned.
248. Classification of casual offenders.— (1) Casual offender shall
be divided into two classes, namely:-
(a) Star Class; and
(b) Ordinary.
The Star Class shall include such prisoners as may be selected
by the Superintendent (subject to the control of the Inspector-General)
on the ground that their previous character has been good, that their
antecedents are not criminal and that their crimes do not indicate grave
cruelty or gross moral turpitude or depravity of mind.
201
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(2) The mere fact that a casual prisoner has been previously
convicted once or oftener for petty offences shall not ordinarily be
sufficient reason in itself for excluding him from the Star Class; nor shall
a previous conviction for serious crime be held to debar him for such
classification, if, it was committed several years before, and during the
intervening period he had led generally an honest life.
(3) In determining whether a prisoner is already of so corrupt a
mind or disposition as to render it likely that he may contaminate others
and cannot be much further corrupted himself, regard shall be hard to
his age at the time of his last offence and on the dates of any previous
convictions; the whole circumstances of the case shall be duly
considered and the question of his classification shall be decided on
general grounds and not of any hard and fast lines.
(4) Prisoners of the Star Class shall, as far as possible, be
separated from others at all times, both day and night.
(5) When a Star Class prisoner prefers to be confined in a cell
at night, and such accommodation can be provided for him, his wishes
shall be complied with; but, where only association wards exist in the
prison for separation at night, members of this class shall be confined
together apart from other offenders.
249. Classes of prisoners.— (1) Convicted prisoners are divided
into two divisions or classes, A and B.
(i) Prisoners shall be eligible for Class A, if, they by social
status, education or habit of life have been accustomed to a superior
mode of living. Habitual prisoners may, at the discretion of the classifying
authority, be included under this class on grounds of character and
antecedents;
(ii) Class B shall consist of prisoners who are not classified in
Class A;
(iii) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-rule (i), any
person convicted of an offence involving gross indecency or exhibiting
grave depravity of character may not be placed in Class A.
250. Classification by Courts.— (1) The High Court, Sessions
Judges, Additional Sessions Judges, Assistant Sessions Judges,
Chief Judicial Magistrates, Subdivisional Judicial Magistrates, Judicial
First Class Magistrates (the last two through the Chief Judicial Magistrate)
202
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
in cases tried by them originally or in any other case the
Inspector-General of Prisons, shall make the initial recommendation for
classification of prisoners in Class A to the Government by whom these
recommendations shall be confirmed or reviewed.
(2) Prisoners recommended by Courts for classification in Class
A shall be tentatively treated as belonging to the class recommended
till the orders of Government confirming or reviewing the
recommendations are received.
(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-rule (1), the
Chief Judicial Magistrate may, before making their recommendations to
the Government for classification of prisoners refer the cases for report
to the appropriate Police or Revenue Officers direct and shall consult
the Collector of the District.
(4) On the admission into the prison of any ex-military prisoner
convicted by a Court-Martial or a Naval Court, the Superintendent of
the Prison shall bring the case to the notice of the Chief Judicial
Magistrate. The Chief Judicial Magistrate after making such enquiries
as may be necessary including, if necessary, a reference to the local
Brigade Area Commander, shall make the initial recommendation for
classification in Class A to the Government by whom the
recommendations shall be confirmed or reviewed.
(5) It is open for the Court to recommend and the Government
to classify such of those prisoners who have taken part in violent
agitation against the Union Territory as ‘A’ or ‘B’ class, prisoners on
their conviction or place such undertrial prisoners in special or ordinary
class, as the case may be. In any case, they shall be segregated and
shall not be permitted to mix with ordinary criminal prisoners.
251. Petition to Government for Classification.— The Government
may also act on a reference from the Superintendent of the prison on a
petition from the prisoner. The Superintendent shall forward the petition
through the Inspector-General to the Government. The Government may
also act suo motu or on a representation by the prisoner’s relatives and friends.
The Superintendent shall place every convicted prisoner in Class ‘B’.
252. Treatment of ‘A’ Class prisoners.— (1) Separation from
other prisoners:- Separate cellular accommodation shall be provided to
‘A’ Class prisoners, wherever available. Sick prisoners in hospital or
prisoners requiring assistance or supervision at night may, at any time,
on the recommendation of the Medical Officer be placed in association
wards.
203
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(2) Diet:- They shall be given the diet prescribed for this class
mentioned in dietary, but, shall be allowed to buy fruits and supplement
their food with articles which have food value such as biscuits, cocoa
and oval tine, at their own cost, subject to medical advice. The food so
imported shall be of a simple character and the concession shall not be
made an excuse for the importation of luxuries. Cooked food shall, in no
case, be allowed to be imported from outside the prison.
(3) Clothing:- They shall be allowed to wear their own clothing
at their own cost during non-working hours, but, this concession shall
not cover the wearing of political symbols. Clothing supplied at
Government expense shall be prison clothing prescribed in the rules.
(4) Bedding:- They shall be allowed to use their own bedding.
Bedding supplied at Government expense shall be that prescribed in
rules.
(5) Prison tasks:- The tasks allotted in the case of those
sentenced to rigorous imprisonment shall be assigned after due
consideration on medical grounds and with careful regard to the
capacity, character, previous mode of life and antecedents of the
prisoners.
(6) Furniture:- Articles of furniture of the following description
shall be supplied to prisoners free of costs, namely:-
(i) One cot;
(ii) One table;
(iii) One chair;
(iv) One commode with pan and chamber pot;
(v) Table fan;
(vi) Quilt.
Explanation:- Prisoners shall be allowed to supplement their
furniture at their own expense subject to the Superintendent of the
Prison being satisfied that there is room for it in the quarters provided.
(7) Private cooking and eating vessels:- If, so desired, private
feeding utensils may also be permitted at the discretion of the
Superintendent of the prison.
204
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(8) Razors:- They shall, subject to the discretion of the
Superintendent, be permitted to use their own razors provided that the
razors shall be kept with the prison authorities when not in use.
(9) General application:- In other respects, prisoners of this
class shall be treated in the same way as ordinary prisoners, subject to
these rules.
253. Duties and privileges of ‘A’ Class prisoners.— (1) ‘A’ class
prisoners shall keep their cells, utensils, clothing and bedding clean and
neatly arranged. They shall also be required to take their food in their
own cells. The sweeping or washing down of their cells shall be done
by the prison sanitary or sweeping gangs. All ‘A’ class prisoners shall
be allowed the use of a mirror one in each cell and one or two in each
ward. ‘A’ class prisoners shall be allowed the use of mosquito nets
purchased at their own cost.
(2) Every prisoner placed in class ‘A’ who is required to work
in his cell shall be allowed such exercise daily in the open air as the
Medical Officer considers necessary.
CHAPTER–12
DAILY PRISON ROUTINE
254. Unlocking wards at daybreak.— The barracks and cells shall
be unlocked at day break throughout the year. Previous to the opening
of the wards, the night duty Warder on duty shall awake all the prisoners
and keep them in readiness to march out in files with their bedding, as
provided hereunder. The night patrolling should be made by the
Superintendent of Jail or Deputy Superintendent of Jail twice in a month
surprisely.
255. Assistant Superintendent to be present.— The Assistant
Superintendent shall be present at the opening of the wards and cells
every morning and shall personally superintend the unlocking of a
portion of them, that of the remainder being carried out by the Principal
Warders and Warders.
256. Treatment of bedding.— As soon as the wards and cells are
unlocked, each prisoner shall take his bedding outside, and shake it well.
He shall then fold it, and except on rainy days, leave it outside to air
for some hours, when it shall be taken in and put in its proper place.
The Superintendent and the Medical Officer shall occasionally examine
the bedding to see if, it is properly aired.
205
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
257. Cleaning of wards and cells.— As soon as the wards and
cells are vacated, the toilets shall be flushed and the sweepers shall
then thoroughly sweep and clean every part, dust and dirt of every
description being carefully removed from the roofing corners and
elsewhere. The yard shall also be swept.
258. Wards and cells to be ventilated and locked.— The sleeping
wards and cells shall be thoroughly ventilated during the day and kept
locked to prevent prisoners from re-entering them. The keys shall be
kept in the key box or almirah, until it is necessary to reopen the cells
and wards in the afternoon.
259. Counting of prisoners.— As the prisoners leave the wards
and cells, they shall, after depositing their bedding in the manner and
form into fours, and shall thus be counted by the officer unlocking the
ward, who shall satisfy himself that their number is correct and shall
report the same to the Deputy Superintendent.
260. Latrine and bathing parade.— After the enumeration of the
prisoners is completed, they shall be marched to the latrine and when
they have been given an opportunity of resorting to it, they shall be
marched to the bathing platform and shall be required to wash their
hands and faces. Tooth brush, toothpaste and bathing soap shall be
provided to prisoners for the purpose of cleansing their teeth and taking
bath.
261. Early meal and formation of gangs.— (1) After the latrine
and washing parade is completed, arrangements shall be made to
conduct group prayers. After that, the prisoners shall be allowed to do
either physical exercises or yogasanas or be given Transcendental
Meditation. Thereafter, the early morning meal shall be distributed. The
prisoners shall then be divided into gangs, according to the nature of
the labour on which it is proposed to employ them, each gang being
placed in charge of a warder. The numbers of the prisoners in each
extramural gang and gang working in workshops outside the Prison and
the names of the officers in-charge shall be recorded in the register in
the prescribed form and the signature of the officer or officers in-charge
of each gang taken in the register. For gangs working inside the prison
and in workshops inside the prison, it will be sufficient if, the number
of men in a gang is noted in the rough distribution statement maintained
by the Deputy Superintendent or Principal Warder and the
acknowledgment of the officer in-charge taken.
206
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(2) A gang detailed for extramural work shall in no case exceed
ten prisoners, and shall be in-charge of a Warder whose signature shall
be taken in the register in the prescribed form in acknowledgment of his
responsibility.
262. Distribution of work.— The gangs shall then be marched to
their work, the prisoners being ranked in fours and required to keep
steps. The distribution of labour will be made by the Deputy
Superintendent in accordance with any general or special rules laid down
by the Superintendent. The Deputy Superintendent shall see that no
prisoner is put to or kept on work for which he is unfit or which is likely
to be prejudicial to his health or contrary to the decisions of the
Classification Committee.
263. Educational classes.— (a) All the prisoners shall be required
to attend educational classes in the morning at the specified hours,
according to their classifications and programme schedule drawn up for
the purpose by the Classification Committee and the educational
personnel
(b) The Psychological classes regarding reformative should be
given daily for all the prisoner. Especially Philosopher in Sociology,
Psychologist or MSW holders can give their classes.
264. Procedure in cases of illness.— If, a prisoner in a gang
working outside is injured or taken ill, he shall be sent back to the
Prison. If necessary, the whole gang may be marched back to the Prison
with the sick prisoner.
265. Mid-day meals.— At 11.00 hours, the gang shall be sounded
and the gangs marched back to the yards when the prisoners shall be
given an opportunity of using the latrine and at 11.30 a.m. the midday
meal shall be issued. A bell shall be rung as the signal for the distribution
of the meals and of the evening meals.
266. Resumption of work in afternoon.— After the meal, the
prisoners shall be given an opportunity of using the latrine and the
gangs shall then be reformed and marched back to their work which shall
continue till 4.30 p.m. in the cold weather and 5.00 p.m. in the warmer
weather. In the height of the hot weather, an interval of 2 hours for rest
shall generally be allowed at some time after the mid-day meal and at all
seasons, a similar rest shall be allowed to weak and infirm prisoners.
207
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
267. Procedure on cessation of work.— Upon cession of work,
the convicts having been taken back to their yards, shall proceed first
to the latrine and then to the bathing place where they shall be required
to bath, unless excused by the Superintendent or the Medical Officer.
268. Evening meal and lock-up.— (1) When the day’s work is
completed, the latrine visited and a bath taken, the prisoners may be
allowed games, recreational and cultural activities according to a weekly
time table and subject to availability of facilities. Thereafter, the evening
meal shall be distributed. The prisoners shall then be locked-up, the
hours being from 5.30 to 6.00 p.m. in the cold weather and from 6.00 to
6.30 p.m. in the warmer months.
(2) After lock-up, the prisoners may utilize the time till 9.30 p.m.
in reading newspaper, magazines or books for which lights shall be
allowed and in listening to radio music or watching television. They shall
also attend any cultural programme arranged for them by the
Superintendent. They shall go to bed at 9.30 p.m. Before the prisoners
go to bed, they shall be allowed to meditate, if they so desire.
269. Daily routine on Sundays and prison holidays.— On
Sundays and prison holidays, there shall be a deviation in the daily
routine detailed herein. During the hours specified for work, the
prisoners shall attend to their hair cut, washing of their clothes and
bathing. They may also listen to the radio, watch television, read
newspapers, magazines and books.
270. Men who work together not to sleep together.— As a general
rule and subject to the rules as to classification in Chapter-11 , men who
work together, shall as far as possible, sleep in the different block so as
to avoid the formation of gangs, prevent inter-communication among
prisoners and the like. Prisoners imprisoned in the same case shall not
be confined in the same yard or employed in the same gang as far as
possible.
271. Prisoners outside to be brought in for meals.— Prisoners
working extramurally shall be brought in for feeding purposes. Every
prisoner shall be searched each time he leaves or enters the prison. All
prisoners shall be counted and searched on return to the yards from
labour.
208
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
272. Strict discipline to be enforced.— Every detail of the daily
routine shall be carried out systematically, the prisoners being marched
about by word of command. Strict silence shall be maintained and
prisoners shall on no account be allowed to wander or loiter in the yards
unattended.
273. Conduct of gangs.— Gangs when halted shall ordinarily be
required to sit down. At the hour for turning out for work, when the
gangs have been formed, the officer in-charge shall see that they are
properly arranged and if necessary, equipped with tools, and shall then
give orders ‘Rise and March” – At the first order, the gang shall rise
and at the second, move off at a steady pace to their work. The same
procedure shall be followed when moving gangs at other times. Care
shall be taken to instruct prisoners to understand and obey the words
of command and march with regularity.
274. Search before lock-up.— Every convict shall be thoroughly
searched before being lockedup at night and every cell and ward shall
also be searched. The officer making the search shall be responsible
that all bolts, bars and fastenings are in order and that no contraband
article or articles likely to facilitate escape is left with any prisoner or in
any ward or cell.
275. Disposal of keys and their use at night.— (1) During the day,
the keys of the wards and cells, when not in use, shall be kept, in a
fixed key-box or almirah either at the main gate or at the office, as may
be most convenient. The key-box or almirah shall be kept locked, its
key being retained either by the Gate-keeper or Principal Warder, as the
case may be.
(2) After lockup, the keys of the wards and cells shall be
collected and shall be counted in the presence of the Deputy
Superintendent by the night Guard Officer. They shall then be placed in
the box provided for this purpose which shall be a fixture in the guard
room. The box shall be locked-up and the key of it and those of the
main gate and several compartments of the Prison be made over to the
night Guard Officer.
(3) If, a prisoner requires medical attention during the night or
if for any other reason, it becomes necessary to open a ward or cell, the
Deputy Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent or Principal Warder
shall be sent for, and, except in cases of emergency, such as fire or
attempt to commit suicide or any other untoward incident, no ward or
cell, shall be opened except in the presence of one of these officers.
209
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
276. Letting out cooks to prepare early meals.— When it is
necessary to let the cooks out before the general body of prisoners,
they shall be locked-up together in a single ward, the key of which shall
be entrusted to the Guard Officer, who may unlock this ward at the
prescribed hour, as per the orders of Superintendent of Jail.
277. Lighting of wards and cells at night.— A light which shall,
as far as possible, be out of the reach of the prisoners, shall be kept
burning in every sleeping ward throughout night. If, it goes out, the
matter shall be reported at once to the sentry who will have it re-lit.
cells shall be lighted by lanterns or electric lights placed at intervals
outside.
278. Latrine accommodation in wards and cells.— Every ward and
cell shall be provided with water closet pan with flush type toilet with
water connection to enable the prisoners to use the same during the
period of lock-up. The Superintendent of Jail shall ensure that water
closets in the cells are maintained neat and tidy.
279. Visits to latrine out of hours.— If, during the day any prisoner
wishes to visit the latrine out of the usual parade time, he shall make a
request to the warder. If, a prisoner unnecessarily visits the latrine,
without permission, the warder shall report the matter to his superior
authority. If, it appears that a prisoner is suffering from diarrhea or
dysentery, a report shall be made to the Deputy Superintendent, who
shall send him to hospital for observation.
280. General.— (1) The time schedule of the daily duty shall be
adjusted to seasonal changes, climatic condition and also to conditions
of work both intramural and extramural.
(2) While fixing up details of the daily routine, factors like
requirements for custody, inmate discipline, staff strength, hours of work,
educational classes, work-load, etc., shall be taken into consideration.
(3) Timing for operations like washing, bathing, etc., shall be
fixed in accordance with the available facility and number of inmates in
the prison.
(4) The Superintendent of Jail may, with the approval of
Inspector-General of Prisons, draw up a well-defined daily routine
according to the requirements of the prison other than those specified
in this Chapter and for Sundays and Prison holidays. Such routine shall
be conducive to good institutional management and discipline.
210
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
CHAPTER–13
MAINTENANCE OF PRISONERS
DIETARY
281. Scales of diet.— The scales of diet for prisoners may be
prescribed by the Government following the scales prescribed below
(drawn from the ICMR guidelines on the same). The scales may vary
according to local customs and dietary habits in each State but should,
so far as possible, be in compliance with the prescribed standards. Due
consideration is to be given to the principles mentioned above, to the
classified needs, habits and modes of living of prisoners and the climatic
conditions of the place, while prescribing the scale of diet for prisoners.
The Government may also modify the scales at any time if, it deems fit.
282. Scale of diet of ‘A’ class prisoners and special class
under-trial prisoners (non-vegetarians).— (1) The scales of diet for ‘A’
class prisoners and special class under-trial prisoners (non-vegetarians)
are as follows:
Sl.
Name of the article
Quantity
Remarks
No.
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
1
Rice or wheat flour
500 gms.
2
Chicken/Fish
150 gms.
Once in a week
3
Egg
1
Once in a week
4
Potatoes
110 gms.
(non-chicken days)
Potatoes
30 gms.
chicken and fish days
5
Vegetables
250 gms.
(non-chicken days)
Vegetables
200 gms.
chicken and fish days
6
Dhal
150 gms.
(non-chicken days)
Dhal
70 gms.
chicken and fish days
7
Groundnut or Roasted gram
60 gms.
8
Jaggery
20 gms.
9
Poppy seeds
1 gm.
chicken days only
211
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
10
Salt
40 gms.
11
Gingelly oils
30 gms.
12
Onion
30 gms.
13
Coriander powder
5 gms.
14
Chilly powder
5 gms.
15
Turmeric powder
1 gm.
16
Pepper
3 gms.
17
Coconut without shell
30 gms.
18
Tamarind
30 gms.
19
Mustard
2 gms.
20
Cumin seeds
5 gms.
21
Garlic
2 gms.
22
Dry chillies
2 gms.
23
Ginger
2 gms.
24
Curry leaf
1 gm.
25
Curd
100 ml.
or Butter milk
200 ml.
26
Tea or Coffee powder
15 gms.
27
Palm oil/Sunflower oil
30 ml.
28
Sugar
40 gms.
29
Bread
250 gms.
or Idlies
6 Nos.
30
Milk
100 ml.
31
Butter, Jam or Jelly
20 gms.
32
Fruit (Banana or sweet lime)
1 No.
33
Gas/dead wood
100 gms.
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
212
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
Note (i):- For three days in a week (Monday, Wednesday and
Friday), the issue of Perumpayar/Kadalai or Roasted gram
and jaggery shall be substituted by the issue of
Bengalgram in the form of 'Sundal' with the following
ingredients, namely:-
— Bengal gram-60 gms.
— Gingelly oil-4 gms.
— Salt-2 gms.
— Mustard-1 gm.
(2) Distribution of diet for ‘A’ Class prisoners:- The
non-vegetarian diet of ‘A’ class prisoners and special class undertrial
prisoners shall be distributed as follows:-
Sl.
Meals
Days
Name of the article
Quantity
No.
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
1
Morning
Ordinary
Bread
250 gms.
days
or Hoppers
6 Nos.
Butter, Jam
20 gms.
Tea dust or coffee powder
15 gms.
Sugar
40 gms.
Milk
100 ml.
2
Mid day
Chicken or
Rice or wheat flour
250 gms.
fish days
Potatoes (3 days a week)
15 gm.
Vegetables
100 gms.
Dhal
35 gms.
Poppy seeds
1 gm.
(chicken days only)
Chicken or fish
150 gm.
Curd or butter milk
50 ml.
Pepper water rasam
100 ml.
213
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
3
Mid-day
Ordinary
Rice or wheat flour
250 gms.
days
Potatoes (4 days a week)
55 gms.
Vegetables
125 gms.
Dhal
75 gms.
Curd
50 ml.
or Butter milk
100 ml.
Pepper water rasam
100 ml.
4
Evening
Chicken or
Rice or wheat flour
250 gms.
fish days
Potatoes (3 days a week)
15 gms.
Vegetables
100 gms.
Dhal
35 gms.
Curd or Butter milk
50 ml.
Pepper water rasam
100 ml.
5
Evening
Ordinary
Rice or wheat flour
250 gms.
days
Potatoes (4 days a week)
55 gms.
Vegetables
125 gms.
Dhal
75 gms.
Curd or Butter milk
50 ml.
Pepper water rasam
100 ml.
Note (i) A portion of groceries like mustard, Cumin seeds, pepper,
garlic, tamarind, chilly powder, coriander powder, turmeric
powder, etc., issued for the mid-day and evening meals
shall be used for preparation of pepper water (rasam).
(ii) The actual food supplied may vary within the cost of the
standard scale at tender rates.
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
214
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
283. Scale of diet for ‘A’ Class prisoners and special class
undertrial prisoners (vegetarians).— (1) The following will be the diet
scale of ‘A’ class prisoners and special class undertrial prisoners
(vegetarian):-
Sl.
Name of the article
Quantity
Remarks
No.
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
1
Rice or wheat flour
500 gms.
2
Potatoes
150 gms.
3
Vegetables
250 gms.
4
Dhal
170 gms.
5
Onion
30 gms.
6
Salt
40 gms.
7
Groundnut oil or Gingelly oil
40 gms.
8
Coconut without shell
30 gms.
9
Coriander powder
12 gms.
10
Chilly powder
8 gms.
11
Turmeric powder
1 gm.
12
Pepper
3 gms.
13
Tamarind
30 gms.
14
Mustard
2 gms.
15
Cumin seeds
5 gms.
16
Garlic
8 gms.
17
Asafoetida
1 gm.
18
Dry chillies
2 gms.
215
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
19
Ghee
30 gms.
20
Pappadam
2 Nos.
21
Ginger (fresh)
2 gms.
22
Curry leaf
2 gms.
23
Curd
200 ml.
or Butter milk
400 ml.
24
Bread
250 gms.
or Idlies
6 Nos.
25
Jam, Jelly or butter
20 gms.
26
Sugar
40 gms.
27
Tea or Coffee
15 gms.
28
Milk
100 ml.
29
Kadalai or Roasted gram
60 gms.
30
Jaggery
20 gms.
31
Fruit (banana or sweet lime)
1 Nos.
32
Gas/dead wood
100 gms.
Note : For three days in a week (Monday, Wednesday and
Friday), the issue of groundnut or roasted gram and
jaggery shall be substituted by the issue of Bengal gram
in the form of 'Sundal' with the following ingredients,
namely:-
— Bengal gram-60 gms.
— Gingelly oil-4 gms.
— Salt-2 gms.
— Mustard-1 gm.
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
216
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(2) The vegetarian diet of ‘A’ class prisoners and special class
undertrial prisoners shall be distributed as follows:-
Sl.
Meals
Name of the article
Quantity
No.
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
1
Morning
Bread
250 gms.
or Idlies
6 Nos.
Butter, Jam
20 gms.
Tea dust or coffee powder
15 gms.
Sugar
40 gms.
Milk
100 ml.
2
Mid-day
Rice or wheat flour
250 gms.
Potatoes
75 gms.
Vegetables (one sambar and one curry)
125 gms.
Dhal
85 gms.
Curd
100 gms.
or butter milk
200 ml.
Pepper water rasam
100 ml.
3
Evening
Rice or wheat flour
250 gms.
Potatoes
70 gms.
Vegetables
125 gms.
Dhal
85 gms.
Curd
100 ml.
or Butter milk
200 ml.
Pepper water rasam
–
Tomato
30 gm.
217
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
Note: (i) A portion of groceries like mustard, Cumin seeds, pepper,
garlic, tamarind, chilly powder, coriander powder, turmeric
powder, etc., issued for the mid-day and evening meals
shall be used for preparation of pepper water (rasam).
(ii) The actual food supplied may vary within the cost of the
standard scale at tender rates.
284. Scale of diet for ‘A’ Class prisoners and special class
undertrial prisoners accustomed to take bread.—
Sl.
Name of the article
Quantity
No.
(1)
(2)
(3)
1
Bread
500 gms.
2
Rice
200 gms.
3
Butter, Jam or Jelly
50 gms.
4
Tea dust or coffee powder
30 gms.
5
Sugar
50 gms.
6
Milk
200 ml.
Note : Other ration articles like dhal, vegetables, chicken, fish,
groceries and other ingredients will be supplied at the
same rate as for non-vegetarian A & B class prisoners.
285. Instructions on supply of ration.— The following instructions
shall be observed while issuing the ration:-
(1) The morning meals shall be issued immediately after
unlocking.
(2) Idlies issued for morning meal should weigh 60 gms. each.
(3) Sugar and milk are to be issued for tea or coffee for the
morning meal.
(4) The potatoes may be used in the curry or separately.
(5) Articles of groceries like mustard, pepper, cumin seeds,
garlic, tamarind, etc., shall be equally distributed for both mid-day and
evening meals.
(6) Twenty-five per cent of the vegetables supplied daily shall
be leafy vegetables.
218
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
286. Pattern of diet for ‘B’ Class prisoners and ordinary
undertrial prisoner in a week.— The following is the pattern of diet for
the 'B' Class prisoners and ordinary undertrial prisoners:-
Day
Morning
Mid-day
Evening
Night
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
Sunday
Idli/Dosai
Rice, Chicken
Bengal gram
Rice with
sambar
Gravy, Chicken
(Brown)
sambar,
curry
Sundal and
rasam,
Veg rice, meal
tea
vegetable
maker gravy
kootu
or porial
Monday
Rice uppma/
Lemon rice,
Kondakadalai Rice with
Rava uppma
rice with
(sundal) and
sambar,
with coconut
buttermilk,
tea
vegetable
chutney
vegetable
kootu or
poriyal or
poriyal and
kootu
buttermilk
Tuesday
Pongal with
Rice with
Roasted gram Rice with
coconut
sambar and
with jaggery
sambar,
chutney/
buttermilk and
and tea
vegetable
sambar
vegetable
koottu or
kootu
poriyal and
or poriyal
buttermilk
Wednesday Idli/Dosai
Veg pulao,
Bengal gram
Rice with
sambar
rice with
(Brown)
sambar,
rasam, egg
Sundal
rasam,
Veg: one
and tea
vegetable
banana
kootu or
poriyal
Thursday
Rice uppma/
Rice with
Perumpayaru
Rice with
Rava uppma
sambar and
(Sundal) and
sambar,
with coconut
buttermilk
tea
vegetable
chutney
and vegetable
kootu or
kootu or
poriyal and
poriyal
buttermilk
219
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
Friday
Pongal with
Veg pulao,
Kadalai
Rice with
coconut
rice with
(Brown)
sambar,
chutney/
rasam, egg
Sundal and
rasam,
sambar
Veg: one banana tea
vegetable
kootu or
poriyal
Saturday
Wheat uppma Rice with
Roasted gram Rice with
with groundnut sambar and
with jaggery
sambar,
chutney
buttermilk and
and tea
vegetable
vegetable kootu
kootu
or poriyal
or poriyal
and
buttermilk
Note : (1) The class of diet whether rice or wheat in the case of
newly sentenced prisoners, shall be determined by the
convicting Court and be entered in the commitment
warrants issued by it. The Magistrate or Judge shall make
personal enquiries as to the habits and status of the
prisoner before deciding on the class of diet to be allowed
to him and shall note in his own hand the flowing
particulars at the foot of the warrant, namley:-
(a) The diet to which the prisoner was accustomed according
to his own statement;
(b) The diet recommended by the Magistrate or Judge;
(c) Brief reasons if, rice or wheat is recommended.
Note: (2) The classification as referred to above shall not be liable
to any change whatever by the prison authorities except
on medical grounds and on the written recommendation
of the Medical Officer.
Provided that the Government may alter the classification if, in
their opinion, it has been wrongly made or if, it cannot be observed
because of undue difficulty in obtaining supplies.
Note : (3) If, the Superintendent of the Prison has reason to believe
that the Court has made a mistake in classification of diet,
he shall refer the matter to the Court.
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
220
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
Note : (4) Any prisoner may, while in prison, if, dissatisfied with the
diet allowed, apply to the Superintendent of the Prison
for a revision of the classification. Where, the application
is merely for a change of diet from one dry grain to
another, notwithstanding anything contained in Note (2),
the Superintendent shall allow the change only once with
the previous sanction of the Inspector-General. In all
other cases, the Superintendent shall refer the matter to
the Court which committed the prisoner and the decision
of the Court shall be final.
Note : (5) In order to ensure that prisoner get the full benefit of fats
in the issue of buttermilk, care shall be taken to see that
the cream or butter is not removed from either the milk
or curd. For this purpose, the Medical Officer shall
supervise the entire process of the boiling of the milk
and its conversion into buttermilk. The Superintendent
and the Medical Officer shall independently satisfy
themselves that the prisoners receive the full benefits of
buttermilk by frequent surprise checks which should be
noted in their journals.
(2) Scale and distribution of diet for ‘B’ Class prisoners and
ordinary undertrial prisoners in a week:-
(i) Sundays:-
Class of diet
Breakfast
Mid-day
Evening
Dinner
Rice
100 gms.
220 gms.
Kadalai or
180 gms.
(Rice-170 gms.
Roasted
(Rice-130 gms.
and wheat-
gram.
and wheat
50 gms.)
50 gms.)
Wheat
100 gms.
220 gms.
Kadalai or
180 gms.
Roasted
gram.
Non-veg: Chicken
150 gms.
Veg: Meal Maker
221
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
Sl.
Name of the article
Morning Mid-day Evening Night Total
No.
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(1)
Salt
6
12
-
12
30
(2)
Tamarind
-
8
-
7
15
(3)
Chillies
1
1
-
1
3
(4)
Curry powder
-
5
-
5
10
(5)
Onion
15
15
-
10
40
(6)
Vegetables
-
150
-
100
250
(7)
Black gram (only on
40
-
-
-
40
idli or dosa days)
(8)
Gingelly oil
4 ml.
-
-
-
4ml.
(only dosa days)
(9)
Fenugreek
½
-
-
-
½
(10)
Groundnut oil or Palmoil, 2
10
10
22
(Palmoil whichever
is cheaper)
(11)
Toor dhal
-
50
-
50
100
(12)
Curd
-
50 ml.
-
50 ml.100 ml.
(13)
Mustard
½
1
-
½
2
(14)
Curry leaves
-
1
-
1
2
(15)
Kadalai or Roasted gram
-
-
50
-
50
(16)
Jaggery
-
-
20
-
20
(17)
Banana or sweet lime
-
-
-
1No. 1 No.
(18)
Gas/dead wood
30
35
-
35
100
222
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(ii) Mondays:-
Class of diet
Breakfast
Mid-day
Evening
Dinner
Rice/Rava
100 gms.
220 gms.
Bengal
180 gms.
(Rice-170 gms.
Gram
(Rice-130 gms.
and wheat-
(Sundal)
and wheat
50 gms.)
50 gms.)
Wheat
100 gms.
220 gms.
Bengal
180 gms.
Gram
(Sundal)
Sl.
Name of the article
Morning Mid-day Evening Night Total
No.
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(1)
Salt
6
12
2
12
32
(2)
Tamarind
-
13
-
7
20
(3)
Chillies
1
2
2
1
6
(4)
Curry powder
-
5
-
0
5
(5)
Onion
10
-
-
15
25
(6)
Vegetables
-
150
100
250
(7)
Groundnut oil or (Palmoil
7
15
4
10
36
whichever is cheaper)
(8)
Toor dhal
-
50
-
50
100
(9)
Curd
-
50 ml.
-
50 ml. 100 ml.
(10)
Mustard
½
1
1
½
3
(11)
Curry leaves
1
1
1
1
4
(12)
Bengal Gram
-
-
50
50
(13)
Turmeric (Manjal powder) -
½
-
-
½
223
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(14)
Roasted Gram
15
-
-
-
15
(Pottu kadalai)
(15)
Dhall for curry
10
20
-
-
30
(split bengal gram)
(16)
Coconut (without shell) 10
-
-
-
10
(17)
Banana or sweet lime
-
-
1No.1 No.
(18)
Gas/dead wood
30
35
35
-
100
(iii) Tuesdays and Saturdays:-
Class of diet
Breakfast
Mid-day
Evening
Dinner
Rice
100 gms.
220 gms.
Groundnut, 180 gms.
(Rice-170 gms.
Kadalai or
(Rice-130 gms.
and wheat-
Roasted
and wheat
50 gms.)
gram
50 gms.)
Wheat
100 gms.
220 gms.
Kadalai or
180 gms.
Roasted
gram
Sl.
Name of the article
Morning Mid-day Evening Night Total
No.
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(1)
Salt
6
12
-
12
30
(2)
Tamarind
-
8
-
7
15
(3)
Chillies
1
1
-
1
3
(4)
Curry powder
-
5
-
5
10
(5)
Onion
-
15
-
15
30
(6)
Vegetables
-
150
-
100
250
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
224
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(7)
Groundnut oil or Palmoil,
8
12
-
10
30
(whichever is cheaper)
(8)
Toor dhal
-
50
-
50
100
(9)
Roasted gram
20
-
-
-
20
(Pottu kadalai)
(10)
Whole green gram
20
-
-
-
20
(pasiparuppu)
(11)
Curd
-
50 ml.
-
50 ml.100 ml.
(12)
Mustard
½
1
-
½
2
(13)
Coconut (without shell) 10
-
-
-
10
(14)
Curry leaves
1
1
-
1
3
(15)
Pepper
1
-
-
-
1
(16)
Kadalai or Roasted gram
-
-
50
-
50
(17)
Jaggery
-
-
20
-
20
(18)
Banana or sweet lime
-
-
-
1 No. 1No.
(19)
Gas/dead wood
30
35
-
35
100
(iv) Wednesday:-
Class of diet
Breakfast
Mid-day
Evening
Dinner
Rice
100 gms.
220 gms.
Bengal
180 gms.
(Rice-170 gms.
Gram
(Rice-130 gms.
and wheat-
(Sundal)
and wheat
50 gms.)
50 gms.)
Wheat
100 gms.
220 gms.
Bengal
180 gms.
Gram
(Sundal)
Non-veg: Egg
1 No.
Veg: Banana
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
225
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
Sl. Name of the articles
Morning Mid-day Evening Night Total
No.
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(1)
Salt
6
15
2
19
42
(2)
Tamarind
-
12
-
14
26
(3)
Chillies
1
4
2
3
10
(4)
Pepper
-
2
-
2
4
(5)
Curry powder
-
3
-
5
8
(6)
Onion
15
5
-
15
35
(7)
Black gram (only on
40
-
-
-
40
idly or dosa days)
(8)
Gingelly oil
4
-
-
-
4
(only dosa days)
(9)
Fenugreek
½
-
-
-
½
(10)
(i) Vegetables
-
-
-
150
150
(ii) Green leafy
-
30
-
-
30
(11)
Groundnut oil or Palmoil
2
10
4
10
26
(whichever is cheaper)
(12)
Toor dhal
-
-
-
50
50
(13)
Potatoes
-
60
-
-
60
(14)
Mustard
½
1 ½
1
1
4
(15)
Cumin seeds
-
½
-
½
1
(16)
Garlic
-
½
-
½
1
(17)
Curry leaves
-
1
1
1
3
(18)
Bengal gram
-
-
50
-
50
(19)
Coconut (without shell)
-
20
-
-
20
(20)
Banana or sweet lime
-
-
-
1No. 1No.
(21)
Gas/dead wood
30
35
-
35
100
226
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(v) Thursday:-
Class of diet
Breakfast
Mid-day
Evening
Dinner
Rice
100 gms.
220 gms.
Kadalai or
180 gms.
(Rice-170 gms.
Roasted
(Rice-130 gms.
and wheat-
gram
and wheat
50 gms.)
50 gms.)
Wheat
100 gms.
220 gms.
Kadalai or
100 gms.
Roasted
gram
Sl. Name of the articles
Morning Mid-day Evening Night Total
No.
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(1)
Salt
6
12
-
12
30
(2)
Tamarind
-
7
-
7
14
(3)
Chillies
1
1
-
1
3
(4)
Curry powder
-
5
-
5
10
(5)
Onion
10
15
-
15
40
(6)
Vegetables
-
50
-
100
150
(7)
Green leafy
-
100
-
-
100
(8)
Groundnut oil or Palmoil 7
10
-
10
27
(9)
Toor dhal
-
50
-
50
100
(10)
Curd
-
50 ml.
-
50 ml.100 ml.
(11)
Mustard
½
1
-
½
2
(12)
Curry leaves
1
1
-
1
3
(13)
Roasted gram
15
-
-
-
15
(14)
Dhall for curry
10
-
-
-
10
(split bengal gram)
(15)
Coconut
10
-
-
-
10
227
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(16)
Kadalai or Roasted gram
-
-
50
-
50
(17)
Jaggery
-
-
20
-
20
(18)
Banana or sweet lime
-
-
-
1No. 1No.
(19)
Gas/dead wood
30
35
35
100
(vi) Friday:-
Class of diet
Breakfast
Mid-day
Evening
Dinner
Rice
100 gms.
220 gms.
Bengal
180 gms.
(Rice-170 gms.
Gram
(Rice-130 gms.
and wheat-
(Sundal)
and wheat
50 gms.)
50 gms.)
Wheat
100 gms.
220 gms.
Bengal
180 gms.
Gram
(Sundal)
Sl. Name of the articles
Morning Mid-day Evening Night Total
No.
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(1)
Salt
6
8
2
12
28
(2)
Tamarind
-
5
-
7
12
(3)
Chillies
1
2
2
1
6
(4)
Curry powder
-
5
-
5
10
(5)
Onion
15
5
-
15
35
(6)
Vegetables
-
150
-
100
250
(7)
Groundnut oil or Palmoil
2
15
4
10
31
(8)
Toor dhal
-
50
-
50
100
(9)
Curd
-
100 ml.
-
50 ml.150 ml.
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
228
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(10)
Mustard
½
1
1
½
3
(11)
Curry leaves
-
1
1
1
3
(12)
Bengal Gram
-
-
50
-
50
(13)
Banana or sweet lime
-
-
-
1 No. 1No.
(14)
Gas/dead wood
30
35
-
35
100
Note :- (1) The actual food supplied may vary within the cost of the
standard scale at tender rates.
(2) Pepper water may be issued in lieu of buttermilk on
Sunday or Thursday or on both days. The ingredients
for the preparation of pepper water for 16 prisoners shall
be as follows:-
Tamarind
60 gms.
Pepper
30 gms.
Chillies
30 gms.
Salt
115 gms.
Mustard
10 gms.
Cumin seeds
10 gms.
Garlic
10 gms.
(3) Coffee or tea may be issued to the prisoners in the
morning. The ingredients for the preparation of coffee or
tea for each prisoners shall be as follows:
Milk
40 gms.
White sugar
10 gms.
Tea or coffee powder
4 gms.
Gas
8 gms.
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
229
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(4) For two days in a week (Wednesday and Saturday),
chicken or fish will be issued additionally to the
prisoners. The following ingredients required for its
preparation for each prisoner shall be issued on those
days:-
Chicken or fish
150 gms.
Pepper
4 gms.
Cumin seeds
5 gms.
Garlic
2 gms.
Coconut
5 gms.
Curry powder
3 gms.
Poppy seeds (for chicken day)
½ gm.
Assorted spices (for chicken day)
½ gm.
Note: If, fish is to be supplied, the cost of which shall not
exceed the cost of chicken of the quantity specified.
287. Vegetarian diet for ‘B’ class prisoners.— Full amount of
vegetables and other ingredients admissible to this class of prisoners
on ordinary days shall be issued to ‘B’ class prisoners who are
accustomed to vegetarian diet, in lieu of chicken on the days specified.
288. Diet for children.— Children allowed to stay with female
prisoners shall be also supplied such diet in accordance with the scale.
289. Diet for state prisoners.— Every prisoner confined in prison
shall receive dietary in accordance with the orders of the Government
passed relating to him.
290. Food ration.— (1) Every prisoner shall have three meals a
day according to the scale prescribed. A light meal in the morning before
the hour of work, a midday meal and an evening meal before prisoners
are locked-up for the night. The time of each meal shall be fixed by the
Superintendent.
(2) The day’s ration shall be issued by the officer in-charge of
stores during the previous evening on the basis of ration indent prepared.
230
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(3) The number of rations to be issued shall be arrived at on
the basis of the strength existing at the time of lockup.
(4) If, there are admissions during the late in the evening
without having fed evening meal, ration for one evening meal for every
prisoner so admitted shall be issued for the day.
291. Special diet on festive days.— Prisoners shall be given feast
on the following days costing at the rates to be fixed by the Government
from time to time:-
(a) Republic Day or Independence Day
(b) Deepavali or Onam or Vishnu festival or Pongal.
(c) Christmas
(d) Ramzan
292. Feast for the executive staff.— The executive staff shall also
be given feast on the above festival days. The cost of feast shall be the
same as fixed for prisoners.
293. Permission for observing religious fast.— Subject to the
advice of the Medical Officer, the Superintendent may permit any
prisoner to observe religious fast according to the customs of the
religion to which the prisoner belongs.
294. Food of prisoners observing religious fast.— Prisoners who
are permitted to observe religious fasts shall receive their whole or a
part of their meal at a place and time of day, as may be permitted by
Superintendent for proper observance of fasts by them.
295. Cleaning, Storage and Issue of Food Items.— (1) Care should
be taken to see that all grains are properly cleaned before issuing to
the mill-house for grinding and that the flour is carefully sieved and
kept in covered bins.
(2) Rice should be separated from husk, dust or other particles,
before issuing for cooking. The quality and seasoning of rice should be
such that weight of the cooked rice is be about 3 times its weight in
uncooked state. This should be frequently tested by weighing.
(3) All items of diet, as well as the fuel for cooking, shall be
weighed daily at the time of being issuing to the cooks by a responsible
officer not below the rank of an Assistant Superintendent, especially
231
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
appointed for the purpose by the Superintendent. They shall be issued
in a fully prepared state or, if, this is not possible, with a full allowance
for any loss which might occur during preparation. The Superintendent
shall, however, be responsible for seeing that the correct weight and
quality of the ration is issued. The quality of these items should be
regularly checked by the Medical Officer.
(4) Where chapatti/bread is given to prisoners, the same should
be prepared in prescribed weights for different classes of prisoners, and
cooks should be informed beforehand of the prescribed weights.
(5) Dal should be husked and unhusked grains properly cleaned
out before cooking.
(6) Vegetables issued shall be free from stalks and leaves and
shall be cut for cooking before being weighed and delivered to the cooks.
Potatoes or other root vegetables should form at least one-third of the
total quantity of vegetables. All vegetables should be examined daily
by the Medial Officer.
(7) An allowance of 25% extra shall be given for heads, tails,
fins, scales and entrails when whole fish is issued and for bones when
chicken is used.
(8) Antiscorbutics, in the requisite quantity, shall be issued
daily with the mid-day and evening meals to all prisoners. There should
be standing instructions for the preparation and issue of different kinds
of antiscorbutics which are commonly available.
(9) Milk shall be stored in a properly cleaned and well-ventilated
place. Milk shall be issued to prisoners on special/medical diet only after
boiling. Boiling should be done in the hospital enclosure under the
supervision of a responsible officer who shall be responsible for its
proper usage from the time it is obtained till its final distribution.
(10) In preparing curds, no water should be mixed with the milk
before boiling.
296. Cooking.— (1) Cooking may be done in stainless steel
vessels. All cooking utensils must be kept clean and shinning and the
kitchen and eating area too must be clean and tidy.
(2) Special care shall be taken to ensure that all vessels, in
which milk is kept, are perfectly clean. All vessels should be scalded
and cleaned with boiling water immediately after use. These must not
be left uncleaned.
232
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(3) All cooked food should be kept covered until it is
distributed, and appropriate arrangements (in the form of freezers,
refrigerators, etc.) shall be made for storage of perishable items.
(4) The Superintendent and the Medical Officer shall exercise
utmost vigilance in the supervision of food supplies, and when the food
is cooked and is ready for distribution to prisoners, they shall make
surprise inspections, at least once a week, in addition to routine
inspections. At these inspections the weight and taste of the food
distributed shall also be checked.
(5) Measuring equipment used for issuing ration to the mills,
and that used in the kitchen, shall be checked by the Superintendent at
least once a month if not more often.
(6) Cooks found tampering with food or scales shall be severely
punished.
297. Appointment of cooks.— Civil and State prisoners shall be
allowed to cook for themselves. For all other prisoners, paid cooks shall
be employed. If necessary, convict cooks in the proportion of one cook
to every 25 prisoners shall be appointed. Only those persons who have
been certified to be free from carriers shall be employed as cooks.
298. Cooks.— (1) Cooks shall carry out all preparations and
processes necessary after being issued the daily supplies and shall
prepare the food with due care and attention. They should wear clean
aprons while preparing/handling food.
(2) Inmates undergoing imprisonment for six months or less,
wherever available, may be employed to clean rice, peel and cut
vegetables, clean cooking utensils and keep the kitchen clean and tidy.
299. Distribution and service of food.— (1) Inspector-General of
Prisons shall prescribe the time for serving morning, mid-day and
evening meals in prisons.
(2) Meals should be served fresh and hot. The receptacles used
for carrying food shall be provided with well fitting lids. All food shall
be carefully protected from flies and other insects.
(3) Fifteen minutes before the distribution of each meal, a bell
may be sounded. Prisoners should then cease work, wash their hands
and face and queue up for food distribution, after which the cooked food
233
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
shall be distributed by the cooks in the presence of a responsible prison
officer not below the rank of an Assistant Superintendent. They shall
see that food issued to any prisoner is not taken away by another or is
otherwise wasted.
(4) After service of food at least twenty minutes time shall be
allowed to prisoner to eat the food.
(5) Except with the permission of the supervising officer, no food
is to be taken away from the dining area by any prisoner to eat it
elsewhere.
(6) When the meal is finished, the prisoners shall proceed to
the washing platform where two tubs shall be placed. Prisoners shall
put any refuse food left in his plate into these tubs, separating rice or
chapattis from curried food. They shall then wash their hands and
mouths as well as their utensils.
(7) The floors and platforms shall be cleansed immediately after
the prisoners finish their meals.
300. Eating and drinking vessels.– Every prisoner shall be
provided with a set of eating and drinking vessel. All vessels will be
made of stainless steel and shall be of a uniform material and pattern.
301. Complaint about food.— Any complaint regarding food shall
be enquired into on the spot by the supervising officer. He shall decide
whether the complaint is well founded or not and then take necessary
action. Every complaint regarding food shall be reported to the
Superintendent. If, the complaint is valid and is due to the fault of any
prison official, the Superintendent shall take such action as he deems
fit and shall record his orders. Any prisoner making false or malicious
complaints shall be punished.
302. Daily inspection of food.— The Superintendent and the
Medical Officer (in charge) shall exercise utmost vigilance in the
supervision of the food supplies and all articles issued for consumption
shall be inspected daily by the Medical Officer or in his absence by his
medical subordinates. The inspecting officer shall especially see that
the vegetables issued are of good quality. He shall bring to the notice
of the Superintendent of Jail any defects in quality detected during such
inspections.
234
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
303. Inspection of cooked food.— It is highly important that the
food is properly cooked, and that its full quantity reaches the prisoners.
Once a week, when the food is cooked and is ready for being served, it
shall be inspected, without prior notice, and its quality and weight shall
be checked by the Prison Superintendent and the Medical Officer. They
shall record the result of their inspection in their journal.
304. Weighing of articles of food.— All articles of food issued for
consumption shall be weighed daily by the officer in charge of diet. He
shall ensure that proper quantity of food is issued for every prisoner.
From time to time, the Superintendent shall himself check the issue of
ration. Metric weights and measures shall be used for weighing or
measuring rations and food and a proper set of scales, weights and
measures shall be maintained in every prison. These shall be frequently
tested by the Superintendent for their correctness.
305. Disposal of complaint by prisoner.— The officer in-charge
of a Block must ensure maintenance of a register (which may be electronic
form) for recording feedback of inmates related to the quantity, quality
or preparation of food being served to them. If, any complaint is made
by a prisoner regarding the food, it shall be at once inquired into by an
Assistant Superintendent. If the complaint relates to the quantity of food
received, the ration shall atonce be weighed in front of the prisoner
making such complaint.
306. Power to sanction change in diet.— The Government may
direct a change in the diet, prescribed by the convicting courts, in the
case of individual prisoners. Other than that change in the prescribed
diet shall be made only in unavoidable circumstances when the
prescribed food items are not available. In such events all changes in
the prescribed diet shall be reported to the Inspector-General of Prisons.
(2) When a prisoner is hospitalized, his diet may be changed
or modified by the Superintendent on the recommendation of the Medical
Officer. In case this change of diet has to continue for more than a
month, the concurrence of the Inspector-General of Prisons shall be
obtained by the Superintendent.
HOSPITAL DIET
Hospital diet: A suitable hospital diet may be prescribed by the
Government according to local food habits on the advice of Medical
Officers I Medical Officer (in charge). When meat is recommended by
the Medical Officer as an extra diet, the weight of meat shall ordinarily
be taken without bones.
235
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
Sl.
Name of articles
varieties of diet and quantity
No.
Milk
Mixed
Ordinary
Veg
Non-Veg
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
1
Rice
50 ml
400 gms
200 gm
2
Bread
500 ml
375 gms
500 gms
3
Chicken
-
-
200 gms
4
Dhal
-
100 gms
-
5
Vegetables
-
250 gms
50 gms
6
Milk
1 Lr.
200 ml
200 ml
7
Sugar
75 gms
50 gms
50 gms
8
Tea or coffee
30 gms
30 gms
30 gms
9
Salt
5 gm
30 gms
30 gms
10
Butter
45 gms
15 gms
45 gms
11
Coriander powder
-
6 gms
6 gms
12
Chilly powder
-
5 gms
5 gms
13
Turmeric powder
-
1 gm
1 gm
14
Tamarind
-
8 gms
8 gms
15
Pepper
-
5 gms
5 gms
16
Gingely Oil
-
20 gms
-
17
Butter milk
-
200 ml
-
18
Gas
50 gms 100 gms
100 gms
Medical Officer may prescribe ordinary jail diet in deserving cases.
236
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
The Hospital diet of ‘A’ class prisoners and Special Class under-
trial prisoners shall be distributed as follows:-
Sl.
Name of articles
varieties of diet and quantity
No.
Milk
Mixed
Ordinary
Veg
Non-Veg
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
Morning
1
Tea or coffee
15 gms
15 gms
15 gms
2
Sugar
25 gms
25 gms
25 gms
3
Milk
450 ml
100 ml
100 ml
4
Bread or
125 gms 125 gms
125 gms
5
Butter
15 gms
15 gms
15 gms
Midday
1
Rice
50 gms 200 gms
200 gms
2
Bread
125 gms
-
125 gms
3
Chicken
-
-
200 gms
4
Dhal
-
100 gms
-
5
Vegetables
-
150 gms
-
6
Butter milk
-
200 ml.
50 ml
7
Milk
450 ml
-
-
8
Sugar
25 gms
-
-
Evening
1
Rice
-
200 gms
-
2
Bread
250 gms 125 gms
250 gms
3
Vegetables
-
100 gms
-
4
Butter
30 gms
-
30 gms
5
Tea or Coffee
15 gms
15 gms
15 gms
6
Milk
100 ml
100 ml
100 ml
7
Sugar
25 gms
25 gms
25 gms
Medical Officer may prescribe ordinary jail diet in deserving cases.
237
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
307. Hospital diet for 'B' class prisoners.— (1) The following shall
be the hospital diet for ‘B’ class prisoners:-
Kanjee
Milk
Full
Ordinary
Article
Qty
Article
Qty
Article
Qty
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
Rice
500 gms
Bread
500 gms
Bread
250 gms
Salt
40 gms
Milk
1 Lr
Rice
250 gms
Papadam
6 Nos
Sugar
60 gms
Rice for
100 gms
Kanjee
Lime
15 gms
Rice for
100 gms
Chicken
100 gms
pickle
Kanjee
Salt
10 gms
Veg.
100 gms
Salt
30 gms
Milk
500 ml
Sugar
30 gms
Gas
50 gms
Gas
50 gms
Gas
100 gms
(2) The hospital diet of 'B' class prisoners shall be distributed
as follows:
Kanjee
Milk
Full
Ordinary
Article
Qty
Article
Qty
Article
Qty
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
Morning
Rice
100 gms
Rice for
100 gms
Rice for
100 gms
Kanjee
Kanjee
Salt
10 gms
Milk
250 ml
Milk
250 ml
Pappadam 2 Nos
Sugar
15 gms
Sugar
15 gms
Lime
5 gms
Salt
10 gms
Salt
10 gms
pickle
Medical Officer may prescribe ordinary
jail diet in deserving cases.
238
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
Midday
Rice for 200 gms
Bread
250 gm
Rice
250 gms
Kanjee
Salt
15 gms
Milk
500 ml
Chicken
100 gms
Pappadam
2 Nos
Sugar
30 gms
Vegetable 100 gms
Lime
5 gms
Potatoes 100 gms
pickle
Salt
20 gms
Evening
Rice for 200 gms
Bread
250 gms
Bread
250 gms
Kanjee
Salt
15 gms
Milk
250 ml
Milk
250 ml
Pappadam
2 Nos. Sugar
15 gms
Sugar
15 gms
Lime
5 gms
pickle
308. Vegetarian hospital diet.— 200 gms of vegetables shall be
issued in lieu of chicken to prisoners accustomed to vegetarian diet.
309. Allowance of ingredients.— The ingredients for full diet for
a day shall be the same as for an ordinary prisoner.
CLOTHING AND BEDDING
310. Clothing.— (1) Every convict under sentence of rigorous
imprisonment or of imprisonment for life shall be required to wear prison
clothing as prescribed in these rules and shall be supplied with prison
bedding. Other prisoners, such as undertrial prisoners and detenues,
shall be supplied with clothing and bedding if, they make an application
to the Prison Superintendent for this purpose. Such clothing shall be of
a colour different from that issued to convicts so that the distinction
between convicts and other prisoners is visible.
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
239
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(2) The Government will fix the scale of clothing and bedding
according to climatic conditions taking into account security and
discipline of the prison. Adequate winter clothing will be provided to
inmates in cold regions/during winter.
311. Clothes of convicts.— The clothes of convicts shall have no
pockets or openings in the lining. All clothing will be according to the
custom of the State. The prisoners shall be provided with dresses to
suit their physical measurement.
312. Clothing of any category of prisoners not covered in these
rules.— The clothing of any other category of prisoners, not covered
in these rules, shall be decided by the Inspector-General, provided that
the expenditure involved in it does not exceed the cost that would
otherwise be incurred if the articles admissible under the rules are
supplied to the class to which the prisoner belongs.
313. Clothing of convicts attending courts.— (1) Convicts in
custody when sent to a Court, either as a witness or as an accused,
shall wear ordinary private clothing. For this purpose, the private clothes
of convicts deposited in the prison, or those provided by friends or
relatives, shall be issued to them before they are taken to the Court,
such clothes shall be taken back on their return from court attendance.
(2) In other cases, the Superintendent shall provide suitable
clothing.
314. Issue of sandals to prisoners.— The sanction of the
Superintendent of Jail is necessary for the issue of sandals to prisoners.
315. In charge of clothing store.— The Assistant Superintendent
shall be in charge of the clothing store and shall be held responsible
for custody and maintenance of all clothing’s and beddings. He shall
be allowed to take the help of sufficient number of prisoners to clean
and expose the clothing to sun and air regularly. Due attention shall be
paid to getting the clothes washed thoroughly before being returned to
the store.
Explanation: Used clothes, before being issued to prisoners,
shall be thoroughly fumigated and washed in hot water to exterminate
bugs, fleas, etc.
240
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
316. Repair, Maintenance and inspection of clothing and
bedding.— A day shall be fixed for weekly maintenance and inspection
of clothing. At the weekly parade of prisoners the Superintendent shall
pay special attention to their clothing and bedding and shall satisfy
himself that each man's kit is complete and is in proper condition.
Suitable arrangements shall be made for washing and cleaning of every
article of prisoners’ clothing and bedding.
317. Prisoners to wash their clothing once every week.— Every
prisoner shall be required to wash his clothing atleast once a week,
usually on the Sunday mornings, and at any other time as the
Superintendent may direct. The Superintendent may ask prisoners to
wash specific items of prison clothing and may authorize the issue of
the necessary washing materials for the purpose.
Explanation 1: All male prisoners shall be supplied with half a
bar of washing soap weighing approximately 500 g. each per month and
50 gms of washing powder every week for washing their clothes.
Explanation 2: All female prisoners shall be supplied with a bar
of washing soap weighing approximately lKg. each per month and 50
gms. of washing powder per week for washing their clothes. All female
prisoners with children may be supplied with an extra bar of washing
soap weighing approximately 500 gms and 50 gms of washing powder
per week for washing the clothes of their children.
318. Prison laundry.— All at least Central and District prisons to
have their own mechanized laundry to wash items of clothing and
bedding at the time of return of these items to the clothing store.
319. Disposal of Irreparable clothing.— Irreparable clothing shall
be struck off from the register under the signature of the Superintendent
once a month and need as rags for cleaning the kitchen and for cleaning
machinery in the workshop. If, the accumulation of such clothing is in
excess, it shall be sold, after being shredded into small pieces, to the
paper making units of the Khadi or other such agencies.
Unserviceable clothing shall be stocked separately and a proper
stock register shall be maintained for this purpose.
320. Disposal of clothing of discharged prisoners.— Prison
clothing shall not be given to discharged prisoners. Care shall be taken
to ensure that prisoners surrender their full kit at the time of their release.
241
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
If, fit for further use such clothing shall be thoroughly laundered and
repaired, and taken into stock. Items of unserviceable clothing shall be
duly entered in the stock register of such clothing and shall be disposed
of in the manner prescribed in the previous paragraph.
321. Submission of clothing and bedding indents.— Indents for
the clothing and bedding likely to be required during the next six, nine
or 12 months, shall be prepared in duplicate and submitted to the Deputy
Inspector-General of Prisons for sanction.
No clothing or bedding shall be issued from the manufacturing
department of any prison unless the indent is approved by the Deputy
Inspector-General of Prisons and no clothing or bedding shall be
purchased in the local market except in very special circumstances and
with the sanction of the Inspector-General of Prisons.
ACCOMMODATION AND VENTILATION
322. Capacity of ward to be inscribed near the door.— (1) Near
the door of every ward, the size of the room, and the number of prisoners
it is capable of accommodating, shall be recorded on a plaque embedded
in the outer wall of the ward. No ward shall accommodate prisoners
beyond its prescribed capacity. The Lock-up Register which shall be
maintained in Form No.29 shall show the maximum accommodation of
every ward.
(2) The names and numbers of the blocks and other important
buildings and enclosures shall be displayed on them in a conspicuous
and suitable position. The date of white-washing shall also be shown
in distinct figures.
The minimum accommodation capacity of barracks, cells, and
hospitals per prisoner will ordinarily be according to the following scale:
Sleeping barracks
Cells
Hospital
Sq. mtrs. Cu mtrs
Sq. mtrs.
Sq. mtrs. Cu mtrs. Sq. mtrs. Sq. mtrs. Cu mtrs.
of
of air
of lateral
of
of air
of
of
of air
ground
space
ventilation ground
space
lateral
ground
space
areas
areas
ventilation area
3.71
15.83
1.12
8. 92
33. 98
2.23
5.58
23.75
242
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
323. Ventilation of wards and workshops.— (1) The Superintendent
and the Medical Officer shall pay special attention to the ventilation of
the wards. In all cases, care shall be taken that there is sufficient lateral
as well as roof ventilation. As the condition of the atmosphere breathed
by prisoners can only be judged by visiting the wards a few hours after
the prisoners have been locked-in, the Superintendent and the Medical
Officer shall visit the prison at night in all seasons, and at irregular
intervals, to satisfy themselves that the ventilation is adequate, and that
the prisoners have not blocked the ventilation in any way. The results
of these visits shall be recorded by them in their respective journals.
The Deputy Superintendent shall also be deputed for this purpose.
(2) Every possible arrangement shall be made for thorough
ventilation of the wards for several hours during the day. This is
necessary to remove organic matter from the walls, which gets slowly
oxidized. It is necessary that the beddings are removed out of the
barracks for several hours every day.
324. Walls to be colour or white-washed.— The exterior walls of
prison buildings shall be colour-washed, and the interior walls white-
washed from time to time. The interior of barracks, wards and cells in
which prisoners are confined, shall be white-washed once in a year.
325. Planting of trees.— (1) Grass shall be grown and trees planted
and kept neatly trimmed in and near the prison wherever possible.
Gardens shall also be maintained in each prison to have a salutary effect
on the minds of prisoners. However, trees shall not be planted too close
to walls and buildings as these may be used for escape from the prison.
(2) After the rainy season, the inner and outer sides of the
perimeter wall, if the prison and wall of the wards shall be scrubbed.
Pathways inside the prison compound shall be de-weeded and re-laid.
Wherever the paths are made of tarmac, the uneven surface shall be
leveled properly.
CONSERVANCY
326. Responsibility of all officers.— It is also the duty of all prison
officers to pay special attention to conservancy, and official and non-
official visitors are expected to satisfy themselves that it is properly
carried out.
243
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
327. Responsibility of Health Officer.— The Municipal Health
Officer or District Health Officer, as the case may be, shall visit the prison
under their jurisdictions once a month and offer suggestions for
sanitation and hygiene.
328. Prison area to be kept clean.— The prison area shall be
cleaned daily and kept free from all unwanted plants and weeds,
accumulation of broken bricks, manufacturing waste, etc. Kitchen waste
shall not be permitted to be thrown on the ground, nor shall garbage of
any kind be allowed to accumulate in or near the prison.
329. Prohibition of cess pools and open drains.— Cess pools, and
open drains for accumulation and disposal of sewage are prohibited
inside or near a prison.
330. Precaution against malaria.— All pits and pools of water
stagnant, near the prison shall be covered or filled up. Open drains, if
any around the prison shall be carefully attended to and drainage cuts
shall be cleaned wherever necessary, to prevent accumulation of water.
331. Medical Officer to approve drainage.— The Medical Officer
shall bring to notice of the Prison Superintendent any defects in the
drainage within or around the prison. If he does not do so, it shall be
presumed that he is satisfied with it. All drainage in prison should be
underground which should be connected directly to the public drainage
system.
332. Injurious conditions in the prison neighbourhood.— (1) If,
anything occurs or is likely to happen in the prison neighbourhood, that
might injuriously affect the health of the prisoner, it shall be reported
immediately to the Inspector-General of Prisons. The construction of
public latrines and sewage drains near a prison is objectionable and
measures shall be taken to prevent such constructions.
(2) No sewage or effluent drains from mills and factories or other
public sources, that may affect the health of the prisoners, should be
allowed near any prison.
333. Cleaning of latrines.— The latrines shall be thoroughly
cleaned twice a day or more often if necessary, with disinfectants.
334. Kitchen.— The inmates engaged in cooking should be
regularly examined to make sure that they are not carrying of any
infection. There should be adequate arrangements for cooks to wash
244
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
their hands with soap and water before they start cooking. Cooks should
change into clean uniforms before they are permitted to cook or serve
food. Manual handling of food is undesirable and must be avoided.
335. Stores.— Stores or godowns must be kept clean, well
arranged, and well ventilated. Their contents should be aired as often
as possible. Godowns or grain stores should be treated with suitable
insecticides to prevent the growth of weevil.
336. Baths.— All prisoners should be required to bathe as
frequently as necessary. In the temperate climate they should be
encouraged to have daily baths unless medically exempted from doing
so. In hot climate, facilities should be provided for the prisoners to have
a bath in the afternoon as well.
WATER SUPPLY
337. Selection of source of water supply.— (1) Wherever municipal,
panchayat or public works and Fire service may provide water supply
exists, arrangements shall be made to connect the prison with it by a
pipe line.
(2) If, water from a well or tube-well is in use in a prison, such
wells should be well-protected from being polluted by percolation of
surface water.
(3) The mouth of every drinking water well shall be completely
closed and the water shall be raised by a pump. The surface surrounding
the well at its mouth shall be covered with a sloping cement platform
with a drain around it to carry spilt water, and the well shall be lined to
a sufficient depth to render the tube impermeable.
(4) Every well shall be cleaned out once a year, and the date
on which it is done shall be recorded.
(5) Once a week, the depth of water in each drinking water well
shall be tested and a record of the results maintained.
338. Filtration of Water.— (1) Drinking water may be filtered as
per the directions of the Inspector-General, on the advice of medical and
municipal authorities.
(2) There shall not be any garbage dump or sanitary wastes
within a radius of 15 mtrs of any ring well or tube well.
245
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
339. Drawing of water.— Distribution of clean water is of
paramount importance. Buckets used for filling water for drinking and
for use in kitchen shall not be used for any other purpose. Water vessels,
barrels, tanks and reservoirs shall be frequently cleaned. Every water
storage receptacle shall be covered and the lid fastened after it is filled.
These shall also be filled with taps to facilitate drawing of water from
them.
340. Supply of Drinking Water.— (1) Suitable arrangements shall
be made to supply every inmate of a ward and cell with sufficient
quantity of fresh drinking water through taps during day and night. It
shall be the responsibility of the warder on duty to see that sufficient
drinking water is available before the prisoners are locked-in.
(2) Prisoners at work shall be supplied with an adequate
quantity of purified drinking water. If water is to be stored, it shall be
done in covered receptacles which must be thoroughly cleaned every
day.
341. Analysis of water.— (1) Samples of the water in use for
domestic purposes in every prison shall ordinarily be submitted to the
Water Analysing Authority (Department of Food and Drugs Testing)
twice a year, for both chemical and bacteriological examination.
(2) In the event of outbreak of an epidemic in any prison, which
might be due to contamination of the water supply, and which calls for
an immediate examination of drinking water, the Medical Officer should
immediately make a written request to the Director of Health and Family
Welfare Services who shall make arrangements to obtain the necessary
samples for analysis. In addition to that, immediate steps shall be taken
to ensure supply of water from an alternative source at such prison.
(3) The Water Analyzing Authority (Department of Food and
Drugs Testing) shall, in due course, forward a copy of its report of
analysis, through the Director of Health and Family Welfare Services to
the Superintendent of Jail and another to the Inspector-General.
342. Disinfection of wells.— Whenever there is reason to believe
that any of the wells, from which drinking water is obtained, is a source
of contamination, it shall be treated at intervals of three days with
Potassium Permanganate and other disinfectants, as may be deemed
necessary, in consultation with the local Health Officer.
246
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
343. Provision of water to staff quarters.— Adequate supply of
water shall also be ensured to the residential quarters of the prison staff.
The conditions of the cleanliness of water mentioned in the preceding
rules shall apply to residential quarters as well. Every officer occupying
staff quarters shall be held responsible for the cleanliness of his
premises. The Superintendent and the Medical Officer shall periodically
inspect the staff quarters to check general cleanliness.
CHAPTER–14
MEDICAL ADMINISTRATION AND HOSPITAL MANAGEMENT
344. Medical administration.— Medical administration is one of
the most important concerns of prison management. The Medical Officer
of a prison has to give careful attention not only to the treatment of
sick prisoners but also to every matter connected with the health of
prisoners and over all hygiene of the prison. Nothing will count more
to the credit of the Medical Officers of prisons than their success in
maintaining best health standards in the prisons under their charge. The
newly admitting prisoners should be inspected by the Jail Medical Officer
at once.
345. Prison hospitals.— Hospital accommodation shall be
provided on the scale of 5% of the daily average of the inmate population
in the Central Prison. The staff personnel for the prison hospital shall
be:-
Medical Officer-1
Staff Nurse-1
Psychiatric Counselor-1 (appointed by the Government or NGO’s)
Note: One Ambulance shall be provided in each prison hospital.
346. Appointment of Medical Officers and allocation of duties.—
(1) One male Medical Officer not below the rank of Assistant Surgeon
shall be appointed on full-time basis to look after the health of the
prisoners lodged in the Central Prison, Puducherry, on round-the-clock
basis. The Medical Officer shall be ordinarily under the general
administrative control of the Inspector-General of Prisons except while
performing medical/clinical functions when he shall be subordinate to
the Medical Officer. The duties of the Medical Officer shall be allocated
in such a way that a Medical Officer shall always be available in prison
to provide medical care to the prisoners and to attend all emergencies.
247
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(2) Whenever the emergency arises on information, the Medical
officer should be present at once. Female doctor should be available
when information given through telephone through Jail Department in
case of any urgent situation. The Medical officer should reside in
premises of the Jail Department (Rent free accommodation).
347. Terms of appointment.— (1) The Medical Officer shall be
appointed to the prison service from the Directorate of Health and
Family Welfare Services and their postings and transfers shall be made
by the Director of Health and Family Welfare Services in consultation
with the Inspector-General of Prisons.
(2) Subject to the discretion of Director of Health and Family
Welfare Services and the exigencies of public service, the Medical Officer
appointed to the prison shall continue to be in charge of his office. In
case the emergency arises in the Prison the Medical Staff (Doctors and
Staff Nurses) can be appointed on Contract basis.
348. Channel of communication.— (1) The Medical Officer will be
in charge of the entire Medical Administration. He along with his
subordinates will be jointly responsible for the health-care of the
prisoners. All correspondence to the Director of Health and Family
Welfare Services shall be routed through the Inspector-General of
Prisons. All leave, except earned and medical leave, pertaining to the
Medical Officers will be regulated by the Inspector-General of Prisons.
(2) The Medical Officer shall submit indents for medicines to
the Inspector-General/Chief Superintendent of Jail. In all administrative
matters, he will act in consultation with the Superintendent of Jail. He
may, however, correspond directly with the Inspector-General, on matters
relating to sanitation, sick prisoners’ food and clothing and discipline
in the prison hospital. The Medical Officer shall also correspond direct
with Inspector-General if, he notices on the person of any prisoner
injuries which are alleged to have been caused by prison officials. He
shall accompany the Inspector-General during his inspection of the
prison.
349. General duties of Medical Officer.— The general duties of
the Medical Officer shall cover every matter connected with the health
of the prisoners, their treatment when sick, and the sanitation and
hygiene of the prison.
248
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
350. Daily visits to prison.— (1) The Medical Officer shall visit
the prison and shall see sick prisoners every day. He shall be available
for call duty on all holidays as and when required by the Prison
authorities.
(2) He shall inspect every part of the prison and check all
prisoners at least once in a week and record his observations in his
Journalto be sent to the Superintendent of Jail and Inspector-General
of Prisons periodically.
(3) He shall also make a full medical inspection of all the
prisoners once a month.
(4) If, any epidemic or unusual sickness prevails or any serious
case of illness occurs, he shall visit the prison as often as may be
necessary.
(5) If, he is unable to himself undertake these inspections for
any reason, he shall record the fact and the reason for it in his journal.
351. Special needs of aged prisoners.— The Medical Officer shall
ensure that the medical needs of aged prisoners in terms of
ophthalmological care, dental care, physiotherapy, and clinical testing
for diabetics are regularly attended to.
352. Treatment of drug addicts.— The Medical Officer shall
organize de-addiction programmes for such prisoners who are known to
be drug-addicts. He shall also organize training in Transcendental
Meditation and Yoga for them. The Superintendent of Jail may use de-
addiction NGOs for Counselling.
353. Attendance at weekly inspection.— (1) The Medical Officer
shall be present during the Superintendent's weekly inspection and shall
oversee the general health and hygienic conditions prevailing in the
prison. He shall pay special attention to any signs of a scorbutic or
anemic tendency, any deterioration in health conditions, and skin
diseases. He shall also examine the prisoner's clothing and bedding to
see that they are adequate and cleaned. He will examine the drainage,
ventilation, drinking water and conservancy arrangements of the prison.
(2) He shall, at the same time, examine the record of prisoners’
weights, to satisfy himself that the weight test is being properly done.
He shall thoroughly examine all prisoners who have lost their weight
substantially and take appropriate action in such cases.
249
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
354. Attending to prison officers.— (1) The Medical Officer shall
attend to the medical needs of all prison officials and their families
residing in the prison's staff quarters and barracks.
(2) The Medical Officer shall bring to the notice of the
Superintendent any facts about the cause of illness of the officers and
subordinate prison staff that may be of importance, and which shall
enable him to determine their fitness for continued employment in the
prison.
(3) The Medical Officer shall maintain a minute book in which
he shall enter all directions given by him concerning the duties of the
medical staff under him, the management of the hospital, and any other
instruction of importance regarding the treatment of patients or any other
matter.
(4) The Medical officer shall also be responsible for conducting
medical examination of candidates selected for appointment to various
posts in the prison.
355. Maintenance of journals.— (1) The Medical Officer shall keep
a journal in which he shall record every visit he pays to the prison, time
of entering and leaving the prison, the parts of the prison or classes of
prisoners visited, the number of sick persons in prison and any other
point which he considers should be brought to the notice of the
Superintendent. While doing so he shall make specific note of the
following:-
(i) Any defects in the food, clothing or bedding of prisoners
or in the cleanliness, drainage, ventilation, water supply
or other arrangements of the prison which the Medical
Officer considers likely to be injurious to the health of
prisoners, together with suggestions for removing such
defects;
(ii) Any occurrence of importance connected with the
hospital administration;
(iii) Any marked increase in the number of in or out door
patients and its apparent causes.
(2) After each visit this journal shall be sent immediately to the
Superintendent for his perusal. Thereupon the Superintendent may issue
any directions as he thinks fit.
250
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
356. Submission of Returns.— The Medical Officer shall punctually
submit the prescribed returns and shall furnish any other information
regarding the medical administration of the prison, which the Inspector
General may call for. A report regarding the sanitary condition prevailing
in prison shall also be furnished to the Inspector-General along with
the annual returns.
357. Maintenance of Registers.— The Medical Registers and Forms
other than the Journal shall be kept under the orders of the Medical
Officer, who is responsible for their correctness. At the Inspector
Generals’ inspection, the Medical Officer shall produce before him, every
register and record, connected with the Medical Administration of the
Prison.
358. Clinics and Labs for Prison Hospitals.— The following
equipment shall be made available to prison hospitals. If, possible,
otherwise the prisoners will be provided with these facilities as per need,
in nearest Government Hospital.
(i) Dental clinic with all equipment;
(ii) Ophthalmology Clinic with all equipment;
(iii) Minor operation theatre with all surgical equipment;
(iv) Clinical laboratory with required equipment;
(v) X-ray lab with dark room and equipment;
(vi) Physiotherapy unit with equipment;
(vii) De-toxification unit;
(viii) Psychiatric unit with equipment and
However all basic need equipments required for dealing with
emergencies should be made available in the Prison Hospital, as far as
possible.
359. Conditions of Service.— Medical Officer, staff nurse,
pharmacist and other medical personnel attached to prison shall not,
while on duty, leave the prison premises without the permission of the
Superintendent of Jail/Inspector-General of Prisons.
360. Uniform.— The Medical Officers shall be supplied with four
coats per year as uniform. These coats shall be made from a prison-made
drill and tailored in the tailoring section of the prison. The coats shall
be the property of the Prison Department and will be kept in the prison.
251
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
361. Leave.— (1) All leave, except casual leave, will be granted
by the Director of Health and Family Welfare Services on the
recommendation of the Inspector-General. The Inspector-General shall
also address the Director of Health and Family Welfare Services for the
posting of a substitute, except where the absence is short and local
arrangements can be made.
362. Hours of Duty.— (1) The duties of Medical Officer shall be
distributed as follows:-
(a) The hours of duty during the day shall be equally
distributed between the Medical Officer, ensuring that
one of them is always present in the prison;
(b) One of the Medical Officer shall be on night duty on
rotation basis to attend to the prisoners in the event of
an emergency.
(2) Where there is only one Medical Officer, he shall remain
inside the prison throughout the day, except when permitted to absent
him for meals or other valid reasons. He shall visit the hospital
occasionally at nights and may, if required by the Prison authorities,
remain on duty there, if, there are any cases under treatment which are
likely to render his presence necessary.
363. Custody of Keys.— (1) The Medical Officer on duty inside
the prison at night shall be responsible for the safe custody of the keys
of the hospital and of any other place in which prisoners are confined
for medical treatment. But, he shall not unlock any door except in the
presence of the Assistant Superintendent. Only in a case where
unlocking of the hospital ward is urgently required, he shall unlock
doors in the presence of the patrolling officer on duty.
(2) Every Medical Officer entrusted with the keys shall be held
responsible for making sure that they are kept in his personal possession
and are not improperly used. He shall report at the earliest opportunity
to the Superintendent every instance in which he has had occasion to
unlock the door of any compartment occupied by the prisoners during
his term of duty at night.
252
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
364. Duties of the Medical Officer.— It shall be the duty of an
Medical Officer:-
(i) to examine all newly admitted prisoners and to record in the
admission register and history sheets particulars regarding their health,
and the kind of labour which they can perform in view of their health
conditions;. In case the Medical Officer finds variation of wound in the
Medical certificate of the inmate, then the prisoner immediately referred
to the Government Hospital to get a proper wound certificate;
(ii) to be available to attend to any prisoner who complains of
illness or who appears to be ill, and have him removed to the hospital
or the place for medical examination, as the case may be;
(iii) to attend to sick prisoners and out-patients visiting the
hospital and supervise the preparation and issue of medicines, food and
extra diet;
(iv) to make a daily round of the prison cells and to see whether
the conditions in the prison have any bearing on the health of the
inmates;
(v) to bring to the notice of the Superintendent any female
whom he may suspect to be pregnant;
(vi) to bring promptly to the notice of the Superintendent any
case of suspected cholera or other contagious or infectious diseases
that may appear amongst the staff or inmates of the prison;
(vii) to examine the wells and other sources of water supply, to
bring to notice any defects with regard to the quantity or quality of water
supplied, to examine every day all tanks and vessels in which water is
stored or conveyed, and to prepare samples of water for analysis as and
when required;
(viii) to inspect the surroundings of the prison at least once a
week. He shall pay particular attention to manner in which filth is
trenched or otherwise disposed of;
(ix) to attend to the ventilation, with due regard to the season
of the hospital, sleeping wards and workshops and to satisfy himself
that prisoners are not unnecessarily exposed to draught or rain;
253
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(x) He shall inspect the medicines kept in store once in every
six months and satisfy himself that their weights and quantities are
entered correctly in the stock register. He shall also ensure that the
medicines are used before their date of expiry. He shall also inspect the
instruments and equipment to see that they are being maintained
properly and sufficient stock is kept in reserve;
(xi) He shall examine all cases coming for release on medical
grounds;
(xii) to ensure that all medicines indented for the hospital are
properly arranged, labeled and stored in a safe place;
(xiii) to see that sick prisoners are clean and tidy;
(xiv) to see that the hospital clothing and bedding are marked
in a distinctive manner;
(xv) to see that all articles in use in the hospital are safely
stored and kept clean;
(xvi) to allow no property in his charge to leave the prison
premises;
(xvii) not to permit any convict attendant to handle instruments
or distribute drugs whose misapplication may be dangerous;
(xviii) to ensure that the pharmacist attends to the clerical work
connected with the hospital, such as the upkeep of registers, the
preparation of returns and the punctual submission of indents;
(xix) to satisfy himself that the food for the sick is properly
prepared and distributed;
(xx) to be responsible that order, cleanliness and discipline is
maintained in and around the hospital, that the staff nurses and others
employed in the hospital perform their duties properly, that any excess
or deficiency of attendants is brought to the notice and to report any
relaxation or violation of the rules;
(xxi) to visit the prison kitchen every day, inspect the food
supplied, both raw and cooked (both in bulk and after distribution) and
see that the salt, oil and condiments are added and thoroughly mixed,
satisfy himself that the food is of good quality and that the quantity of
each article is according to the sanctioned scale. He shall also see that
254
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
the kitchen and its surroundings are maintained in a sanitary condition,
that the drains are flushed and free from refuse, that the water stored in
the tanks for cooking and washing utensils is changed frequently, and
that the utensils in use are clean and in good condition;
(xxii) to supervise the supply of milk to the hospital, to test the
milk in the prescribed manner, to see that it is properly boiled before
issue;
(xxiii) to inspect the food supplied to civil and un-convicted
criminal prisoners by their friends;
(xxiv) to keep a watch on prisoners suspected of malingering
and to report the result of his observations;
(xxv) to be present at various parades and separate for
examination and treatment any prisoner who appears to be in need of
attention or who is known or suspected of leaving part of his food
uneaten;
(xxvi) to see the bathing of prisoners suffering from skin
infections;
(xxvii) to satisfy himself that the person, and private clothing,
of newly admitted prisoners are properly cleaned, and that the clothing
is, if necessary, disinfected before keeping in the store rooms;
(xxviii) to vaccinate newly admitted prisoners, and (if so
directed) infants admitted with their mothers or born in prison;
365. Medical Aid to Prison Officers.— The Medical Officer shall,
under the direction of the Inspector-General of Prisons, accord medical
aid to all members of the prison establishment and others living on the
prison premises.
366. To assist Medical Officer.— The medical subordinates shall
render assistance to the Medical Officer by reporting to him all matters
affecting health, such as:
(a) Overcrowding;
(b) Unsuitable, worn out or dirty clothing;
(c) Neglect of personal cleanliness;
(d) Undue exposure to weather;
(e) Unpunctuality of meals;
(f) Neglect to air-dry or clean clothes and bedding;
(g) Unsuitable tasks.
255
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
367. Appointment of Staff Nurse and Pharmacist.— (1) As far as
practicable, only staff nurses and pharmacists, who have passed the
tests prescribed by the Department of Health and Family Welfare
Services, shall be employed in prisons.
(2) Staff nurses and pharmacists shall be posted to prison duty
for a period of three years exclusive of any long leave availed by them
and then reverted to their parent Department. The said period of three
years may either be extended at the option of the individual, and with
the approval of the Director of Health and Family Welfare Services and
the Inspector-General of Prisons, by such further period that these
officers may consider desirable. This period can also be reduced on the
recommendation of the Director of Health and Family Welfare Services
or of the Inspector-General of Prisons. All leave, excepting casual leave,
shall be granted by the Director of Health and Family Welfare Services
on the recommendation of the Medical Officer of the prison. If, necessary
the staff nurse may be appointed on the contract basis by the Jail
Department.
(3) Casual leave may be granted to the Staff nurses and
Pharmacists by the Medical Officer of the prison in accordance with the
rules relating to the grant of such leave.
368. Duties of the Staff Nurse and the Pharmacist.— (1) The Staff
nurse and the Pharmacist shall obey the lawful orders of the Medical
Officer in all matters connected with the medical work of the prison and
of the Superintendent in other matters. The Tablet/Medicine should be
properly given by the staff nurse to the Inmates on time as prescribed
by the Medical Officer.
(2) Their duties shall be to help the in the maintenance of the
health of the staff and prisoners by compounding and distributing
medicines, vaccinating and weighing prisoners, performing clerical work,
maintaining order and discipline in the hospital and by carrying out such
other duties as may be allocated to them by the Medical Officer.
369. The weighing of Prisoners.— (1) The Assistant Surgeon shall
be present during the fortnightly weighing of prisoners. He shall record
each prisoner’s weight in his weight chart and shall parade, as soon
afterwards as possible, for inspection by the Chief Medical Officer all
prisoners who are losing weight to any noticeable extent.
256
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(2) In cases when the subordinate medical establishment is small
for the number of prisoners, or in cases where the medical work is heavy,
an officer of the executive staff of the prison may be deputed by the
Superintendent of the prison to assist the Assistant Surgeon in carrying
out the work of recording the weight of prisoners.
370. Examination of Prisoners complaining of illness.— (1) Every
prisoner complaining of illness or appearing to be ill, shall be sent to
the prison hospital for immediate examination and further treatment by
the Medical Officer.
(2) On the advice of the Medical Officer, and with due approval
of the Inspector-General of Prisons, the Superintendent may transfer any
sick prisoner to the local government hospital. If the Medical Officer is
of opinion that prior approval of the Inspector-General of Prisons will
take such time as will endanger the life of a sick prisoner, the transfer
may be made in anticipation of sanction of the Inspector-General of
Prisons. No prisoner should be allowed to stay in an outside hospital
except on ground of dire medical needs. In deserving cases, the opinion
of Medical Board constituted by the Director of Health and Family
Welfare Services shall be obtained while sending prisoners outside the
prison on medical grounds.
371. Control of hospital diet.— The control of diet of a prisoner
in hospital shall be the responsibility of the Chief Medical Officer control
and he may order such extras, as he considers necessary, while doing
to be shall also keep in mind the costs involved, which should not be
excessive.
372. Preparation of Hospital Diets.— Hospital diets requiring
special preparation shall be cooked in the kitchen, and the Medical
Officer shall examine the diet frequently and satisfy him by weighing
that the full quantities of the prescribed articles are present, and are
well cooked.
373. Precaution regarding Milk.— Special care shall be taken with
articles such as milk that can easily be adulterated or stolen. Fresh milk
shall be used, wherever it can be obtained, in preference to tinned milk.
Milk shall be frequently tested to ensure that it is pure. If, the specific
gravity of the milk supplied is below 1,025 Kg/Litre the milk should not
be accepted.
257
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
374. Special Diet for Prisoners not in Hospital.— The Medical
Officer may recommend special diet for any prisoner in the invalid group
after recording reasons for recommending that in his register. But such
recommendations shall not be made as a matter of routine. Issue of
special diet shall always be in lieu of the regular diet to which a prisoner
is otherwise eligible. If it is continued for more than a fortnight, it shall
be reported to the Inspector General. The Medical Officer owns the
responsibility to economies the expenditure on this account and shall
exercise utmost care in recommending special diet to the prisoners.
375. Indent for Hospital Diets.— An indentshowing the number
of hospital diets and extras required, shall be sent not later than by
9.00 a.m. every day to the officer in charge of ration and care shall be
taken that diets and extras reach the prisoners promptly. Emergent
indents, in cases of urgency, may be sent at any hour of the day. This
shall be generally avoided except in cases of extreme urgency.
376. Detention of a Prisoner for Observation.— A prisoner may
be detained for observation in the hospital for 24 hours without his name
being noted down in any register if, his disease has not been diagnosed.
After the expiry of that period, whether or not his disease is diagnosed,
his name shall be entered in the proper register. The number of prisoners
detained under observation shall be recorded in the Hospital Roll and
the treatment prescribed for them in the prescription book. If, the
Medical Officer finds a prisoner to be malingering, he shall at once report
the fact to the Superintendent for punishment.
377. Medical Treatment of Sick Prisoners.— Every prisoner
suffering from any active disease shall be brought under medical
treatment, either as an out-patient or an in-door patient, and his name
shall be recorded in the register of out-patients or in the register of in-
patients in.
378. Maintenance of Case-Book.— (1) The number of sick in
hospital shall be daily recorded in the Hospital Roll of Sick. Their
treatment and diet shall be recorded in the Case Sheet.
(2) In addition to these records, there shall be maintained in
every hospital, a case-book in which the history of every case admitted
into hospital shall be recorded.
(3) The case-book is intended to be a contemporaneous record
or diary of each prisoner’s symptoms, treatment and diet. All entries in
it shall, therefore, be immediate and direct. The practice of keeping
notes, to be afterwards copied into the case-book, is prohibited.
258
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(4) The entries in the case-book will usually be made by the
Medical Subordinate, as symptoms appear or treatment is applied. The
Medical Officer will add notes of his own observations and orders as
and when he examines the patient. The Medical Officer shall see the
case-book every day and initial the entries regarding each case in token
of him having seen them.
(5) As a general rule the entries in the case-book shall be made
every day, but in chronic cases, where there is little or no change from
one day to another, the Medical Officer may, by entry in his own hand
in the case-book, record that daily entries are not necessary.
379. Bathing of Patients.— Prisoners who are not too ill shall be
required to bathe daily, at such time as the Medical Officer may direct.
380. Proper Place of Washing.— A proper place for washing and
boiling dirty clothing and sheets shall be provided. Blankets and work
clothing’s too shall be frequently washed in boiling water.
381. Cleanliness of the Hospital.— Every hospital shall be kept
clean and well ventilated. The walls of the hospital shall be scraped and
white washed once in six months or more often necessary.
382. Disinfection of Wards.— A ward or a cell in which a case of
infectious disease has occurred or been treated shall be immediately
cleared thoroughly using disinfectants as prescribed.
Explanation:- The disinfection or disinfestations shall be carried
out under the personal direction of Medical Officer.
383. Supply of Medicines when under treatment at Hospitals
outside the Prison.— Where a prisoner is undergoing special treatment
in a hospital outside the prison and any medicine prescribed by the
Medical Officer of such outside hospital, which is absolutely necessary,
and is not available at the said hospital, the same shall be purchased
by the hospital authorities locally and the cost reimbursed by the
Superintendent, immediately.
384. Allotment of Labour on Medical Opinion.— When the
Medical Officer is of the opinion that the health of any prisoner suffers
from employment of any kind or class of labour, he shall record such
opinion in the prisoner’s sheet and the prisoner shall not be employed
on that labour. But he shall be placed on another kind or class of labour
as he may consider suitable for him.
259
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
385. Medical Officer to supervise treatment of Out-patients.—
(1) The Medical Officer shall daily inspect the out-patients Register, and
shall order the admission of a patient to prison hospital, if, in his opinion
the patient’s medical condition necessitates such hospitalization.
(2) Prisoners suffering from only minor ailments shall be treated
as out-patients. The Medical Officer shall be responsible that all other
patients are admitted to the prison hospital. Under no circumstances
prisoners suffering from dysentery shall be treated as out-patients.
386. Medical Officer to treat sick in Hospital.— The treatment of
sick in hospital is the personal duty of the Medical Officer and shall
not in any circumstances be delegated by him to any subordinate.
387. Medical officer’s daily visit.— The Medical Officer shall daily
visit all prisoners in hospital and under observation and shall decide
whether any prisoner shall be admitted into or discharged from hospital.
388. Segregation of Infectious Cases.— Every case or suspected
case, of infectious diseases shall immediately be segregated and the
strictest isolation shall be maintained until the Medical Officer considers
it safe to discontinue the precautions. The Medical Officer shall give
written instructions as to the clearing, disinfecting or destroying of any
infected clothing or bedding, and shall satisfy him that the same are
carried out.
389. Segregation of Prisoners in the Prison Hospital.— (1) Cases
of dysentery and diarrhea shall be treated in a separate ward, if possible.
Loose stool of such patients shall be disinfected and destroyed by fire.
All wards, beds, bedding, clothes and latrine vessels used by them shall
be thoroughly disinfected.
(2) Prisoners suffering from venereal diseases shall be
segregated.
(3) All cases of pulmonary tuberculosis shall be segregated in
special wards. All necessary precautions shall be taken to guard against
the spread of infection to other prisoners.
(4) All prisoners suffering from malarial fever shall be
segregated and provided with mosquito nets.
(5) All cases with abnormally enlarged spleen shall have
boundaries marked on the skin and shall be provided with some
distinctive clothing. Care shall be taken that the spleen is not hurt.
260
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(6) Minor infectious diseases such as scabies, mumps, measles,
etc., must on no account be neglected. Segregation for the full period
must be enforced. Cases of scabies need not, as a rule be admitted into
hospital, but segregated from other prisoners.
(7) Prisoners showing signs of mental illness shall not, if they
are dangerous, noisy or filthy, be kept in the hospital but shall be kept
in a separate cell.
(8) In some cases, it may be considered for prisoners in hospital
to be given some employment. Light work shall, therefore, be provided
for them.
(9) Wherever necessary, cases of inmates shall be referred to
specialized medical institution with the prior sanction of the competent
authority.
390. Treatment of Malingerers.— If, the Medical Officer is of
opinion that a prisoner is malingering, he shall at once report the fact
to the Superintendent. No treatment shall be given to prisoners feigning
illness.
391. Treatment of Prisoners discharged from Hospital.— Every
prisoner on discharge from hospital shall either be put to labour or
placed in the ‘Invalid Group’, as the Medical Officer may direct.
392. Composition of the Invalid Group.— The invalid group shall
consist of:-
(i) Those who are permanently incapacitated from performing
hard or medium labour because of age or bodily infirmity. They will be
the permanent members of the group;
(ii) Those who have been discharged from hospital as
convalescents, but are temporarily unfit to perform hard or medium
labour;
(iii) Men who are generally out of health even if, not falling
under the above two categories. This category shall include prisoners
passed as fit for light labour only, prisoners exhibiting scorbutic or
malaric scorbutic gums, prisoners found to be steadily failing in weight,
and prisoners who are anemic.
261
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
393. Treatment of the Invalid Group:- Prisoners in the invalid group
shall be given some light work suited to their strength and shall, as far
as possible, be kept together for the purpose of diet and observation,
both by day and night. A register of such prisoners shall be kept and
no prisoner shall be placed in or discharged from this group without
the permission of the Medical Officer. They shall be examined atleast
once a week by the Medical Officer.
HOSPITAL CLOTHING AND BEDDING
394. Supply of Hospital Clothing and Bedding.— (1) Every
prisoner shall be supplied with hospital clothing and bedding on
admission to hospital. His convict clothing and bedding will be taken
from him. These shall be returned to him on his discharge from hospital.
Care shall be taken that clothing and bedding is changed regularly to
maintain cleanliness and that in cases of infections disease all clothings
and beddings are thoroughly disinfected.
(2) If, any epileptic is placed in a cell, he shall be provided with
a mat of a thicker pattern and shall sleep on the floor. He shall not be
made to sleep on a raised masonry berth.
(3) Every patient-prisoners admitted in Hospital for treatment
shall be provided with:-
Clothing – Pyjoma
:
2
Shirt
:
2
Towel
:
2
Bedding – Cot
:
1
Mat or bedsheet
:
1
Matress
:
1
Pillow
:
1
Blanket
:
1
395. Indent for Clothing and Bedding.— The quantities of clothing
and bedding required for hospital use shall be reported in fixed time by
the Medical Officer to the Superintendent who shall include them in the
general indent of prison clothing.
262
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
396. Indent for other Articles.— For articles other than diet,
clothing and bedding, the Medical Officer shall indent by letter or by
entry in his journal.
397. Local Purchase of Medicines.— (1) Local purchase of
medicines will be affected by the Medical Officer as per the norms laid
down by the State Health Services.
(2) The disposal of other medical articles like clinical waste,
medicines whose validity has expired, etc., will be dealt in accordance
with norms laid down by the State Medical Services.
398. Placing Indents for Supply of Medicines.— The Medical
Officer shall procure medicines required for the prison hospitals in
accordance with the procedure laid down by the State Medical Services.
399. Stock Verification of Medicines and Medical Appliances.—
(1) The Medical Officer shall for himself conduct an annual stock
verification of medicines, medical appliances, in July every year and
report the difference to the Inspector-General through the Superintendent
of Jail. He shall also make surprise checks at least once a month and
record the differences in the report book, and intimate the fact to the
Superintendent of Jail for necessary action.
(2) There shall also be an annual stock verification of these
stores by the Inspector-General of Prisons (HQs).
400. Appointment of Attendants and Training of Nursing
Orderlies.— For the purpose of attending to sick prisoner a few educated
convicts of good conduct and undergoing long sentences shall be
selected by the Superintendent in consultation with the Medical Officer
and trained as nursing orderlies. A brief syllabus for their training shall
be prepared as a guide to the Medical Officer who shall be responsible
for conducting such training. The number of convicts employed as
nursing orderlies shall ordinarily be in the ratio of one for every ten
patients. In times of epidemics and other emergencies, this proportion
may be increased and special orderlies may be allowed for very serious
cases or for bed-ridden patients. Convict nursing orderlies who perform
their duties satisfactorily, shall be awarded extra remission and wages
at the rates prescribed.
263
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
401. Appointment of prisoners to perform unskilled tasks at the
Hospital.— The Superintendent shall detail sufficient number of convict
to perform the menial duties at the hospital. Such convicts shall work
under the orders of the Medical Officer. Only prisoners serving long
sentences, and who are of good conduct, shall be sent for such duties.
402. Case Sheet.— A case sheet and temperature chart shall be
prepared as per the norms laid down in the State Medical Services.
403. Vaccinations of Prisoners on Admission.— Every prisoner
admitted to prison shall be vaccinated on admission or as soon as
possible afterwards as per the norms laid down in the State Medical
Service.
404. Vaccination Register.— A vaccination register shall be
maintained and the particulars of those vaccinated shall be entered in
it. When a failure is not attributed to immunity arising from previous
vaccination or from previous occurrence of small-pox, the operation shall
be repeated. All attempts to render the operation unsuccessful shall be
brought to the notice of the Superintendent.
405. Medical Examination of the Members of the Staff.— Full
medical check up or examination of the members of the staff may be done
at least once a year in consultation with the Superintendent of the
Prison. Reports of such medical examination shall be kept in the office
of the Superintendent.
406. Fortnightly Weighing.— (1) The Medical Officer shall be
present during the fortnightly weighing of prisoners. He shall record
each prisoner’s weight in his weight chart.
(2) Care shall be taken that the fortnightly weighings, under
Section 35(2) of the Prisons Act, 1894 are done at approximately the same
time of day to avoid as far as possible, the variations that naturally take
place throughout the day.
(3) Since no labour is done on Sundays, Sundays will be most
suitable for taking weights. When the number of labouring prisoners is
large, they can be divided into two groups, with each group being
weighed on alternate Sundays. Assistance of the pharmacist and a
member of the executive staff detailed by the Superintendent may be
taken for the purpose.
264
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
Explanation: The body weight varies to a certain extent from
time to time under normal conditions. Therefore, small differences of
weight up to 1 kg. would not necessarily indicate that the weights were
taken carelessly.
407. Record of weights.— (1) The initial weight on admission to
prison and the final weight before release shall be recorded in the
Convict Register and these, as well as all the intermediate fortnightly
weights, shall be recorded in the prisoner’s History Ticket and weight
chart.
(2) Before recording the prisoner’s weights, it shall be
ascertained that the weighing machines are accurate.
408. Treatment of prisoners losing weight.— (1) All prisoners who
have lost more than 1.5 kg. since the last fortnightly weighing or more
than 3.0 kg. since admission to prison, shall be paraded with their weight
charts for the inspection of the Superintendent and the Medical Officer
on the day following the day the weighing is done.
(2) Special care shall be taken in case of prisoners with a poor
physique on admission, for whom even small loss of weight may be of
serious concern.
409. Check by Medical Officer.— The Medical Officer shall, as
soon as possible after the fortnightly weighing, check the weights of a
dozen or more prisoners picked randomly to satisfy himself of their
accuracy and shall record in his journal any remarks he may consider
necessary.
410. Inspection of Prison Medical Administration.— The Director
of Health and Family Welfare Services or his Deputy shall visit the Prison
at least once in a quarter usually at the time when the weekly inspection
parades of prisoners are conducted by the Superintendent, see every
prisoner, hear and enquire into any complaint of sickness.
DEATH OF PRISONERS
411. Procedure on Death of a Prisoner.— (1) In the event of death
of any prisoner, the Medical Officer shall see and, if necessary, examine
the body of the deceased prisoner so that he may be in a position to
certify the fact and cause of death. When the Medical Officer is in any
265
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
doubt as to the cause of death or if, the death appears to have been the
result of an offence punishable under the Indian Penal Code, 1860, he
shall make a complete and regular post-mortem examination of the body
of the deceased. In the event of several deaths resulting from any
prevailing epidemic, post-mortem examinations shall be made in one or
more cases to be selected by the Medical Officer. The Superintendent
of Jail immediately sends a message to the nearest Police station, District
Magistrate, the concerned Judicial Officers and to the relatives of
prisoners.
(2) Whenever the mortality in the prison during a month
exceeds 1% per annum, he shall record an explanation of the cause of
such excess of mortality in the monthly return. In cases of unusual
mortality, he shall make a special report on the subject for the Government
through the Inspector-General.
(3) The provisions of sub-rule (1) shall, with necessary changes,
apply to the case of a death of an officer of the prison while employed
on duty.
(4) The record required by Section 15 of the Prisons Act, 1894
shall be made by the Medical Officer in the case-book.
412. Death of Prisoners Transferred on Ground of Health-Filing
of Returns.— If, any prisoner transferred to another prison hospital for
the benefit of his health, dies of the disease with which he was
transferred within three months of his transfer or if, he dies of T.B. at
any time, his death shall be borne on the return by the transferring
prison. But, if, he dies from a different disease or after the lapse of three
months, then it shall be borne by the receiving prison.
413. Registration of Birth or Death in Prison.— The Deputy
Superintendent of Jail shall send intimation of birth or death in a prison
in writing to the Registrar of the locality appointed for the purpose under
the Registration of Births and deaths Act, 1969.
414. Death in Custody.— (1) Deaths of all prisoners whose
fingerprints have been taken and if, known in prisons, shall be intimated
immediately to the Finger Print Bureau.
(2) When a military prisoner dies in prison, immediate report
thereof shall be given to the Commanding Officer who sent him to the
prison.
266
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(3) When a foreign prisoner dies in prison immediate report shall
be sent to the District Magistrate of the district and the Inspector-General
for further communication to the Government. The Government shall
inform the embassy or the appropriate authority about the death.
(4) Where a woman prisoner dies in prison and leaves a child
behind, notice shall at once be sent to the District Magistrate of the
district who shall make arrangements for further care of the child as may
be deemed fit.
(5) Where a convicted prisoner dies in prison his warrant shall
be returned to the Court from which it was issued with an endorsement
certifying the cause and date of death. Where a remand or an under-trial
prisoner dies in prison, the Court or Courts in which the case or cases
are pending, against the deceased shall immediately be informed of the
fact of death in writing.
415. Recording of Death.— Entries relating to the death of a
prisoner shall be made in the concerned registers, in the History Ticket
in detail and in the hospital records. All records relating to the death of
a prisoner shall be preserved for at least two years.
416. Disposal of the Dead Bodies of Prisoners.— (1) The body of
any prisoner, including that of a child residing with a female prisoner,
who dies in a prison or in a Civil Hospital or asylum, shall be disposed:-
(i) Only after a post-mortem in the hospital, the body may
be handed over to the relatives if, available. For this
purpose it may be kept in the hospital mortuary for 24
hours.
(ii) If, there is no chance of relatives or friends reaching
within 24 hours, the prison authorities shall dispose of
the body in accordance with the hospital rules.
(iii) The delivery of a body to relatives or friends shall be
subject to the conditions that there shall be no public
demonstration of any nature in regard to its removal.
(iv) The Superintendent of the prison in every case shall
conduct an identification test to ensure that the dead
body is the body of the particular prisoner and satisfy
that the marks of identification mentioned in the convict
register tally with those on the dead body and furnish a
certificate to that effect in the register.
267
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(2) The relatives of prisoners, if poor, may be paid a maximum
amount of ` 2,000 for transporting the dead body of the prisoner to their
native place or for performing last rites.
417. Intimation to inquiring Magistrates and Police Officers.—
(1) Intimation of all deaths, including that of children residing with female
prisoners, occurring from whatever cause in the prison shall be sent
within 24 hours to:-
(a) the nearest Magistrate empowered under sub-section (4)
of section 174 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973
to hold inquests;
(b) the officer in charge of the police station having
jurisdiction, who is required to make a preliminary
investigation.
(c) National and State Human Rights Commission.
(2) The body of the deceased prisoner or the deceased child of
the female prisoner shall be kept for inspection and orders of the officer
holding the inquests. No prison officers shall be a member of a
panchayat formed to express an opinion as to the cause of death of any
prisoner or deceased child of the female prisoner.
418. Report on Death of Prisoners.— A full report on the
circumstances of the death of a prisoner shall be sent by the
Superintendent without any delay to the Inspector-General of Prisons
for submission to the Government. Reports made by the police and
Magistrate, the nominal roll, copies of judgements, the reports required
by Section 15 of the Prisons Act, 1894 and the deposition of witnesses
with this report, shall be submitted. The post-mortem examination shall
be videographed as per the guidelines of the NHRC.
419. Post-mortem Examination.— (1) A post-mortem examination
shall be carried out by the Medical Officer for all cases of death of
prisoners or their children who reside with them, occurring inside the
prison premises, in prison hospitals, in transit from one prison to another
or from the prison to an outside hospital or in an outside hospital.
(2) A full report on the circumstances of the death shall be sent
by the Superintendent without any delay, to the Inspector-General of
Prisons for submission to the Government. Reports made by the Police
and Magistrate, the nominal roll, copies of judgments, the reports
required by Section 15 of the Prisons Act, 1894 and the deposition of
witnesses with this report, shall be submitted.
268
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
CHAPTER–15
CONTACT WITH THE OUTSIDE WORLD
INTERVIEW AND LETTERS
420. Reasonable facilities to be allowed for interviews.— (1) Every
prisoner shall be allowed reasonable facilities for seeing or
communicating with, his/her family members, relatives, friends and legal
advisers for the preparation of an appeal or for procuring bail or for
arranging the management of his/her property and family affairs. He/
she shall be allowed to have interviews with his/her family members,
relatives, friends and legal advisers once in a fortnight. The number of
letters a prisoner can write in a month shall be fixed by the Government
under the rules.
(2) The same facilities shall be allowed to every prisoner
committed to the prison in default of payment of a fine or furnishing
security under Chapter VIII of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, to
enable him to arrange for payment of the fine or furnishing security.
(3) On admission, every prisoner should submit a list of persons
who are likely to interview him/her and the interview shall be restricted
to such family members, relatives and friends. The conversation at the
interviews shall be limited to private and domestic matters and there shall
be no reference to prison administration and discipline and to other
prisoners or politics.
(4) The number of persons who may interview a prisoner at one
time shall ordinarily be limited to three and in exceptional cases, this
may be relaxed and maximum of five persons may be allowed to interview
a prisoner, at the discretion of the Superintendent.
421. Privileges contingent to good conduct.— (1) The contents
of all letters shall be limited to private matters. Postage stamps may be
allowed to be purchased for letters addressed by prisoners to their
relatives in foreign countries at their cost. If, the prisoners have no cash
in credit, it shall be supplied at Government cost in deserving cases,
and at reasonable intervals, at the discretion of the Superintendent of
Jail. The prisoners shall not be allowed to misuse such privileges. In
addition to the number of letters allowed in a month, the prisoners shall
be allowed, if they so desire, a special letter in order to inform their
friends or relatives of their transfer from one prison to another. This
269
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
shall be in addition to the letters allowed to them. Ex-prisoners and
habitual prisoners, who apply to see their friends lodged in a prison,
may not be permitted such interview by the Superintendent unless and
until there exist a genuine reason for such interview.
Explanation (1): Every prisoner shall be given the option of
informing his/her family of his/her committal to the prison immediately
on his/her admission, he/she shall be provided with a post card or inland
letter for this purpose.
Explanation (2): A letter merely arranging an interview shall not
be counted as a letter for the purpose of this rule.
Explanation (3): A prisoner may substitute a letter with a reply
for an interview or vice versa with the permission of the Superintendent.
Explanation (4): Prisoners shall not be allowed to correspond
with prisoners in other prisons. If, however, a prisoner has got his/her
relatives in another prison, he/she may be permitted to write to them,
subject to the restrictions contained in these rules.
422. Superintendent’s discretion to grant privileges at shorter
intervals.— If, he considers that special or urgent grounds exist for such
concession, the Superintendent may at his discretion, grant interviews
or allow the dispatch or receipt of letters at shorter intervals than
provided in spite of a prisoner’s misconduct. This could be in the event
of the prisoner being seriously ill or the death of a near relative or when
his/her friends or relatives have come from a distance to see the prisoner
and it would inflict undue hardship on them if they are refused an
interview or if the prisoner is nearing release and wishes to secure
employment or for any other sufficient cause. Matters of importance,
such as the death of a relative may also be communicated at any time to
the Superintendent who will, if he thinks it expedient, inform the prisoner
about it.
423. Prisoners allowed to sign a Power of Attorney.— Every
convicted prisoner may at the discretion of the Superintendent be
permitted to sign and attest a power of attorney or other statements/
conveyances concerning his/her properties.
424. Interview with Prisoners in the same Prison or in Hospitals
Outside the Prison.— (1) Subject to the provisions of the above rules,
the Superintendent shall also permit interviews between men and women
270
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
prisoners who are related to each other by marriage or blood, when they
happen to be confined in the same prison or when one is in the Central
Prison and the other in the Special Prison for Women. If a prisoner is to
be sent out of the prison for the purpose of such interviews, he/she
shall be sent under adequate escort.
(2) The Superintendent shall permit a prisoner, other than a
condemned prisoner, to see a prisoner in a hospital outside the prison
subject to the following conditions:-
(i) The prisoner in the hospital is a relative and is seriously
ill;
(ii) The hospital is situated in the same city or town;
(iii) The prisoner is sent under adequate escort as the
Superintendent decides;
(iv) The prisoner shall return to the prison immediately after
seeing the prisoner in the hospital.
Provided that nothing contained in this rule shall apply to
persons detained under preventive detention laws or prisoners who
habitually commit offences punishable under sections 224, 376, 396 to
400, 402, 467, 471, 472, 474, 489, 489-A, 489-B and 489-D of the Indian
Penal Code, 1860 and who are convicted under the above-mentioned
sections of the Indian Penal Code.
425. Interviews-pre-requisites.— (1) Unless the persons desiring
interviews are illiterate, applications for interviews shall be in writing.
If, the prisoner is not entitled to have an interview, the applicant shall
be informed at once. Cellphone use is prohibited in Prison.
(2) Where an interview is permissible, but if the authority
concerned refuses the same, the reasons for such refusal shall be
recorded in the Interview Register.
(3) Prior consent of the prisoner shall be obtained before
granting an interview with him.
(4) No prisoner shall be allowed to have an interview without
the permission of the Superintendent of Jail. Such permission shall be
recorded in writing.
(5) The Superintendent shall scrutinize every day the entries
regarding interviews recorded in the Interview Register before he signs it.
271
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
426. Record of interview.— A register for recording the requests
for interviews shall be maintained in the prison. All applications for
interviews shall be entered in order of their receipt in the register along
with the details of addresses of the interviewers. All entries pertaining
to prisoner’s interviews shall also be recorded.
427. Waiting Rooms.— Suitable waiting rooms may be provided
in every prison to enable visitors to await their turn for interview. They
may be given a token to await their turn.
428. Interviews on Prison Holidays.— Interviews shall not
ordinarily be granted on Sundays and other government holidays. The
Superintendent may, however, under very exceptional circumstances,
grant interviews on these days as well. The reasons for granting such
interviews on Sundays or Holidays shall be recorded by the
Superintendent in the report book.
429. Time for Interviews.— The Superintendent shall fix the days
and hours at which all interviews shall be allowed. No interviews shall
be allowed at any other time, except with the special permission of the
Superintendent. A notice indicating the interview hours shall be posted
outside the prison.
430. Place of Interview.— (1) Every interview shall take place in a
special part of the prison appointed for this purpose. If, possible such
a place should be at or near the main gate to ensure the safety and
security of prisoners. The interview room will have fibre glass partition
with intercom facilities, so that the prisoners can have a peaceful
interview. The interview room shall be divided into cubicles and should
have sound-proofing materials covering its walls and ceiling.
(2) Interviews with female prisoners shall, if practicable, take
place in the female enclosure/ward.
(3) If, a prisoner is seriously ill, the Superintendent shall permit
the interview to take place in the prison hospital. A condemned prisoner
shall ordinarily be interviewed in his cell.
(4) The Superintendent may, however, for special reasons to be
recorded in writing, permit an interview to take place in any other part
of the prison.
(5) The interview should be conducted twice a week according
to alphabetical order of names.
272
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
431. Prevention of passage of prohibited articles during
interview.— Screens or wire mesh partitions shall be put up, if
necessary, between the prisoners and the persons interviewing them,
to prevent the passage or exchange of any prohibited articles between
them.
432. Interview to take place in the presence of a prison officer.—
Every interview with a convicted prisoner shall take place in the presence
of an experienced prison Officer, who shall be positioned at a place from
where he can see and hear what passes between the prisoner and his
interviewer and he shall prevent any article being passed between the
two parties. A lady Deputy or Assistant Superintendent or a female
warder shall be present when female prisoners are interviewed.
Note: Every interview with a terrorist or militant, whether
serving a sentence or kept as an under-trial, prisoner or
a prisoner detained under Preventive Detection Laws,
shall take place in the presence of an Intelligence Officer
or an Investigating Officer conversant with the case
against the prisoner. An experienced prison officer shall
also be present during such interview. Relatives and
friends of such prisoners, who desire to interview them,
shall produce a certificate from the head of the concerned
Village Panchayat or a member of the State Legislative
Assembly, as proof of their residence and relationship
with the prisoners or duly authenticated identity
documents like a family ration card, voter’s identification
card, driving licence and/or passport.
433. Communication with or visit to foreign nationals.— (1) If,
any foreign national is committed to prison or to custody pending trial
or is detained in any other manner, the Superintendent of Jail shall,
immediately inform the Inspector-General of Prisons who shall, in turn,
inform the Government of the fact. Any communication addressed to a
Consulate, by a prisoner or detenue, shall be forwarded to the Ministry
of External Affairs through proper channel without undue delay. Such
communication shall be subject to scrutiny/censorship as per rules. The
particulars of incoming and outgoing letters of a foreign national, if,
found objectionable shall be censored and also furnished to the
Government.
273
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(2) Whenever Consulate Officials of a foreign country seek
permission to visit or interview a prisoner for arranging legal
representation for them or for any other purpose, the Superintendent of
Jail shall inform the Government of such request from the Consulate.
Only on receipt of orders from the Government, the Superintendent of
Jail shall permit Consulate officials to visit the prisoner.
Note: The right to interview a foreign national in prison does
not mean a private interview and does not include the
right to inspect the living quarters of the prisoner/
detenue. This is also subject to general regulations
regarding interviews in prisons.
434. Termination of Interview.— An interview may be terminated
at any moment if the prison officer present considers that there is
sufficient cause for terminating it. In every such case, the reasons for
terminating the interview shall be reported at once to the senior most
prison officer present in the prison.
435. Duration of Interview.— Ordinarily, the time allowed for an
interview shall not exceed half an hour. However, this may be extended
by the Superintendent of Jail at his discretion.
436. Search before and after Interview.— Every prisoner shall be
carefully searched before and after an interview.
437. Powers to refuse an Interview.— The Superintendent of Jail
may refuse to allow any interview, to which a prisoner would ordinarily
be entitled under these rules, if in his opinion it is not in public interest
to allow a particular person to interview the prisoner or if, there are other
sufficient reasons to refuse an interview. In every such case, the Prison
Superintendent shall record his reasons for such refusal in his journal.
438. Under mentioned facilities may be granted to under trial and
civil prisoners.— Under-trial and civil prisoners shall be granted all
reasonable facilities to interview or write letters to their family members,
relatives, friends, and legal advisers.
(1) Every interview between an under-trial prisoner and his legal
adviser shall take place within sight, but, out of hearing, of a prison
official. A similar concession shall be allowed by the Superintendent in
the case of an interview with any near relative of an undertrial.
274
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(2) When any person desires an interview with an under-trial
prisoner in the capacity of the prisoner’s legal adviser, he shall apply in
writing, giving his name and address and specifying the purpose of the
interview. He must satisfy the Superintendent of Jail that he is the
bona-fide legal adviser of the prisoner with whom he seeks interview
and that he has legitimate business with him.
(3) Any bona-fide written communication prepared by an
under-trial prisoner as instructions to his legal adviser (i.e., a legal
practitioner within the meaning of the Advocates Act, 1961, may be
caused to be delivered personally to such legal advisor or to his
authorized nominee, by the Superintendent of Jail. If such communication
is confidential it shall be delivered without being previously examined.
(4) Civil prisoners may see their family members, friends,
relations and legal advisers at such time, and under such restrictions,
as the Superintendent may decide and the presence of a prison officer
shall not be necessary. No such visitor shall, however, be allowed to
take eatables without the permission of the Superintendent inside the
prison
439. Superintendent’s Permission for Interviews Required.—
No prisoner shall be allowed to have an interview without the permission
of the Superintendent of Jail. Such permission shall be recorded in
writing.
Applications for interviews with prisoners may be either oral or
in writing. If, the prisoner is not entitled to have an interview, the
applicant shall be informed at once.
440. Supply of writing materials and other facilities.— (1) Writing
material, including service post cards, shall be supplied in reasonable
quantities to any convict, who has permission to write letters. All letters
by prisoners shall be written at such time and place as the
superintendent may appoint. A fixed day of the week, preferably Sunday,
shall be set apart for letter writing. Service postage stamps shall also
be provided to prisoners.
(2) Prisoners shall be allowed to purchase writing material at
their own expense. All note books provided to them should have their
pages numbered to keep a check on their misuse and to prevent secret
correspondence.
275
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
441. Prisoners may keep letters.— A prisoner may retain any letter
which has been delivered to him under due authority under supervision
of the Prison Officials.
442. Withholding of letters and their disposal.— (1) Criteria for
withholding of letters of prisoners is as under:-
(i) Prisoners may be allowed to write letters only to their
family members, relatives and close friends. In case it is
found that the prisoner is corresponding with undesirable
persons or receiving letters from them or if, any
correspondence is found detrimental to the prisoner's
rehabilitation, such letters, and both incoming and
outgoing, shall be withheld. Prisoners should be informed
of such action without divulging the contents of the
letters received. If necessary, they may also be warned
in this regard.
(ii) There may be no limit on the number of incoming letters
to a prisoner.
(iii) Prisoners shall not be allowed to correspond with inmates
of other prisons. However, if a prisoner has his/her
relative lodged in another prison he may be permitted to
send letters to them informing them to his/her welfare.
(iv) The Superintendent of Jail shall have the right to disallow
letters to prisoners for reasons of security and discipline
or during periods of emergencies, if he considers it
necessary.
(v) For the purpose of these rules applications sent by
prisoners should not be treated as letters.
(2) No letter shall be delivered to or sent by a prisoner, until
the Superintendent has satisfied himself that its transmission is not
objectionable. No letter written in a secret language shall be allowed.
The Superintendent may withhold any letter which seems to him to be,
in any way, improper or objectionable. He may also cause such passages
in the letters to be erased. If, a letter is written in a local language and
cannot be satisfactorily translated in the prison concerned, it shall be
sent to some other officer for translation, in accordance with the
procedure laid down for this purpose by the Inspector-General of
276
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
Prisons. Subject to the approval of the Government, arrangements may
also be made to send such letters for translation to other Government
Departments. If, a letter is written in a language not ordinarily used in
the State, it shall be sent for translation to the Criminal Investigation
Department of the State. A slip marked Urgent shall be attached to any
letter sent outside the prison for translation so that unnecessary delay
does not take place in their translation and examination.
(3) If, a letter addressed to a prisoner is improper or
objectionable it may be withheld under intimation to the prisoner and
kept in the custody of the Superintendent of Jail or it may be returned
to the sender under intimation to that prisoner. The Superintendent of
Jail may, if he deems it necessary, communicate the contents of such a
letter to the prisoner.
443. Exclusion from Privileges.— If, any prisoner abuses any
privilege relating to the holding of an interview or writing of letters or
of communication with persons outside the prison, he shall be liable to
be excluded from such privileges and may be subjected to other
restrictions as the Prison Superintendent may consider necessary.
Facilities to be granted to Under Trial and Civil Prisoners for Interviews
and for writing and receiving letters.
444. Facilities to be granted to unconvicted criminal prisoners
and civil prisoners in the matter of interviews and letter.—
(1) Unconvicted criminal prisoners and civil prisoners shall be granted
all reasonable facilities at proper times and under proper restrictions for
interviewing or otherwise, communicating either orally or in writing, with
their family members, relatives, friends and legal advisers.
(2) Every interview between an unconvicted prisoner and his
legal adviser shall take place within sight, but out of hearing, of a prison
official. A similar concession shall be allowed by the Superintendent in
the case of an interview with any near relative of an unconvicted
prisoner.
(3) When any person desires an interview with an unconvicted
criminal prisoner in the capacity of the prisoner's legal adviser, he shall
apply in writing, giving his name and address and specifying the purpose
of the interview. He must satisfy the Superintendent of Jail that he is
the bona-fide legal adviser of the prisoner with whom he seeks interview
and that he has legitimate business with him.
277
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(4) Any bona-fide written communication prepared by an
unconvicted criminal prisoner as instructions to his legal adviser may
be caused to be delivered personally to such legal advisor or to his
authorized nominee, by the Superintendent of Jail. For this purpose, the
term legal adviser means a legal practitioner within the meaning of the
Legal Practitioners Act, 1879 (Central Act XVIII of 1879). If, such
communication is confidential it shall be delivered without being
previously examined.
(5) Civil prisoners may see their family members, friends,
relations and legal advisers at such time, and under such restrictions,
as the Superintendent may decide and the presence of a prison officer
shall not be necessary. No such visitor shall, however, be allowed to
take eatables without the permission of the Superintendent inside the
prison.
445. Communications from a prisoner who is a Member of the
State Legislature or of Parliament.— All communications addressed by
a prisoner, who is a member of the State Legislature or of the Parliament,
to the Speaker or Chairman of the House of which he is a member or to
the Chairman of Committee (including a Committee on Privileges) of such
a House or of a Joint Committee of both houses of the State Legislature
or of Parliament, as the case may be, shall be immediately forwarded by
the Superintendent of Jail to the government to deal with it in
accordance with the rights and privileges of the prisoner as a Member
of the House to which he belongs.
446. Telephone facilities.— At the discretion of the Superintendent
of Jail, a prisoner may be allowed the use of telephones, on payment, to
contact his family and lawyers, wherever such facility is available.
Ordinarily, a prisoner may be allowed to use the telephone facility once
in a fortnight. The prisoner can use this facility under the supervision
of a prison officer to be designated by the Superintendent. While
permitting a prisoner the use of telephone the Superintendent shall
ensure that such permission is not given to prisoners who have a record
of unruly behaviour and bad conduct.
447. Other amenities relating to prisoners and restrictions
thereof.— (1) A copy of the rules relating to prisoners shall be placed
in each cell and one copy of the Do's and Don'ts for prisoners shall be
given to them. An abstract of the rules shall also be displayed inside
the prison gate and on the walls of important prison buildings.
278
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(2) All prisoners, who by their good conduct, are found
deserving, shall be allowed to receive soap, oil and tooth powder, fruits
and sweet from their friends and relatives, subject to the condition that
the quantity to be received shall be limited to their personal requirements
for a fortnight and that a thorough examination of the articles, to be
passed to the prisoners, is done by a senior officer of the prison and if
necessary, medical examination of any food article shall also be
conducted. The Superintendent shall ensure that quantity of articles
permitted to be received by a prisoner shall in no case exceed the limit
specified. No prisoner shall be allowed to share any of the articles
received by him with other prisoners.
APPEALS BY PRISONERS
448. Facilities for appeal shall be explained.— All relevant rules
about appeals, and the facilities available in the prison for preparing
and sending appeals, shall be explained to the prisoners at the time of
their admission by the Welfare Officer.
449. Welfare officer shall record the desire of the prisoner to
prefer an appeal.— Upon conviction, the Legal Aid Cell/Clinic/the
Probation/Welfare/Rehabilitation Officer shall ascertain whether the
prisoner desires to file an appeal or not and record it in the convict
register and on the History Ticket of the prisoner and the prisoner shall
be required to sign the History Ticket or affix his left-thumb impression
thereon. This shall be verified and confirmed by the Deputy
Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent at the time of the
prisoner's physical verification.
450. Application for copy of judgment.— If the copy of the
judgment is not received by the prisoner, the Superintendent shall
immediately address the Court, on his behalf, for sending its transcript.
In the event of any such transcript of the judgment being sent to the
prison authorities for delivery to a prisoner by the appellate, revisional
or other Court, the official concerned shall get it delivered to the prisoner
and obtain a written acknowledgement thereof from the prisoner. If,
before the receipt of the transcript of the judgment, the prisoner had
been transferred to another prison or to the custody of any other officer,
the transcript of the judgment shall on receipt, be forwarded without
delay to the Superintendent of such prison or such officer, as the case
may be. Till such time as the copy/transcript of the judgment is received
by the prisoner, the Superintendent of Jail shall ensure that a reminder
for sending a copy of the judgment is sent to the concerned Court every
279
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
week. If, the copy of the judgment is not received within one month of
forwarding the application to the Court, the Superintendent of Jail shall
detail a prison officer to visit the Court personally and collect a copy of
the judgment and have it delivered to the prisoner.
451. Prisoners to be assisted in preferring appeals.— (1) Where
the prisoner seeks help to file an appeal or revision petition, every
facility for the exercise of this right shall be provided to the prisoner by
the Superintendent of Jail. If a prisoner desires to file an appeal and
declares that he has no friends or relatives or agents who can file an
appeal on his behalf, he/she shall be provided with writing materials and
allowed to write his own petition or appeal.
(2) If a prisoner cannot write, the Legal Aid Cell attached to
the prison shall prepare his/her appeal petition. The Superintendent shall
not be obliged to give assistance in the preparation of appeals of
prisoners who omit to give notice of their intention to appeal before the
period of limitation has expired. A prisoner, whose petition or appeal is
written by someone else on his/her behalf shall be given full opportunity
of expressing himself/herself and his/her case shall, as far as possible,
be recorded in his/her own words. Printed forms of appeal petitions shall
not be used.
452. Emergency leave to Appeal.— (1) The procedure governing
the submission of petitions of Emergency leave to appeal is contained
in rules 1, 2, 3 and 4 of Order XIII and rules 1 and 4 of Order XVIII read
with Rule 2 of Order XXI of the Supreme Court Rules of 2013. These
rules lay down that a petition for Emergency leave to appeal should be
drawn up in the proper form and should be accompanied by the following
documents:
(i) Certified copy of the judgment of the Court appealed
from;
(ii) An affidavit to the effect that notice of the intended
petition for Emergency leave to appeal has been served
upon the respondents;
(iii) An affidavit in support of the petition as required by Rule
4 of Order XVII of the Supreme Court Rules, 2013;
(iv) An application for condonation of delay in filling the
petition, if it is presented after the expiry of the period
of limitation prescribed by Rule 1 of Order XIII read with
Rule 2 of Order XXI;
(v) Certified copies of the judgments of the lower Courts.
280
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(2) The Superintendent shall communicate a list of prisoners of
the following categories to the Duty Counsel, State Legal Services
Authority at the High Court, and Legal Services at Supreme Court, in
addition to contacting with District Legal Services Authority on
continuous basis, for providing of legal aid and assistance to them:-
(i) Under-trial prisoners who are old and infirm, including
women who are pregnant or have babies to be nourished;
(ii) Under-trials who have spent more than three months in
prisons and who have no means to engage a counsel;
(iii) Persons arrested on suspicion under Section 41 of the
Code of Criminal Procedure Code, 1973who have been in
prison beyond a period of 15 days;
(iv) Under-trials who, the Superintendent has reasons to
think, have not completed 18 years of age should not be
admitted inside the Central Prison or District Prison;
(v) Any convicted prisoner who has already filed an appeal
through prison authorities, as provided in the Code of
Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 and who has given in
writing his/her desire to avail free legal aid. The
Superintendent shall also supply information to the Duty
Counsel regarding such appeal along with a copy of
memorandum of appeal, if available;
(vi) Prisoners or the members of their family, requiring legal
assistance in any civil or criminal matters.
(3) Information regarding seeking of legal aid may be passed
on by the Superintendent to the Duty Counsel if the concerned prisoner
has given in writing his/ her desire to avail of free legal aid. If the Duty
Counsel so desires, he/she may interview the prisoner with regard to
these matters.
(4) The provisions which are applicable to petitions for
Emergency leave to appeal to the Supreme Court on behalf of the
condemned prisoners, shall also apply to such petitions on behalf of
other convicts.
453. Superintendent to forward petitions of appeal.— Under
section 383 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973an appellant, who is
in prison, may present his petition/appeal, and the documents
accompanying it, to the Superintendent who shall, thereupon,
281
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
countersign and forward them to the proper Appellate Court at
Government cost. All such appeals shall always be sent by registered
post.
454. Exclusion of time taken in obtaining copy of judgment.—
(1) The date on which a prisoner expresses his intention to appeal shall
be entered at the appropriate space in his/her History Ticket. The time
between that date, and the date on which the copy of judgment is
delivered to the prisoner, shall be treated as the time required for
obtaining a copy of the order or sentence appealed against, within the
meaning of Section 12 of the Limitation Act, 1963.
(2) The period allowed under the Limitation Act, 1963 (Central
Act 36 of 1963) for filing of appeals to different Courts are as follows:-
Sl.
Description of appeal
Period of
Limitation starts
No.
limitation
from
(1)
(2)
(3)
a
Under the Code of Criminal
30 days
The date of the
Procedure Code, 1973 From
sentence
a sentence of death passed
by a Court of Session or by
a High Court in the exercise
of its original criminal
jurisdiction
b
From any other sentence or
60 days
The date of the
any order not being an order
30 days
sentence or order
of acquittal
(i) to the High Court
(ii) to any other Court
(3) In order to enable the appellate courts to calculate the
period of limitation prescribed for criminal appeals under the Limitation
Act, 1963 every appeal petition shall be endorsed with the following
notice, signed by the Superintendent of Jail, namely:- “The period
requisite for obtaining a copy of the order appealed against to be
excluded from the period of limitation under section 12 of the Limitation
Act, 1963 (Central Act 36 of 1963), was .............................................. days.”
282
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
455. Delay in preparing appeal to be noted.— If any delay has
occurred in preparing the appeal or revision petition after the receipt of
the copy of judgment, a note of such delay shall also be made on the
appeal or revision petition.
456. Notice of the date of hearing shall be communicated to the
prisoners.— When notice of the date of hearing of an appeal or petition
is received, it shall be communicated to the convict who shall affix his/
her signature or left-thumb impression is token of receipt of such his/
her signature or left-thumb impression is token of receipt of such notice,
on the notice. The notice shall then be attested by the Superintendent
and returned to the concerned Court.
457. Personal appearance of the prisoner in the appellate
Court.— When notice to show cause why a prisoner’s sentence should
not be enhanced is received from the appellate Court, the prisoner shall
be asked whether he/she wishes to apply for permission to appear in
person before the Court concerned. If he/she says so, the Superintendent
shall forward his/her application to the Court for orders. Arrangements
shall be made for his/her personal appearance in the Court if such
permission is granted.
458. Appeal procedure with regard to persons convicted by Court
Martial.— No appeal lies from a sentence passed by a court martial
under the Army Act, 1950. The prisoner has a right to submit one petition
only, against the judgment or sentence, for disposal by the highest
authority to whom he/she is authorized to apply. His/her legal rights to
submit a petition and the authority to which a petition shall be addressed
are explained to every accused at the time of the pronouncement of
sentence. Such a petition shall be forwarded to the authority to whom
it is addressed. Appeals or petitions addressed to the Government of
India or to any civil authority, shall be forwarded to the Central
Headquarters of the concerned Armed Force for disposal.
459. Communication of appellate orders.— On receipt of an order
disposing of an appeal, the purport thereof shall be communicated to
the prisoner concerned in the presence of the Superintendent who shall
enter on the order a certificate to the effect that it has been so
communicated. Whenever a prisoner has been transferred before the
receipt of orders on his/her appeal, such orders shall be forwarded,
without delay, to the Superintendent of the prison in which the prisoner
is confined.
283
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
460. Maintenance of Appeals Register by the Welfare Officer.—
(1) The Welfare Officer shall maintain an Appeal Register. He shall cause
the register to be placed before the Superintendent of Jail as frequently
as may be necessary. Starting from the date on which the prisoner
expresses his/her desire to file an appeal, till the date of receipt of the
order of the appellate Court disposing of the appeal, all such dates on
which action is taken during the entire process shall be entered in the
Appeals Register and attested by the Superintendent or Additional
Superintendent. This would include dates on which requisition for
judgment copy is sent, the date of the receipt of judgment copy; the
date of delivery of the judgment copy to the prisoner or other nominated
party, and date of receipt of appeal from the prisoner.
(2) The Superintendent or Deputy Superintendent shall ensure
that there is no delay in the process of disposing of appeals/petitions.
The Welfare Officer is directly responsible to the Superintendent or
Assistant Superintendent in these matters. After forwarding the appeals/
petitions, the superintendent shall send reminders to the Clerk/Registrar
of the appellate Court as under:-
Session Court
Once in 15 days
High Court or Supreme Court
Once in a month
461. Record of the appellate order.— The order and judgment of
the Appellate Court, the copy of the original judgment, and other
connected records, shall be filed and kept along with the prisoner’s
warrant.
462. Record of the result of appeal.— (1) In every case in which
a sentence is modified or reversed on appeal, the Superintendent of Jail
concerned, on receiving the warrant prepared by the Appellate Courts
in terms of the order passed, shall inform the prisoner of the decision
of the appellate Court and make a note of it in the History Ticket and
the other connected records. The sentences shall be accordingly
corrected and the revised dates of release shall be entered and got
attested by the Deputy Superintendent and the Superintendent.
(2) In every case in which a sentence is confirmed on appeal,
the Superintendent of Jail shall receive information to this effect from
the Appellate Court. The confirmation of sentence or appeal shall be
entered in the History Ticket and other connected records and attested
by the Deputy Superintendent and the Superintendent.
284
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
PETITIONS TO GOVERNMENT FROM PRISONERS OTHER THAN
THOSE WHO ARE UNDER SENTENCE OF DEATH
463. Permission to petition to Government.— Every prisoner shall
be permitted to submit petition to Government or to the appropriate
authorities through proper channel concerning his problem.
464. Facilities for preparing petitions.— Every prisoner shall be
provided with required writing materials and also be given adequate
facilities to enable him to prefer petition to Government or other
appropriate authorities should he desire to do so.
465. Preparation and submission of petition.— (1) The petition
may be drafted by the prisoner himself or by his friends or relatives or
legal advisers.
(2) If a prisoner cannot write and has no friends or relatives
who are able and willing to help him, the petition shall be drawn up by
a prison official or by another prisoner at the prisoner’s own dictation,
and if, by a prison official without suggestion on the part of the writer
or addition, to what the prisoners himself desires to state. When the
petition is prepared other than the prisoner himself, it shall be seen that
the prisoner understands the gist of its contents before signing the
petition. In such case, the contents of the petition shall be read over to
the prisoner and his acknowledgement obtained to the effect that he
understood the contents in the presence of the Deputy Superintendent
who shall also certify accordingly.
(3) Every petition shall be submitted on full-scale paper/A4
Paper, folded lengthwise and properly numbered and docketed.
(4) Prisoners shall not be permitted to submit petitions jointly
provided they are convicted and sentenced in one and the same case.
466. Authentication and submission of petition.— Every petition
whether prepared inside or outside the prison shall after counter-
signature by the Superintendent, be forwarded to the Inspector-General
of Prisons for transmission to Government.
467. Documents to accompany the petition.— (1) Every petition
shall be accompanied by a covering letter and a nominal roll of the
prisoner concerned.
285
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(2) A copy of the judgment passed in the case shall accompany
every petition and if, an appeal has been lodged and decided, a copy of
the judgment of the appellate Court shall also accompany it.
(3) In cases where a prisoner in his petition assigns his state
of health as a reason for remission of sentence, a detailed report drawn
up the Medical Officer shall accompany the petition containing
information on the following points, namely:-
(i) condition of health;
(ii) probability of life of the prisoner being seriously
endangered by prolonged imprisonment;
(iii) Whether the life of the prisoner is likely to be prolonged
if he be set at liberty.
468. Warrant to accompany petition of Military prisoner.— Every
petition from a military prisoner convicted and sentenced by court martial
shall be accompanied by a copy of the warrant on which the prisoner
was committed to prison.
469. Maintenance of Register of Petitions.— A separate register
shall be maintained in the prison to record the particulars of petitions
received from and on behalf of the prisoners and the nature of action
taken on each of them. In this register, particulars of petitions referred
by the prisoners relating to grant of suspension of sentences, remission
of sentences, transfer from one prison to another and other
miscellaneous matters relating to their welfare shall be legibly recorded.
This register shall be maintained in the Remission Section of the prison.
The date of disposal of each petition shall be indicated in this regard
and the entries made in this regard shall be duly attested in ink either
by the Superintendent or by the Deputy Superintendent who shall ensure
that there is no delay in the disposal of the petition. The Inspector-
General at the time of his inspection of the prison, shall inspect this
register also to satisfy himself that it is properly maintained and prompt
action taken for the disposal of the petitions registered therein.
470. Procedure for forwarding second petition to Government.—
In case the petition to Government has been rejected, a second petition
of the same prisoner on the same subject shall not be forwarded unless
in the opinion of the Superintendent, it contains further information or
material warranting its reconsideration.
286
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
471. Memoranda by prisoners to President, Prime Minister, etc.—
Memoranda by the prisoners including undertrial prisoners in prisons,
addressed to the President, Prime Minister or any other dignitary of the
Central or Government shall be forwarded to the addressee unless the
statements contained in the memoranda are untrue or the memoranda in
question are couched in objectionable language. In case of withholding
such memoranda, the Superintendent of Jail shall inform the petitioner
as well as the authorities to whom the memoranda are addressed the
reason for such withholding.
472. Communication of orders on Petitions.— The orders passed
on every petition to Government shall be communicated to the prisoner
concerned, in the presence of the Superintendent or Deputy
Superintendent, as soon as practicable, after its receipt, and the purport
of them, with the date of communication shall be recorded on the History
Ticket and also in the appropriate column of the Convict Register.
CHAPTER–16
TRANSFER OF PRISONERS
473. Reasons and circumstances for transfer.— Prisoners may be
transferred from one prison to another for the following reasons:-
(i) For custody and treatment in a suitable institution in
accordance with the classification procedure;
(ii) For attendance in court for the purpose of standing trial or
giving evidence;
(iii) On medical grounds;
(iv) On humanitarian grounds, in the interest of their
rehabilitation;
(v) For post-release vigilance by the police;
(vi) For providing essential services;
(vii) On grounds of security, expediency, etc;
(viii) To be nearer to his/her home district;
(ix) For other special reasons, if any.
287
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
474. Powers of Inspector-General.— Inspector-General of Prisons
has following powers:-
(1) Subject to the order and control of the Government, the
Inspector-General is authorized to sanction the transfer of such prisoners
as are referred to in section 29 of the Prisoners Act, 1900 (except those
under sentence of death), from one prison to another within the Union
Territory
(2) The powers to transfer any prisoner under sentence of death
from one prison to another shall rest with the Government.
(3) The sanction of the Inspector General, however, will not be
necessary for transfer of prisoners in the following cases, where the
Superintendent of Jail can order such transfer:-
(i) Transfer of prisoners required to give evidence or to
undergo trial for an offence in another State;
(ii) Transfer of prisoners en-route;
(iii) Transfer of prisoner to a classified institution in
accordance with a standing order issued for this purpose.
Transfer of prisoners on administrative grounds by the Chief
Superintendent of Jails/Superintendent of Jails to prisons within their
jurisdiction.
Explanation: Copy of Intimation regarding the transfer of a
prisoner in the above three circumstances shall, however, be submitted
to the Inspector-General, immediately.
475. Transfer of sick Prisoners.— Prisoners may be transferred
from one prison to another prison on following grounds;
(i) No prisoner who is sick shall be transferred except for the
benefit of his/her health;
(ii) When the Medical Officer is of the opinion that the transfer
of a sick prisoner to another prison is likely to lead to his/her recovery
or will help in prolonging his/her life, he shall forward a brief statement
of the case to the Superintendent, mentioning the prison to which a
transfer is desirable. The Superintendent shall thereafter submit the case
to the Inspector-General for his orders;
288
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(iii) The Superintendent shall, on a requisition in writing from
the Medical Officer, supply extra food, clothing and bedding to prisoners
for such journeys. Medicines, with instructions for their use, shall if
necessary, be supplied to the officer escorting such prisoner;
(iv) The Medical Officer shall be responsible to ensure that the
medical case sheet of a prisoner is up-to-date at the time of his/her
transfer;
(v) No prisoner, who is incapable of ordinary hard labour on
account of age, sickness or infirmity, shall be recommended for transfer
except under special circumstances.
(vi) Guarded/Escort Police shall be made available within the
Jail Premises to meet out the emergency/special circumstances.
(vii) During emergencies, the transfer of sick person for
treatment in Hospital outside the Campus of Prison shall be guarded/
Escorted by the Police.
476. Prisoners convicted in the same case.— Prisoners convicted
in the same case may be transferred to different prisons if, in the opinion
of the Superintendent, it is absolutely essential to do so in the interests
of discipline and maintenance of order in the prison.
477. Transfer of habitual prisoners.— The Superintendent may
apply to the Inspector General for transfer of a habitual prisoner from
the prison on the ground that the prisoner is familiar with the locality
and surroundings because of previous imprisonment there or otherwise.
However, the Inspector-General shall order transfer of such prisoners
only in special cases, treating every such application on its merit, and
after satisfying him that sufficient reasons for transferring the prisoner
exist.
478. Transfer of Young Offenders.— Young offenders (in the age
group of 18 to 21) admitted to a prison shall be transferred to suitable
institutions for young offenders, under the orders of the
Inspector-General of Prison. They shall be transferred back to the prisons
of their origin after they attain the age of 21 years if, their sentence of
imprisonment is not complete. Special arrangements must be made for
them in such cases to continue getting the borstal treatment, till their
normal release.
289
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
479. Transfer of prisoners convicted by civil Courts of competent
jurisdiction on reciprocal basis.— (1) Every prisoner convicted by a
civil Court of competent jurisdiction in a State, other than that of his/
her origin, may be transferred to his State of origin, if his/her unexpired
portion of sentence is at least three months at the time of his/her transfer.
He/she would be moved either to a prison in the district to which he/
she belongs or to a prison nearest to his/her native place. In the case
of any such prisoner to be transferred to his/her native State, the
Superintendent of Police of the district of that State shall confirm the
fact that the prisoner is native of that district of the State.
(2) In the case of any such prisoner to be transferred to another
State, the Superintendent of the prison, where the prisoner is confined,
shall obtain from the prisoner a written declaration giving details of his/
her address as also addresses of his/her relatives in his/her State of
origin and send a nominal roll to the Inspector-General of Prisons of
that State. The Inspector-General shall also ascertain the name of the
prison, in the State of origin to which the prisoner has to be transferred
from the Inspector-General of that State and then issue orders for the
transfer of the prisoner.
Explanation: (i) Due consideration shall be given to the wishes
of a prisoner regarding transfer to his/her home State, unless there are
adequate reasons against it-for instance, his/her being out of mind or
obstreperous or an aged parent wishing to be able to see his/her children
during the last days.
Explanation: (ii) The transferring State shall bear the cost of
transfer of the prisoner. The cost of maintenance of the prisoner shall
be borne by the State of his/her origin from the date he/she is received.
Explanation: (iii) The prisoners' property and wages earned by
him/her in the prison till the date of his/her transfer shall be sent, along
with the prisoner, to the prison to which he/she is transferred.
480. Transfer of prisoners convicted by Court martial overseas
or in India on reciprocal basis.— Every ex-military prisoner convicted
by a court martial overseas or in India, and confined in any prison, other
than a prison in his/her State of origin, may be transferred to a prison
in his/her State of origin. The Superintendent of Jail, where the prisoner
is confined, shall immediately after his/her admission, send the nominal
roll and written declaration of the ex-military prisoner in duplicate to
290
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
the Inspector-General of Prisons, Puducherry who shall, in consultation
with the Inspector-General of the State of origin of the prisoner, decide
that the prisoner shall be transferred and issue orders to this effect. The
Inspector-General of Prisons, Puducherry shall also entertain requests
from prisoners of his State confined in prisons of other states, and after
proper verification by the Superintendent of Police of the district to
which the prisoner belongs, inform the respective Inspector-General
about the prisons to which such prisoner should be transferred.
Explanation: (i) Ex-military prisoners should be transferred
immediately to their State of origin irrespective of the unexpired portion
of their sentence.
Explanation: (ii) The cost of maintenance of ex-military prisoners
shall be borne by the States of their origin from the date they are
received in their prisons and the cost of transfer should be borne by
the Central Government from the Defence Service Estimates.
481. Transfer of prisoners prior to release.— (1) Every habitual
prisoner, police registered prisoner, prisoner ordered to pay a fine, a
prisoner required to notify residence subsequent to his/her release, a
person ordered to undergo imprisonment in default of furnishing security
for maintaining peace or good behaviour, a prisoner certified to be
mentally ill, and a female or juvenile prisoner, if, confined in a far away
prison, shall be transferred to the prison nearest to his/her home, one
clear week before the date of the expiry of his/her substantive sentence.
(2) The prisoners so transferred shall be confined in the outer
quarantine block of the receiving prison and released there from. The
release list shall, however, be sent by the Superintendent of the
transferring prison to the Superintendent of Police of the district in which
the prisoner will be released one month prior to his/her transfer.
(3) This rule is subject to the condition that the prison to which
the transfer is ordered is on or near the route which the prisoner would
ordinarily take to his/her home and contains accommodation for his
reception.
(4) The provisions of this rule may be relaxed in the case of
prisoners willing to receive help from the local Discharged Prisoners'
Aid Society on release, and for habitual and police registered prisoners,
and for those who are leprosy patients.
291
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
482. Transfer during epidemics or pandemic.— Prisoners shall not
be transferred while Cholera or any other epidemic or pandemic disease
(like Corona) is present in either the transferring or receiving prison.
Transfer along a route where Cholera or any other epidemic is prevalent,
shall also be avoided as far as possible.
483. Grounds of re-transfer to be stated.— When a prisoner has
been transferred for any special reason by the Inspector-General, the
Superintendent shall, bring to notice the special reason for which the
original transfer was made, when proposing the re-transfer of such
prisoner. There shall not be any suppression of facts.
484. Grounds for transferring of prisoners belonging to other
States.— Prisoners belonging to other States may be transferred on
following grounds:-
(i) As a general rule Police registered criminals, not being
natives of the State in which they are undergoing sentence, shall be
removed, without regard to their wishes in the matter at any time if, they
are sentenced to imprisonment for three months or less, and two months
before their release if, they are sentenced to imprisonment for more than
three months, either to the prison of the District to which they belong
or to the prison nearest to their native place, provided that such prison
is declared by the Government concerned as the receiving depot for
prisoners removed from the Union territory of Puducherry. A prisoner
sentenced to more than three months of imprisonment shall be
transferred to a prison in his/her home District earlier than two months
if he/she is willing or if, there are adequate reasons requiring such
transfer. All such cases, as mentioned above, shall ordinarily be
intimated by the Police to the Superintendent of Jail in the form of a
Police Registered Slip. When a Police Registered Slip is received, the
details to be filled in at the prison shall be completed and the slip
attached to the prisoner’s warrant and sent with him/her to any prison
to which he/she may be transferred. At the same time an entry of the
letters “P.R.T.”, signifying Police Registered Prisoners for Transfer shall
be made in red ink in the Convict Register and Register of Prisoners to
be released. The Superintendent shall forward to the Inspector-General
a nominal roll of such prisoner with an application for his/her transfer
one month before the date on which the transfer is to be effected in
accordance with the rules. The Inspector-General is authorized to order
the removal of such prisoner, as required above, and shall pass a formal
292
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
order sanctioning the transfer in consultation with the Inspector-General
of the State with the consent of that Government to which the prisoner
is to be removed. On the death or escape of a Police Registered Prisoner,
the Police Registered Form attached to his warrant shall be returned to
the Superintendent of Police of his District with an endorsement showing
the date of his death or escape. Similarly, any prisoner, whose detention
in a prison of the State in which he/she is undergoing sentence, is
deemed inexpedient; he/she may be removed with the previous consent
to the Inspector-General of the State and the Government of that State
to which it is proposed to remove him;
(ii) Police Registered Prisoners for transfer (or briefly P.R.T.
Prisoners) belonging to Jammu and Kashmir, Nepal and Bhutan shall be
transferred to the prisons in India nearest to their native places, at
anytime not exceeding two months prior to their release, the prisons to
which they are to be transferred being decided in consultation with the
Inspector-General of Prisons of the respective State, and after
verification of the facts. Intimation regarding release of P.R.T. Prisoners
belonging to Jammu and Kashmir shall be sent direct to Jammu and
Kashmir Government. In the case of P.R.T. prisoners belonging to Bhutan
and Nepal, such intimation shall be sent to the Government of these
countries through India's Political Officers or the Indian Embassy, as
the case may be.
485. Home State.— In the case of a prisoner, who has long ceased
to have any link with the State of his/her birth, and who is domiciled in
the State where he/she is imprisoned and where his/her close relatives
live, the latter State may be treated as his/her home State for the purpose
of transfer. This shall be ascertained from his/her antecedents or by
enquiries regarding his/her relatives, before deciding to transfer such
prisoner.
486. Police to escort prisoners.— Police escort to the prisoners
is given on following grounds:-
(a) The responsibility of escorting prisoners rests with the
Police. The Superintendent of Jail shall endeavor to reduce the calls
upon the Police as far as possible, by transferring prisoners in batches.
Prisoners shall not ordinarily be dispatched so as to reach the prison of
destination on any of the recognized holidays for prisons. If, such
a contingency is likely to arise due to unavoidable circumstances, the
Superintendent of the transferring prison shall forward a written request
293
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
to the Superintendent of the receiving prison. The Superintendent of
the receiving prison shall, however, entertain such admission on
holidays even in the absence of any such request, but, bring the
irregularity to the notice of the Inspector-General of Prisons;
(b) The authorities at the transferring prison shall, as far as
possible, avoid sending prisoners of different categories in the same
batch. However, if, circumstances make this unavoidable, they shall give
clear instructions to the officer in charge of the escort to prohibit
communication amongst such prisoners.
487. Precautionary measures.— (1) Full details of the following
types of prisoners shall always be supplied to the escorting party before
they are handed over to the Police by the Superintendent of the
transferring prison, namely:-
(a) Prisoners with sentence of five years and above;
(b) Prisoners whose conduct in prison is bad or who have
been found to be dangerous;
(c) Prisoners involved in heinous offences;
(d) Prisoners sentenced under section 224 of the Indian Penal
Code, 1860 and those who are known to have escaped
or have attempted to escape in the past.
(e) Any other important information.
(2) The District Collector, Superintendent of Police and the
Superintendent of Jail shall be informed in advance when prisoners likely
to attract public attention and cause a stir, are being transferred.
488. Provision of female warders.— When a female prisoner is
transferred, a female Warder/Woman Police Constable shall accompany
her. But, her presence does not relieve the responsibility of the Police
for the safe custody of the prisoner in transit.
489. Application for escort.— When prisoners are to be
transferred, the Superintendent shall apply to the Superintendent of
Police of the District where the Central Prison is located, sufficiently in
advance for the requisite guard, intimating the number of prisoners and
the date and hour of their intended dispatch and the station they are
being transferred to.
294
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
490. Intimation of prisoners transferred to be given.— The
Superintendent shall furnish to the officer in charge of escort, a
memorandum showing the number of prisoners being dispatched, their
state of health, the route they are to take, and the date of dispatch. He
shall also send all these details to the Superintendent of the receiving
prison, along with the probable date of their arrival well in advance, and
if necessary, by telegram.
491. Procedure prior to transfer.— The Superintendent shall,
before transferring a prisoner, verify all the entries regarding him/her
and certify on the back of the warrant, the number and date of the order
directing the transfer and the date of transfer.
492. Disposal of prisoners property.— On the transfer of a
prisoner, the Jailor/Deputy Superintendent of the dispatching prison
shall get a list of the prisoner's property prepared in triplicate, as entered
in the Convict Register, and obtain the signature of the officer in charge
of the escort for the property on the counterfoil as a token of receipt.
The duplicate and triplicate forms, the former signed by the Jailor of
the dispatching prison, together with the property, shall be given to the
officer in charge of the escort to be handed over to the receiving prison,
where the duplicate list shall be retained and filed. The triplicate shall
be signed by the Jailor of the receiving prison and handed over to the
officer in charge of the escort.
If, it is found that there is any discrepancy in the cash, jewellery
or property, immediate notice of the same shall be given to the
Superintendent of the dispatching prison who shall begin an enquiry
into the matter.
493. Documents to accompany prisoners.— (1) The following
documents relating to each transferred prisoner shall be given to the
officer in charge of the escort to be delivered to the Superintendent of
the receiving prison, namely:-
(i) His/Her original warrant or warrants duly endorsed;
(ii) A copy of the committing Court’s judgment, if available,
the order of any Appellate Court and of the Government
on any petition made by the prisoner;
(iii) A nominal roll;
(iv) His/Her history ticket;
295
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(v) His/Her remission sheet, if any;
(vi) His/Her medical case sheet;
(vii) Duplicate and triplicate lists of all private property
belonging to the prisoner;
(viii) A list of clothing, bedding and other Government
property sent with the prisoner.
(2) The total amount of remission earned by every transferred
prisoner up to the end of the preceding month shall be endorsed on
his/her History Ticket, remission sheet and on the warrant, and the
entries shall be signed by the Superintendent. The Deputy
Superintendent of the transferring prison shall be responsible that the
above information is duly and correctly supplied and that all documents
to accompany the prisoners are correctly sent.
494. Supply of food and clothing on journey.— (1) Every prisoner,
during transit, shall be allowed to wear his private clothing. Whenever
the private clothing of a prisoner has been destroyed or sold, he/she
shall, on transfer, be provided with clothing as supplied on release.
(2) When the journey to be made is short, sufficient supply of
rations shall be given to the Police Officer in charge for distribution at
a suitable time. In other cases, the warder or Police officer in charge
shall be provided with funds sufficient to purchase the prescribed
dietary.
(3) Subsistence allowance shall be paid to the prisoners at the
rates as fixed by Government from time to time.
495. Prisoners to be searched before dispatch.— Every prisoner
shall be searched in the presence of the Deputy Superintendent and
escort party before dispatch.
496. Duty of the escorting officer.— (1) The officer in charge of
escort shall see that prisoners do not communicate with outsiders and
have no opportunity of obtaining forbidden articles, including cash, from
their friends or relatives while in transit. During the transit period, the
prisoner shall not be allowed to handle any cash, jewellery or other
private property, except his/her private clothing.
(2) If, any breach or neglect of duty on the part of the officer in
charge of escort is noticed, the Superintendent of the receiving prison
shall send a report to the Inspector-General of Prisons.
296
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
497. Not to be admitted to Central Prisons en route.— Prisoners
in transit shall not be admitted into Central Prisons. They may, however,
be admitted to a transit yard if, such a facility is attached to Central
Prisons for the purpose.
498. Search during transit.— Male prisoners shall be searched by
the officer in charge of the escort daily during transit.
499. Custody of females and Young Offenders.— During transit,
female and young offenders shall be separated from adult male prisoners.
500. Transfer by rail or water.— (1) Prisoners shall ordinarily be
transferred by rail where facilities for travel by rail exist. The fares of
prisoners and of the warder, if any in-charge, shall be included in the
railway warrant prepared by the Police Department. The accommodation
to be provided shall be of the lowest class.
(2) When prisoners are to be transferred by rail, timely notice
shall be given to the Police of the intended date and hour of dispatch
with a view to make suitable arrangements with the railway authorities
for their safe custody in transit, and for the provision of necessary
accommodation.
501. Transfer by road.— The Police escort party, which is
transporting prisoners by road, shall provide necessary conveyance even
for a shorter distance. Taking into consideration the safety and security
of the prisoners, the Police shall chalk out the routes and places of halt,
in advance. Any accident on transit should be promptly intimated to
the Superintendent of the Prison from where the prisoner has been
moved
502. Procedure if prisoner falls sick.— If, during such transfer
by road, a prisoner becomes so ill as to be unable to continue his/her
journey, he/she shall be taken to the nearest hospital or to any place
where there is a public dispensary, for treatment by a Medical Officer.
A report of the circumstances shall immediately be made to the
Superintendent of the dispatching prison and of the prison to which
the prisoner was being moved.
503. Procedure in case of death of a prisoner in transit.— When
a prisoner dies in transit, the officer in charge of the escort shall at once
report the circumstances to the nearest Police Station, which in turn will
inform the Executive Magistrate. The Executive Magistrate shall enquire
into the case and submit his/her report directly to the Inspector-General
297
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
and shall arrange for the disposal of the dead body. The officer in charge
of the escort shall also intimate the death of a prisoner to the
Superintendent of the prison to which the prisoner was being transferred,
and the Superintendent of the transferring prison immediately. The latter
shall inform the deceased prisoner's relatives, the Government, and the
National Human Rights Commission, of the death of the prisoner.
504. Procedure if prisoner escapes.— If, during transit, a prisoner
escapes, intimation shall at once be given by the officer in charge of
the escort to the nearest Police Station to enable them to take steps for
recapture of the prisoner. The Superintendent of the prison to which
the convict was being taken and of the transferring prison, shall also
be informed of the escape; and the latter shall take the prescribed
measures for the prisoner’s re-apprehension. On recapture, such a
prisoner shall be sent to the prison from where he was originally being
transferred.
505. Admission of transferred prisoners.— On arrival at the
receiving prison, the usual procedure for the admission of prisoners shall
be followed. The Superintendent shall satisfy himself that the correct
number of prisoners has been received and that they have been properly
fed and cared for during transit.
506. Verification of lists accompanying prisoners.— When the
authorized Prison Officer of the receiving prison has satisfied himself
that the prisoner’s documents and property have been correctly received,
he shall countersign the memorandum and the triplicate copy of the list
of property and shall return them, together with any clothing and item
issued at Government cost, to the transferring prison.
507. Facilities in the matter of letter writing.— Special facilities
for writing letters to family, before and after transfer, may be extended
to prisoners at the discretion of the Superintendent of Jail.
508. Remission or suspension of sentence to the convicts
transferred to prisons outside State.— (1) When persons are convicted
by any Court, they are under the responsibility of the Government of
the State in whose jurisdiction they are convicted and sentenced.
Transfer of prisoners from the State of conviction to their home State
does not deprive the State of conviction of ultimate authority of custody
or remission of sentence vested in them with regard to the prisoners.
The prisoners are to be regarded as undergoing sentences during
absence from the prison in the State of conviction.
298
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(2) Ordinary remission which is prescribed for the purpose of
controlling the work and conduct of a prisoner shall be granted by the
Superintendent of the prison in which he is confined, in accordance with
the scale laid down in the prison manual of the State. But, any special
remission for which a scale is not provided for in the prison manual of
the State, Government remission or other remission under section 432
of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 shall be as sanctioned by the
appropriate Government. The appropriate Government for ordering
remission or suspension of sentence under section 432 of the Code of
Criminal Procedure, 1973 is the Government of the State where the
prisoner was convicted. In the case of conviction for offence relating
to a matter to which the executive power of the Union extends, the
“appropriate Government” is the Central Government.
(3) When it is considered desirable to release a transferred
prisoner before he completes his term of sentence inclusive of remission
earned and sanctioned under section 432 of the Code of Criminal
Procedure, 1973 is required, his case with the necessary documents shall
be sent to the Inspector-General who shall forward it with his
recommendations along with the recommendations of the Advisory
Board, if any, to the Inspector-General of the State of conviction for
obtaining orders of that Government. In the case of Court-martial,
prisoners or others convicted for offence relating to matters to which
the executive power of the Union extends, the orders of the Central
Government shall be obtained.
CHAPTER–17
REPATRIATION OF PRISONERS
509. (1) A number of Indian prisoners are lodged in various
countries undergoing their sentences while, a number of foreign
prisoners are similarly lodged in Indian prisons (Current number of
foreign prisoners is 2,495 as per NCRB Prison Statistics 2014). These
prisoners are unable to meet with their families due to long distances
and this loss of contact with family members hinders their rehabilitation
and reformation. Such prisoners may be brought back for undergoing
the remaining period of their sentences under the various bilateral and
multilateral agreements entered into by India, through the process of
repatriation under the aegis of Repatriation of Prisoners Act, 2003 and
Repatriation of Prisoners Rules, 2004.
299
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(2) Presently, India has entered into bilateral agreements with
27 Countries (listed below) and has also acceded to one multilateral
treaty i.e., the Inter-American Convention on Serving Criminal Sentences
Abroad (IAC), which is signed by the Member States of the Organization
of American States (OAS) but, is also open to accession by non-OAS
countries. Currently, India has functional arrangements with 36 Countries
(20 Countries under bilateral agreement and 16 Countries under
Inter-American Convention on Serving Criminal Sentences Abroad) for
transfer of sentenced persons. These Countries are United Kingdom,
Mauritius, France, Bulgaria, Egypt, South Korea, Saudi Arabia,
Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Israel, UAE, Iran, Italy, Maldives,
Turkey, Thailand, Russian Federation, Kuwait, Hong Kong Special
Administrative Region and Argentina, Belize, Canada, Czech Republic,
Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua,
Panama, Paraguay, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela.
(3) Out of these, India has operational agreements with the
following 20 countries: United Kingdom, Mauritius, Bulgaria, France,
Egypt, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Bangladesh,
Israel, UAE, Italy, Turkey, Maldives, Thailand, Russian Federation,
Kuwait and HKSAR. Indian prisoners undergoing a sentence in the
prisons of these Countries may be brought back in terms of these
agreements, and nationals of such Countries can be repatriated to their
native countries in accordance with the agreements.
(4) India has also acceded to multilateral convention of the
Organization of American States (a regional organization having
35 Member States). The Inter-American Convention on Serving Criminal
Sentences Abroad was adopted on 9th June 1993 and came into force
on 12th April, 1996. It is a multilateral treaty, which lies under the
framework of Organization of American States. India is also in the
process of acceding to the Council of Europe Convention on Transfer
of Sentenced Persons. The Council of Europe Convention on Transfer
of Sentenced Persons came into being on 12th April, 1983 and is effective
since 1 July 1985. So far; the total 64 Countries have ratified the
convention. Out of these, 45 Countries are the member States of the
Council of Europe - Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan,
Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece,
Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands,
300
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia,
Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The former Yugoslav Republic of
Macedonia, Turkey, Ukraine and United Kingdom. The rest 19 Countries
namely, Australia, Bahamas, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador,
Honduras, Israel, Japan, Korea, Mauritius, Mexico, Panama, Philippines,
Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago and United States of America, Venezuela
are non-member States of the Council of Europe (CoE).
510. (1) The procedure for processing such repatriation requests
is briefly described below and is detailed in guidelines issued by way
of Advisory by Ministry of Home Affairs on 10th August, 2015:
(a) The request for transfer should be made by the prisoner
or anyone acting on his/her behalf voluntarily.
(b) This request should be forwarded by the prison
authorities of the Country where he is lodged to the
prison authorities of the Country where he is to be
repatriated.
(c) The prisoner should be undergoing a sentence after being
convicted by the Court of law for an act which is an
offence in both the countries i.e., the Transferring
Country as well as the Receiving Country.
(d) There should not be any other cases pending in a Court
of law at the time of making such a request and the
prisoner should not be wanted in any other proceedings
by any investigating agency.
(e) At least 6 months period of his sentence should remain
for such request to be considered.
(f) On transfer the prisoner would undergo either the
remaining period of his sentence or his sentence would
be adapted in terms of existing provisions of law in the
Receiving Country without aggravating the period of his
sentence. The period of sentence so adapted should
closely be in line with the sentence awarded to him in
the Court of law in the country where convicted and can
be modified to bring it in line with similar provisions in
the Receiving Country.
301
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(2) All the Missions of the Country abroad and the prison
administrations in the States/UTs have been apprised about the
guidelines for repatriation of eligible inmates who can be considered for
such repatriations.
CHAPTER–18
EXECUTION OF SENTENCES
511. Method of calculating a sentence.— (1) The duration of
a sentence shall be calculated in calendar years, months, a fortnight,
a week or days. The term ‘year; means, a year according to the British
calendar, a ‘month’ means, thirty days, a ‘fortnight’ means, fourteen days
and a ‘week’ means, seven days.
(2) When a prisoner’s sentence includes a fraction of a month,
the date of release shall be calculated by reducing such fraction to days.
A month, for this purpose, shall consist of thirty days. For example, if,
a prisoner is sentenced to one and half months' imprisonment on 2nd
February, the date of his/her release shall be 16th March.
512. Serving of sentences.— (1) In whatever order the sentences
are served, a prisoner is liable to serve the aggregate of the terms of all
the sentences, provided that under no circumstances shall a prisoner
be detained in prison beyond the period indicated by the terms of the
warrant of commitment.
(2) In case of doubt, as to the order in which the sentences
shall take effect, instructions shall be taken from the Court imposing
the last sentence.
513. Commencement of, and breaks in, imprisonment how
reckoned.— (1) In calculating the date of expiry of a sentence of
imprisonment in a criminal case, the day on which the sentence was
passed and the day of release shall both be included as days of
imprisonment. A prisoner who is punished till the rising of the Court
only, shall be released from the Court itself and not admitted to prison.
In the case of a prisoner who is punished till the rising of the Court and
is awarded another sentence on the same day, the latter sentence shall
start from the date on which the sentence is awarded. If, a prisoner is
sentenced to imprisonment for 24 hours, he must be kept in prison for
the exact number of hours. In such cases, the sentence shall be deemed
to commence from the hour indicated in the warrant. Prisoners sentenced
to one day’s imprisonment shall be admitted in prison and released on
the same day.
302
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(2) If, the date of release falls due on Sunday or a prison holiday,
prisoners shall be posted for release on the previous working day.
Illustration 1: A prisoner sentenced on 1st January to one
month's imprisonment shall be released on 31st January and not on 1st
February.
Illustration 2: A prisoner sentenced on 28th February to one
month's imprisonment shall be released on 27th March.
Illustration 3: A prisoner sentenced on 1st January to one day’s
imprisonment shall be released on the same day. But, if, he is sentenced
to imprisonment for 24 hours, he shall be kept in confinement for that
period and not released before the hours are up on 2nd January.
(3) The period of imprisonment to be undergone shall be
reckoned from the date on which the sentence is passed, except in cases
which fall under sections 31, 426 and 427 of the Code of Criminal
Procedure, 1973 where the directions of the Court shall be followed.
Explanation (For Fine sentence):- In the case of a prisoner
sentenced to imprisonment in default of fine, the period of imprisonment
shall be reckoned from the day on which he was re-arrested for failing
to pay the fine imposed.
(4) If, the month in which the sentence of a prisoner expires
has no date corresponding to the date of sentence, the last day of the
said month shall be taken as the day of expiry of sentence. The same
principle shall apply when the sentence is reduced due to reduction in
sentence or payment of fine or grant of remission.
514. Date of release when two or more sentences run
consecutively.— When a prisoner is sentenced to two or more periods
of imprisonment to be served consecutively, the date of release shall be
calculated as though the sum of the terms was awarded in one sentence.
Illustration 1: A prisoner sentenced on 21st November, 2000 to
two substantive terms of imprisonment of one year each shall be released
on 20th and not on 19th November, 2002.
Illustration 2: A prisoner is sentenced on 1st January to two
months imprisonment and a fine of ` 200 or, in default, to one month’s
imprisonment. If, the fine is not paid, he shall be released on 31st March,
but, if, the fine is paid, then on the last day of February.
303
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
515. Date of release in the case of prisoners sentenced to
imprisonment for life.— (1) The imprisonment for life technically means
imprisonment for the whole life. The sentence of all prisoners sentenced
to imprisonment for life or to more than twenty years imprisonment in
the aggregate, shall, for administrative purposes of calculation of the
normal date of release, be deemed to be sentences of imprisonment for
twenty years under section 57 of IPC 1860.
(2) If, a sentence of death is commuted to one of imprisonment
for life or imprisonment for a term, the sentence of imprisonment for life
or imprisonment for a term shall be deemed to commence from the date
on which the sentence of death was passed.
516. Procedure when sentence is suspended.— When an Appellate
Court directs that the execution of a sentence or order appealed against,
be suspended, the appellant shall, if, detained in prison pending further
orders of such Courts, be treated in all respects as an undertrial prisoner.
Should the appellant be ultimately sentenced to imprisonment or
imprisonment for life, the period during which the original sentence was
suspended shall-
(a) if, passed while the prisoner in prison, be included, and
(b) if, passed when the prisoner was at large be excluded, in
computing the term for which he is sentenced by the Appellate Court.
517. When retrial is ordered.— When a Court passes a sentence
after a retrial or after original sentence is reversed and retrial (fresh trial)
is ordered on appeal, the previous sentence or portion thereof, already
undergone by the prisoner before the fresh trial, should also count,
unless otherwise specifically directed, towards the sentence imposed
after the fresh trial, excluding any period during which the prisoner was
at large. If, a convicted prisoner is to be handed over to Police for the
purpose of investigation, Government orders suspending his sentence
are necessary.
518. Procedure when a sentence is modified or reversed on
appeal.— When a sentence on a prisoner is reversed or modified on
appeal by a Court, other than the High Court, a fresh warrant will be
issued by the Appellate Court to the officer in charge of the prison and
such order will also be communicated to the lower Court:
304
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
Provided that when the Appellate Court orders the retrial or
committal for trial, of a prisoner under section 386 of the Code of Criminal
Procedure, 1973 it shall communicate its order to the Court whose
decision has been reversed and that Court shall thereupon make such
orders as are conformable to the judgment of the Appellate Court.
When a case is decided on appeal or revision by the High Court,
the Court or Magistrate to which the High Court certifies its order will
proceed, under the provisions of section 388 or 405 of the Code of
Criminal Procedure, 1973 to issue, when necessary, fresh warrant or order
to the prison officer.
In all cases, in which a sentence or order is modified or reversed,
whether in appeal or revision, a separate warrant shall be issued as
regards each prisoner whose sentence has been so modified or reversed.
519. Unexpired Sentence of an escaped convict.— (1) In the case
of an escaped prisoner, subsequently arrested in connection with
another offence, any period spent on that account in Police custody or
as an undertrial prisoner, shall not be reckoned as imprisonment under
the original sentence.
(2) Necessary entries shall be made in the Register of Prisoners
to be released in place of the original date of release in respect of all
such prisoners.
520. Date of release of prisoners sentenced for escape.— (1) If, a
prisoner receives a sentence for escape from prison, the date of release
shall be re-calculated in accordance with Section 426 of the Code of
Criminal Procedure, 1973 and entered in the Register of Prisoners to be
released in place of the original date of release.
521. Periods that will not count towards sentence.— In the
following cases, the period spent by prisoners outside the prison,
known as at large period, shall not count towards sentence:-
(i) Escape.
(ii) Bail.
(iii) Suspended period of sentence, leave including
emergency leave.
(iv) Unauthorized extension of temporary release.
(v) Suspended period of sentence if, directed by the Court.
305
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(vi) Suspension of sentence for Police investigation.
(vii) Violation of conditional release.
(viii) Extradition.
(2) A prisoner released on bail in Court on the day he is
sentenced without having been sent to prison, shall not be deemed to
have served any part of his sentence.
(3) Convicted prisoners removed from a prison in one State to
a prison in another State under the provisions of the Transfer of
Prisoners Act, 1950 (Central Act XXIX of 1950) shall be deemed to be
undergoing their original sentence in the prison where they have been
transferred.
When a conditionally released prisoner is readmitted in prison
owing to an infringement of the terms on which he was released, the
unexpired portion of his sentence shall be carried out without waiting
for the receipt of the Government orders, which shall be applied for
through the Inspector-General immediately on admission of such
prisoner. In such cases, the unexpired portion of sentence shall be
deemed to have commenced from the date of the prisoner's readmission
in prison.
In the case of a prisoner released on bail on a day subsequent
to that on which he/she was committed to prison, but, who is again
committed to undergo sentence in the same case, every day of admission
and every day of release shall be counted as days of imprisonment in
respect of such sentence.
In cases, where there are more than one “at large” periods, the
aggregate total of all such periods shall be worked out in terms of days
and added to the substantive sentence. The date on which the sum of
these periods elapses, counting from the date of conviction, shall be
the date of expiry of sentence.
In the case of a convict who has to attend the Court on the
very day of his/her release, for a case for which he is not on bail, he
shall be treated as released in the morning and sent to Court as an under-
trial prisoner. If, the prisoner is sentenced to further imprisonment, on
that very date, the sentence shall be calculated from the following day.
306
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
522. When a foreigner is sentenced to a term of imprisonment.—
If, a foreigner apprehended and detained under section 4 of the
Foreigners Act, 1946 has to undergo a term of imprisonment, the period
of detention under the Foreigners' Act shall be exclusive of and additional
to the period of any sentence of imprisonment which may be imposed
upon him/her.
523. Calculation of date of release on re-arrest and recapture of
a prisoner.— The following method shall be adopted in calculating the
date of release of a prisoner who, after conviction, is released on bail
but, is afterwards recommitted to prison to serve his sentence or who
escapes and is subsequently recaptured:-
(i) Add the number of days for which the prisoner was on bail
or was at large, to the term of the sentence, exclusive of the day of
release and re-arrest or of escape and re-capture. The date on which
the sum of these periods will elapse, counting from the date of
conviction, shall be the date of expiry of sentence.
Example: A prisoner sentenced on 1st January to one month's
imprisonment escapes on 15th January and is re-captured on the 16th.
He shall be entitled on the original warrant to be released on the 31st
January.
(ii) If, a convicted prisoner, who has been released on bail,
commits an offence during his/her bail period and is readmitted to the
prison, the at large period shall be counted up to his date of
re-admission.
524. Imprisonment in default of giving security plus a substantive
sentence.— When a person, in respect of whom an order requiring him
to furnish security is made under section 106 or 117 of the Code of
Criminal Procedure, 1973 is at the time of such order is sentenced to or
is undergoing a sentence of imprisonment, the period for which such
security is required shall commence on the expiry of such sentence. In
other cases, such period shall commence on the date of such order being
passed, unless the Magistrate, for sufficient reasons, fixes a later date.
If, such a person fails to give security on or before the date of expiry of
his substantive sentence, he shall be detained in prison until the expiry
of the period for which security is required to be furnished or until the
requisite security is furnished. It is not necessary in such cases that a
formal warrant shall be issued by the Magistrate for the detention of
such person in the prison after the expiry of the substantive sentence.
307
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
Illustration:- A prisoner, while undergoing three months
imprisonment, is ordered by a Competent Court to execute a bond under
section 106 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 for keeping peace
for a term of six months and execute a bond on a sum prescribed, with
one surety for a like amount, fails to give security on or before the date
on which the three months substantive imprisonment expires, he/she
shall be detained in prison until he furnishes the required security or
until the term for which such security is to be given is completed, but,
no formal warrant is necessary for such detention.
(2) If, a person while undergoing imprisonment under an order
under section 122 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 in default of
furnishing security, is convicted of an offence committed prior to the
making of such order, and is sentenced to undergo imprisonment, such
sentence shall commence from the date on which it was passed; and if,
such sentence expires before the period for which the person is
undergoing imprisonment in default of giving security, he/she shall be
detained for the remainder of such period. If, however, a person while
undergoing imprisonment in default of furnishing security is convicted
of an offence committed after issue of the order under section 122 of
the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973and is sentenced to imprisonment,
such sentence shall commence at the expiration of imprisonment for
failure to furnish security, unless the Court directs that such Sentence
shall run concurrently with the imprisonment for failure to furnish
security.
(3) Sentences awarded under section 52 of the Prisons Act, 1894
shall commence on the expiry of imprisonment in default of furnishing
security or from the date of receipt in the prison of an intimation that
the security has been furnished.
(4) Where a prisoner, who is already undergoing substantive
sentence of imprisonment, has been ordered to undergo a further
sentence in default of furnishing security for keeping peace or good
behavior under Chapter VIII of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973,
the order shall be brought to the notice of the Sessions Judge to whom
such Judicial Magistrate is subordinate.
(5) The period mentioned in section 122 (2) of Code of Criminal
Procedure, 1973 shall be counted from the date of the order of the
Sessions Judge or High Court, unless the latter specially directs in the
warrant that it is to be counted from some other date. In such a case,
the direction of the Superior Court shall be complied with.
308
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(6) Detention for failure to give security is not a substantive
sentence of imprisonment, within the meaning of section 427 of Code of
Criminal Procedure Code, 1973.
525. Procedure when a sentence is confirmed.— (1) When an
appeal is rejected ora sentence is confirmed by an Appellate Court other
than the High Court, intimation to that effect will be sent to the Officer
in charge of the prison by such Appellate Court and such order will also
be communicated to the Lower Court for record.
(2) When the rejection by the High Court of an appeal or
revision application from a prisoner is communicated to the Court by
which such prisoner was convicted, such Court shall at once to cause
the intimation of such decision to be given to the prisoner.
(3) In cases referred by the Court of Sessions for the
confirmation of a sentence of death by the High Court, the High Court
will send a copy of its order to the Court of Sessions which will then
issue warrants to the Officer in charge of the prison.
526. Prisoner shall be informed of the result of his/her appeal or
application.— In all cases, the Superintendent of Jail shall acknowledge
by a letter the receipt of any warrant or order or intimation, and shall
also inform the prisoner of the result of his appeal or application.
527. Calculation of sentence modified on appeal.— When an
Appellate Court simply modifies a sentence passed by a Lower Court
without change of section or when an Appellate Court passes a new
sentence by changing the conviction section or the punishment section
or otherwise, the sentence finally passed shall count, unless otherwise
specially directed, from the first day of imprisonment under the original
sentence.
528. Effect of annulling the first of two sentences.— (1) When
a prisoner has been committed to prison at one trial under two separate
warrants, and the sentence in one warrant is to take effect from the expiry
of the sentence in the other warrant, the date of the second sentence
shall, in the event of the first sentence being set aside in appeal, be
presumed to take effect from the date on which he was committed to
prison under the first or original sentence.
309
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(2) When separate sentences have been passed in separate trial
and the sentences run consecutively under section 427 of the Code of
Criminal Procedure, 1973, the operation of the second sentence will, in
the event of the first sentence being set aside on appeal, shall commence
from the date of conviction in the second case.
Illustration 1:- A prisoner is sentenced on1st July to two periods
of six months’ imprisonment for two offences. On appeal, the first
sentence is quashed on 31st August, the prisoner will be entitled to be
released on 31st December.
Illustration 2:- A prisoner is sentenced on 1st July to six months
imprisonment and on 1stAugust to another period of six months
imprisonment. On appeal the first sentence is quashed on 31st August.
The prisoner will be entitled to release on 31st January.
(3) If, however, an appeal is also filed in the second case, it
will be within the powers of the Court hearing the second appeal to direct
that credit shall be given for such period as is covered between the date
of the second conviction and the date on which the first appeal was
accepted.
(4) No credit, however, shall be given in the second case for
any period passed in prison under the first sentence prior to the date of
the conviction in the second case by the court of original jurisdiction.
529. When an Appellate Court annuls a sentence and orders
retrial.— When an Appellate Court annuls a sentence and directs that
the prisoner be retried, and a warrant for the prisoner’s release on bail
is not received, the prisoner shall be remanded to the undertrial yard
(unless he be undergoing some other sentence), and the Superintendent
shall apply to the committing Court for warrant for his custody pending
trial if, such warrant is not at the same time furnished. Such warrant
should set forth the Court by which the prisoner is to be tried and the
date on which he is to be produced before the Court.
530. Reckoning remission earned for the purpose of calculating
the date of release.— (1) In calculating the exact date of release of
a prisoner, the number of days of remission earned shall be converted
into years, months and days at the rate of 30 days to each month and
the remission earned should be deducted from the fixed date of release
as follows:
310
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(2) Years shall be subtracted first and then months and days; when
a prisoner has earned such remission as entitles him to release, he shall
be released except in case of prisoners in whose case specific
Government Orders are necessary for final release.
PRISONERS SENTENCED TO FINE
531. Calculation of sentence of imprisonment in default of payment
of fine: Sentences awarded in default of payment of fine shall be
calculated as follows:
(i) Sentences imposed in default of payment of fines cannot run
concurrently and also Detention Period is not entailed.
(ii) If, a prisoner sentenced to imprisonment in default of
payment of fine receives another sentence while undergoing such
imprisonment, the second sentence shall begin from the date on which
the first sentence expires or if, the fine is paid, from the date of payment.
Example: A prisoner is sentenced on 31st January to pay a fine
of Rs. 300 or in default to two months’ rigorous imprisonment and on
12th February of the same year, he is sentenced on another account to
an additional imprisonment for four months. The fine is paid in full on
28th February. The sentence of four months of imprisonment shall begin
from 28th February and not from 31st January.
(iii) If, a prisoner sentenced to a term of imprisonment in default
of payment of fine is also, either at the same time or subsequently,
sentenced to another term or terms of imprisonment, the initial sentence
shall be kept in abeyance till the expiration of all the absolute sentences
of imprisonment. It shall be annulled wholly or partially by the payment
of the fine in whole or in part, before the expiry of that period or so
long as imprisonment continues.
Explanation: This rule covers the case of a prisoner whose first
sentence of imprisonment is only in default of payment of fine. The
substantive sentences of imprisonment, subsequently imposed, shall
count from the date of the first sentence and the imprisonment in default
of payment offline shall take effect last, although a portion of it may
have been already served when the substantive sentence were awarded,
unless the imprisonment is of a different denomination to that of the
substantive sentences. In such a case, the imprisonment in default of
payment of fine shall be completed before the substantive sentences
take effect.
311
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(iv) The imprisonment, which is imposed in default of payment
of a fine, shall terminate whenever that fine is either paid or levied by
the process of law.
(v) If, a prisoner is sentenced to imprisonment, of which the
whole or any portion thereof is in default of the payment of any fine,
and if, the fine or a portion of it is not immediately paid, the dates of
release shall be calculated and entered on the prisoner's warrant and
History Ticket and in the Registers so as to correspond both with
payment and with non-payment of fine.
(vi) If, a prisoner who is sentenced to a fine and in default to
imprisonment, pays a portion of the fine, the date of release shall be
proportionally altered. If, the imprisonment in default of payment of fine
is expressed in calendar months, reduction of imprisonment to be made
in consequence of such payment shall be calculated in calendar months
and not in days. Any fraction of a month obtained by such calculation
shall be reduced to days. When the fraction thus obtained is not exactly
equal to any number of days or is less than a single day, the portion of
a day which results shall be considered and treated as being equal to
a full day.
Example: A prisoner is sentenced on 1st January to a fine of
Rs. 300 or in default to six months’ imprisonment. No part of the fine is
realized except a sum of 75 paise. He shall be released on 29th June,
even though the amount realized is less than the full amount due for
a single day.
(vii) When a prisoner is sentenced to fine and the fine is paid
in installments, the period of sentence to be remitted shall not be
calculated on the individual payments, but, on the aggregate of the
several previous payments.
Example: If, a prisoner is sentenced on 1st January to six
months' imprisonment and to a fine of ` 300 and it is ordered that if, the
fine is not paid he shall be imprisoned for a further period of six months,
then if, the prisoner immediately on conviction pays ` 100, the date of
release shall be first fixed at 31st October (six months plus four months
as equivalent of the fine unpaid) or if, he afterwards pays another ` 100,
the date will be changed to 31st August and on his paying the entire
amount of the fine, to 30th June.
312
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(viii) If, a prisoner who is sentenced to a fine and in default
imprisonment for a certain number of years, months and days, pays
a part of the fine, the remission for the payment shall be calculated in
year and months and not in days, and any fraction of a month, obtained
by such calculation shall be reduced to days. When the fraction thus
obtained is not exactly equal to any number of days or is less than a
single day, the portion of a day which results shall be considered and
treated as being equal to a full day, in favour of the prisoner.
532. Payment of fines to prison.— If, a fine or its portion, imposed
on a prisoner as a sentence or part of a sentence by a Magistrate, is
tendered at the prison it shall be received by the concerned officers
during office working hours, except on Sundays and holidays, provided
the prisoner is due for immediate release. The Superintendent shall at
once remit the sum received to the Court or Treasury and send intimation
of the payment to the adjudicating Court.
533. Liability of prisoner to payment.— If an offender, who has
undergone the full term of imprisonment to which he was sentenced, in
default of payment of fine, is still liable to have the fine levied by distress
and sale, the Superintendent of Jail shall accept the whole fine, if
tendered, even though, a part of the alternative imprisonment has been
undergone.
534. Intimation of payment of fine.— (1) When fines imposed on
prisoners are recovered by a Court, intimation of the same will be
received by the Superintendent from the Court. If, the convict has been
transferred elsewhere, the Superintendent shall forward such intimation
by registered post to the prison in which the convict is confined. All
fine intimations shall be acknowledged.
(2) No action shall be taken on fine intimations which do not
bear the seal of the Court. Such intimation shall be returned to the Court
for proper authentication and affixing seal of the Court. Telegrams shall
not be accepted as intimations of recovery of fine. When intimation of
payment of fine by a prisoner is received from a Police Officer, it shall
be returned to that Officer with a request that it may be forwarded
through the Court awarding the sentence.
535. Prisoners to be informed.— When the fine has been paid, the
prisoner concerned shall be informed and the payment shall be duly
noted in the register, on the warrant and on the prisoner’s History Ticket.
The entries in the register and the warrants and History Tickets shall
be signed by the Superintendent and the Deputy Superintendent.
A separate Inward Register for the receipt of the fine intimation shall be
maintained.
313
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
PRISONERS SENTENCED TO SIMPLE IMPRISONMENT
536. Application of remission and labour rules.— (1) Prisoners
sentenced to simple imprisonment shall not ordinarily be governed by
the rules regarding remission system and convict labour.
(2) Such of those prisoners of this class who elect to do work
and who are provided with work and who complete such work to the
satisfaction of the Superintendent may be allowed earn remission as
admissible under the rules contained in Chapter-28 which is liable for
forfeiture for any prison offence committed by them: Provided that
prisoners who, having elected to do work desire to discontinue to do
the work, shall do so after giving notice in advance to this effect to the
Superintendent.
(3) The Simple imprisonment prisoners no penalty shall be
imposed, who has elected to work, for neglect of work or short work or
refusal to work other than removal from the work system.
537. Disciplinary restrictions.— (1) Prisoners sentenced to simple
imprisonment shall clean their own wards and wash their own clothes
and shall keep their clothing and bedding neatly arranged and folded.
They may be compelled to cook their own food or the food of other
prisoners sentenced to simple imprisonment, provided they belong to
class as accustomed in their own houses to perform such duties.
(2) They shall not be compelled to perform menial duties for
others, nor shall they be compelled to perform any duties of a degrading
character.
(3) They shall remain during the day in the part of the prison
assigned to them and shall not wander about the prison, nor enter the
labour yards or worksheds.
538. Exercise.— Prisoners sentenced to simple imprisonment who
are not doing any work may be allowed to take walking exercise or any
other physical exercise within the prison for not more than an hour in
the morning and an hour in the evening if, the Medical Officer considers
it advisable.
539. Hair-cutting and clothing.— Prisoners sentenced to simple
imprisonment shall be permitted to retain their hair as worn on admission
and it shall not be cut closer than is necessary for the purposes of
health and cleanliness. They shall be allowed to wear their own clothing,
314
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
which, if insufficient, may be supplemented by prison clothing; Provided
that military prisoners who are sentenced to simple imprisonment shall
not be allowed to wear military uniform while in prison.
540. Ban on wearing symbols of political party.— Prisoners
sentenced to simple imprisonment under no circumstances shall be
allowed to wear or display in any manner a symbol or thing of a political
party on their body, clothing, bedding or otherwise.
541. Application of other rules.— In all other respects, the rules
herein contained shall apply to the prisoners sentenced to simple
imprisonment, but, they shall, as far as possible, be kept separate from
other convicted prisoners.
JUDICIAL SOLITARY CONFINEMENT
542. Method of executing sentence.— A prisoner sentenced to
solitary confinement shall be placed in a separate cell, as far as possible,
out of sight and hearing of what is going on outside and he shall be so
confined for the periods laid down in section 74 of the Indian Penal
Code, 1860 and such periods shall not be broken except upon the
recommendation of the Medical Officer.
543. Calculation of term.— (1) A sentence of imprisonment for
a year and a day, of which three months shall be undergone in solitary
confinement, though legal under section 73 of the Indian Penal Code,
1860 cannot be executed under section 74 of the said Code because not
more than eighty-four days of solitary confinement can be inflicted in
any one year, and the Superintendent shall inform the Court accordingly.
A similar discrepancy occurs if, a prisoner is sentenced to four months'
imprisonment of which one is to be solitary or to seven months
imprisonment of which two are to be solitary.
(2) The execution of a sentence of solitary confinement need
be postponed on account of an appeal having been lodged.
544. When two sentences are imposed.— When a prisoner is
sentenced to imprisonment under two separate warrants, of which the
second alone awards any period of solitary confinement, the solitary
confinement shall not be executed during the duration of the first-term
of imprisonment. Similarly, if, the term of solitary confinement under one
warrant is too long to be executed completely during the term of
315
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
imprisonment awarded under that warrant, the balance shall not be
carried out during any subsequent term of imprisonment undergone
under a second warrant.
545. Restriction in similar prison punishment.— A period of
separate confinement awarded as a prison punishment under the Prisons
Act, 1894 shall not be carried out in continuation of a period of solitary
confinement forming part of a judicial sentence.
546. Medical examination.— (1) No prisoner shall be placed in
solitary confinement as a judicial punishment until the Medical Officer
has certified that he is in a fit state of health to undergo the said
punishment.
(2) If, a prisoner sentenced to solitary confinement be declared
by the Medical Officer to be permanently unfit to undergo such
confinement, the fact shall be reported to the Court which awarded the
sentence. The declaration should be recorded in the history ticket and
the warrant.
547. Search of prisoner and cell.— Every prisoner before being
placed in solitary confinement shall be thoroughly searched and any
article which it is considered dangerous or inexpedient for him to retain
shall be removed. Both the cell and the person of the prisoner shall be
carefully searched daily so long as the solitary confinement continues.
548. Ticket outside cell–door.— Outside the cell-door of every
prisoner undergoing solitary confinement, a ticket showing the
particulars mentioned shall be suspended.
549. Exercise.— Prisoners undergoing solitary confinement as per
Court orders shall be permitted to take such exercise in the open air
inside the prison as the Medical Officer shall consider to be necessary
for their health.
550. Airing of bedding.— The bedding of prisoners in solitary
confinement shall be taken cut of the cells during the day and exposed
to the sun and air for as long a period as the weather permits.
551. Occupant to clean Cell.— Prisoners in a solitary confinement
shall keep their respective cells scrupulously clean.
552. Guarding.— A warder shall be on duty continuously
throughout day and night to guard the cell where any prisoner is
undergoing solitary confinement and every such prisoner shall be
inspected whenever the officer on guard is changed.
316
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
553. Removal in case of sickness.— In the case of sickness,
immediate notice shall be given to the Medical Officer on duty who shall
visit the cell without delay and examine the prisoner. If necessary, the
Deputy Superintendent may cause such prisoner in solitary confinement
to be removed to the hospital, reporting his action to the Superintendent
in his report book for the day.
554. Record of confinement.— On each occasion a prisoner
undergoes solitary confinement as a judicial punishment, the Deputy
Superintendent shall note on the reverse of the prisoner’s warrant and
also on his history ticket, the date on which the prisoner was placed in
the cell, the date on which he was removed and the number of days he
spent in such confinement. The entries thus made by the Deputy
Superintendent in the warrant and the history ticket shall bear his initials
with date and they shall also be duly attested by the Superintendent,
with initial and date.
CHAPTER–19
PRISONERS SENTENCED TO DEATH
555. Search of prisoners sentenced to death on admission.—
(1) On admission of a convict in a prison, the Superintendent shall report
the admission to the Government, the Superintendent shall also report
to the Government, the date fixed for his execution by the Court of
Session on confirmation of the sentence of death by the High Court,
and solicit orders of the Government regarding stay of his execution.
(2) On admission a convict shall be thoroughly searched by the
Jailor or by order of the Jailor as provided in Section 30 of the Prisons
Act whereas. a female convict shall be searched by a female Deputy
Superintendent of Jail or under her orders, by a Matron and in the
absence of a female Deputy Superintendent of Jail or Matron, such
search may be made by any other suitable female or by a Female Guard
an convict officer as ordered by the Female Deputy Superintendent of
Jail, Subject to the provisions of Section 30, all private property shall
be removed from the convict.
556. Issue of Articles on Admission.— The Senior Jailor shall ensure
that the following articles are issued to a convict; on his admission to
a prison:-
(a) a pant without cord;
317
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(b) two all wool blankets or two cotton wool blankets, one
for spreading and another for coverage;
(c) a pot, plate and a mug of thin light aluminium;
(d) A thin Kasti may be issued to a Parsee convict.
Two cotton sarees/salwarkameez and bodices may be issued to
female convicts. However, if, it is considered unsafe to issue sarees to
any such convicts; pyjamas without cord and a kurta may be issued to
her.
557. Confinement in cell in special yard.— (i) Every convict shall
(whether or not the sentence of death has been confirmed by the High
Court), from the date of his admission to a prison, be confined in a cell
in a special yard, apart from all other prisoners as required by section
30 of the Prisons Act. The cell or room in which a convict is confined
shall before he is placed in it, be always examined by the Senior Jailor
who shall satisfy himself about its fitness and safety. No prisoners
except convicts under sentence of death shall be kept in the special yard.
(ii) Where, there is more than one such cell in the special yard,
the prisoner sentenced to death shall be changed daily from one cell to
another.
558. Cell to be examined.— (1) Every cell in which a convict under
sentence of death is to be confined, shall, before such convict is lodged
in it, be examined by the Deputy Superintendent or by an officer
appointed in that behalf, who shall satisfy himself that it is secure and
contains no article of any kind which the prisoner could, by any
possibility, use as a weapon of offence or as an instrument with which
to commit suicide or which is, in the opinion of that officer, it is
inexpedient to be permitted to remain in such cell.
(2) When two or more cells are occupied, the Sentry shall walk
up and down past them, so that each prisoner guarded by him comes
into his view at short intervals.
(3) The Sentry guarding these cells shall be relieved every two
hours.
559. Guarding.— (1) Every prisoner sentenced to death shall be
under observation of the guarding staff on a twenty-four hour basis,
Convict officers shall not be employed on this duty.
318
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(2) A guard shall in no case be given more than two hours duty
at a stretch and every guard shall be equipped with a regulation baton
and shall be so posted that the convict shall be under continuous watch
and should not be armed with a firearm, bayonet or any sharp weapon.
(3) The Sentry shall be posted in front of the grated door of
the cell, the key of the cell lock shall be kept with the Sentry/prison
guard on duty so as to be immediately available in case of emergency.
The lock must be such which cannot be opened by any other key in
use in the prison. The Sentry/Woman prison guard shall be so posted
that the prisoner sentenced to death is under continuous watch.
A prisoner sentenced to death shall not be taken out of his cell unless
the requisite numbers of guards are present. If, the guard on duty notices
a prisoner attempting to commit suicide he shall raise alarm for help and
enter the cell. The special guard in whose charge prisoners sentenced
to death is put shall allow no one to approach the cell or communicate
with the prisoners in any manner except the Superintendent of Jail and
any other officer authorized by the Superintendent in that behalf.
(4) A prisoner under sentence of death shall not be handcuffed
or placed in any form of restraint unless he is so violent as to be
dangerous to the guard or to himself. If it is deemed necessary to put
on handcuffs, the reason for such action shall be reported to The
Inspector-General and the Regional D.I.G.
560. Restriction on removal to prison hospital.— (1) Prisoners
sentenced to death shall not be removed to the prison hospital for
treatment without the special sanction of the Inspector-General.
(2) The Superintendent may, however order the removal of
a prisoner to the prison hospital, in anticipation of sanction; if, the
Medical Officer of the prison certifies that the prisoner is in danger of
dying and requires treatment in the prison hospital.
(3) If, a prisoner, who is sentenced to death, is removed to a
prison hospital, he shall be segregated from all other prisoners in the
hospital and a special guard should be posted according to requirements.
561. Search.— Prisoner under sentence of death shall be
thoroughly searched:-
(i) Every time he is taken out of or is put inside his cell;
(ii) Every time the contingent of guards on the duty is
changed in the presence of the guard commander; and
319
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
562. Special Treatment.— (1) A prisoner sentenced to death shall
not be put in fetters or handcuffed unless he is so violent as to be
dangerous to the guard or to himself. If, it is deemed necessary to put
on fetters or handcuffs, the reasons for such action shall be reported to
the Inspector-General.
(2) The Superintendent is authorized to issue suitable diet to
prisoners sentenced to death after consultation with the Medical Officer.
(3) A prisoner may, on the recommendation of the Medical
Officer, be allowed exercise in open air and within the prison walls,
morning and evening, under the care of the guard.
(4) If, the Superintendent considers it expedient so to do, the
convict may be handcuffed, when he is taking exercise.
563. Diet.— The Superintendent is authorized to issue suitable diet
to prisoners sentenced to death after consultation with the Medical
Officer.
564. Exercise.— Prisoners sentenced to death should be allowed
facilities of exercising in the open air in the Court, one hour in the
morning and one hour in the evening under proper security
arrangements. The guard should be present when the prisoner is taking
exercise. The period of exercise should be regulated in accordance with
the opinion of the Medical Officer.
565. Interviews.— The Superintendent may permit prisoners under
sentence of death to have interviews with their relatives, friends or legal
advisors, once a week or more often when the Superintendent is of the
opinion that such interviews may be granted for good reason.
The Jailor shall before granting interviews, ensure that all
precautionary and security measures are taken before hand.
The prisoner shall be brought from the cell to the interview room
under proper escort at the time of interview and the interviewers and
the prisoner shall be separated by expanded metal barriers.
A religious priest or a faith-based head (of the religion/faith to
which a prisoner belongs) may be summoned once a week at the cost of
Government, if, the prisoner so desires.
The Superintendent may permit a Minister to be summoned more
often for adequate reasons to be recorded in the History Ticket of the
convict.
320
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
566. Facilities.— Facilities: A prisoner sentenced to death may be
allowed the following facilities with the approval of the Superintendent
of Jail:-
(i) Religious books;
(ii) Religious pictures;
(iii) Rosary and essential religious emblems subject to
security requirements;
(iv) Newspapers and books;
The Superintendent is authorized to incur expenditure up to an
amount to be fixed by Government in a deserving case for the purpose
of giving reasonable solace to the prisoner, for instance securing the
presence of his near relatives before his execution.
The Inspector-General may allow further expenditure on a
prisoner sentenced to death in urgent, compassionate and deserving
cases.
567. Observation.— (i) The prison officer in-charge should
carefully observe the behaviour of prisoners’ sentences to death with
special focus on his mental status.
(ii) The notes of psychological observation kept by the Jailor
should be checked daily by the Superintendent who should ensure that
the data required for the compilation of the notes is collected by the
Jailor in an intelligent manner and that the same have a factual base.
Two copies of the case history of the prisoner and the notes shall be
sent by the Superintendent to The Inspector-General immediately after
the final disposal of the case.
(iii) A copy of the case history and psychological notes shall
be sent by The Inspector-General to the Government immediately on
receipt together with his own remarks thereon if any. Such record may
prove useful for psychological study and research purposes.
568. Insanity.— (1) If, any prisoner awaiting sentence of death
shows signs of mental illness which, in the opinion of the Medical
Officer, are not feigned or which require observation to determine
whether they are feigned or not, the circumstance shall at once be
reported to Government, through the Inspector-General of Prisons under
intimation to the Regional Chief Superintendent for orders along with
the following documents:-
321
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(i) The Nominal Roll of the prisoner;
(ii) A copy of the warrant under which he is confined (in
duplicate);
(iii) The Medical Officer’s certificate in the prescribed form;
and
(iv) The medical history sheet (in duplicate).
Note: A copy of the judgment should also be sent as soon as
possible.
(2) If, Government orders, the appointment of a Special Medical
Board, for the purpose of examining the mental condition of a convict
sentenced to death, he shall be kept under observation in the prison by
the psychiatrist in charge of the nearest psychiatric or similar institution
or the Civil Surgeon for a period of ten days or longer if, considered
necessary prior to an examination by the Medical Board.
(3) The Superintendent and the Medical Officer of the prison,
in which the convict may be confined, shall give all facilities to the
Psychiatrist or the Civil Surgeon for a physical examination of the
convict including serological tests and for observation of the convict
without his knowledge.
(4) As soon as possible, after the Medical Board is appointed
and the convict is placed under observation, the Superintendent of the
prison shall collect information about the convict through the Police or
other sources and place it at the disposal of the Psychiatrist or Civil
Surgeon.
(5) Where Government orders, the appointment of Special
Medical Board for examining the mental condition of a convict under
sentence of death under any relevant State rules, the Superintendent
shall obtain the history of such convict from institutions or individuals
with whom he has had contacts. The Psychiatrist under whose
observation the convict is kept pending examination by the Special
Medical Board, shall furnish the Superintendent with a questionnaire
for collecting the information. Factual material concerning the mental
condition of the convict shall be obtained either from records or from
eye-witnesses including the officer who arrested him. For the purpose
of an estimation of the convicts state of mind just prior to, at the time
of and soon after the commission of the offence, reports shall be
obtained from eye-witnesses including relatives of the convict.
322
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
Note:- Evidence regarding the behaviour of the prisoner at the
time of the trial and especially during examination in Court
will be available from the proceedings of the Court
including the evidence and the summing up and
judgment. Reports on the convict shall be obtained from
individuals who have been in contact with him during his
remand and subsequent detention in the prison. While
collecting this information, utmost care shall be taken to
see that the object within which it is collected is not
divulged. It should also be remembered that the relatives
of the convict are likely to be specially interested and
the information supplied by them shall be used with the
greatest care.
(6) As soon as the Medical Specialist or Civil Surgeon is ready
with his report, he shall request the Director of Health Services to fix
a date for the meeting of the Special Medical Board.
(7) The Medical Specialist or Civil Surgeon shall place all the
records before the Medical Board. The President of the Board shall
forward the proceedings of the Medical Board together with their own
opinion to the Secretary, Home Department, through the Inspector-General
of Prisons and the Director of Health Services.
569. Appeal facilities.— (1) Immediately on receipt of a warrant
of execution from the convicting Court, consequent of the confirmation
by the High Court of the sentence of death, the Superintendent shall
inform the convict that if, he wishes to appeal to the Supreme Court or
to make an application for Emergency leave to appeal to the Supreme
Court under any of the relevant provisions of the Constitution of India
(hereinafter referred to as “appeal and application” respectively), he may
do so within the period prescribed by the Supreme Court Rules.
(2) If, the prisoner under sentence of death so desires, the
Deputy Superintendent or the Law Officer as the case may be, shall at
once get his appeal prepared for him as far as possible in his own words
and it shall be forwarded either under registered cover or hand delivered
by a prison official to the Registrar of the appropriate Court under
intimation to the Government and the IG/CSJ.
323
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(3) Whenever a sentence of death has been passed by any
Court or Tribunal, the sentence shall not be executed until after the
dismissal of the appeal or of the application or, in case no such appeal
has been preferred or no such application has been made, until after
the expiry of the period allowed for an appeal or for making of such
application:
Provided that if, a petition for mercy has been submitted by or
on behalf of a convict, the execution of the sentence shall further be
postponed, pending the orders of the President thereon:
Provided further that if, the sentence of death has been passed
on more than one person in the same case, and if, an appeal or an
application is made by or on behalf of only one or more but, not all of
them, the execution of the sentence shall be postponed in the case of
all such persons (convicts) and not only in the case of the person or
persons by whom or on whose behalf, the appeal or the application is
made.
570. Petition for mercy-Role of prison authority.— (1) Immediately
on receipt of intimation of the confirmation by the High Court of a sentence
of death on a prisoner or of the dismissal by the Supreme Court of the
appeal or the application for Special Leave to appeal to it lodged by or
on behalf or on the convict, in case the convict concerned has made no
previous petition for mercy, the Jail Superintendent shall forthwith inform
him (the convict) that if, he desire to submit a petition for mercy it should
be submitted in writing within seven days of the date of such intimation.
(2) A convict under sentence of death shall be allowed, if, he
has not already submitted a petition for mercy, for the preparation and
submission of a petition for mercy, seven days after, and exclusive of,
the date on which the Superintendent of Jail informs him of the dismissal
by the Supreme Court of his appeal or of his application for special leave
to appeal to the Supreme Court.
Note:-
In cases, where, no appeal to the Supreme Court or no
application for Special Leave to it, has been lodged by
or on behalf of the convict, the said period of seven days
shall be counted from the date next after the date on
which the time allowed for an appeal to the Supreme
Court or for lodging an application for Special Leave to
324
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
appeal to it, expires. On expiry of such time, if, the convict
has made no previous petition for mercy, it shall be the
duty of the Jail Superintendent to inform the convict
concerned that if, he desires to submit a petition for
mercy he should do so in writing within seven days of
the date of such intimation.
(3) If, the convict submits a petition within the period of seven
days, it should be addressed to the Administrator and the President of
India. The Superintendent of the Jail shall forthwith dispatch it to the
Secretary to Administrator concerned, together with a covering letter
reporting the date fixed for the execution and shall certify that the
execution has be stayed pending receipt of the orders of the Government
on the petition. If, no reply is received within 15 days from the date of
the dispatch of the petition, the Superintendent shall by express letter
(Fax/e-mail/Special messenger) to the Secretary to the Administrator,
drawing attention to the fact, but, he shall in no case carry out the
execution before the receipt of the Government's reply.
(4) If, the convict submits a petition after the period, the
Superintendent of the Jail shall at once forward it to the Government by
Fax letter and at the same time the substance of it, requesting orders
whether the execution should be postponed and stating that, pending
a reply, the sentence will not be carried out. If, such petition is received
by the Superintendent later than noon on the day preceding that fixed
for the execution, he shall at once forward it to the Government and at
the same time by Fax/e-mail/Special messenger letter inform the
substance of it, giving the date of execution and stating that the
sentence will be carried out unless orders to the contrary are received.
(5) In the event of it coming to the knowledge of the
Superintendent at any time before the execution of the sentence that
altogether exceptional circumstances have arisen which plainly demand
a reconsideration of the sentence, he is at liberty, notwithstanding
anything in the foregoing clauses, to report the circumstances by Fax
letter to the Government and ask for its orders and to defer execution
till they are received. In such instances, assistance of the Union territory
of Puducherry Legal Services Authority (UTPLSA) should be sought.
325
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(6) The Superintendent shall at once repeat back to the
Secretary to the Administrator all correspondence communicating orders
to him regarding petitions for mercy, by way of acknowledgment of their
receipt.
(7) Legal aid should be provided to the convict at all stages
even after the rejection of a mercy petition. Hence, Superintendent of
Jails are directed to intimate the rejection of mercy petitions to the
nearest Legal Aid Centre apart from intimating the convicts.
(8) Death convicts are entitled as a rights to receive a copy of
the rejection of the mercy petition by the President.
(9) Mental Health Evaluation: As it is quite possible that some
death row convicts might lose their mental balance, there should be
regular mental health evaluation and appropriate medical care should
be given to those in need.
(10) Physical and Mental Health Reports: After the execution
warrant is issued, the Prison Superintendent should satisfy himself on
the basis of medical reports by Government Doctors and Psychiatrists
that the prisoner is in a fit physical and mental condition to be executed.
If, the Superintendent is of the opinion that the prisoner is not fit, he
should forthwith stop the execution, and produce the prisoner before a
Medical Board for a comprehensive evaluation and shall forward the
report of the same to the Government for further action.
(11) Furnishing documents to the convict: Death row convicts
should be provided with copies of relevant documents within a week of
conviction by the prison authorities to assist in making mercy petition
and petitioning the Courts.
(12) Final Meeting between convict and his family: It would be
mandatory for prison authorities to facilitate and allow a final meeting
between the prisoner and his family and friends prior to the execution.
(13) Post-mortem reports. After the execution of death penalty,
post-mortem would need to be mandatory performed to ascertain the
exact cause of death.
571. Petition for mercy-Action by the Government.— (i) If, the
convict submits a petition within the above period, it shall be addressed
to the Administratorand the President of India. The execution of sentence
shall in all cases be postponed pending receipt of their orders.
326
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(ii) The petition shall in the first instance be sent to the
Administrator for consideration and orders of the Administrator. It shall
be forwarded to the Secretary to the Government of India, Ministry of
Home Affairs.
Note: The Petition made in case, where the sentence of death
is for an offence against any law exclusively relatable to
a matter to which the executive power of the Union
extends, shall not be considered by the Government, but,
shall forthwith be forwarded to the Secretary to the
Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs.
(iii) If, the convict submits the petition after the period
prescribed by 568 (2) above, it will be within the discretion of the
Government to consider the petition and to postpone execution pending
such consideration till a decision is taken on or not to withhold the
petition by the President.
—
if, the sentence of death was passed by an appellate Court
on an appeal againstthe convict acquittal or as a result of an
enhancement of sentence by the appellate Court, whether on its own
motion or on an application for enhancement of sentence, or
— when there are any circumstances about the case, which, in
the opinion of the Government, render it desirable that the President
should have an opportunity of considering it, as in cases of a political
character and those in which for any special reason considerable public
interest has been aroused. When the petition is forwarded to the
Secretary to the Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs, the
execution shall simultaneously be postponed pending receipt of orders
of the President thereon.
(iv) In all cases in which a petition for mercy from a convict
under sentence of death is to be forwarded to the Secretary to the
Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs, or the Government, shall
forward such petition as expeditiously as possible along with the records
of the case and his or its observations in respect of any of the grounds
urged in the petition.
(v) Upon the receipt of the orders of the President, an
acknowledgment shall be sent to the Secretary to the Government of
India, Ministry of Home Affairs, immediately in the manner hereinafter
provided. In the case of, if, the petition is rejected, the orders will be
327
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
communicated by express letter and receipt thereof shall be
acknowledged by express letter. Orders commuting the death sentence
will be communicated by express letter receipt thereof shall be
acknowledged by express letter.
(vi) A petition submitted by a convict shall be withheld by the
Government, if, a petition containing a similar prayer has already been
submitted to the President. When a petition is so withheld the
petitioners shall be informed of the fact and of the reason for
withholding it.
(vii) Petitions for mercy submitted on behalf of a convict under
sentence of death shall be dealt with mutatis mutandis, in the manner
provided herein for dealing with a petition from the convict himself. The
petitioners on behalf of a concerned convict shall be informed of the
orders passed in the case. If, the petition is signed by more than one
person, it shall be sufficient to inform the first signatory, the convict
himself shall also be informed of the submission of any petition on his
behalf and of the orders passed thereon.
(viii) Whenever a sentence of death has been passed by any
Court or Tribunal, the sentence shall not be executed until after the
dismissal of the appeal to the Supreme Court or of the application for
special leave to appeal to the Supreme Court or, in case no such appeal
has been preferred or no such application has been lodged, until after
the expiry of the period allowed for an appeal to the Supreme Court or
for lodging of an application for Special Leave to appeal to the Supreme
Court. Provided that if, a petition for mercy has been submitted by or
on behalf of the convict, execution of the sentence shall further be
postponed pending the orders of the President thereon.
Note: If, the sentence of death has been passed on more than
one person in the same case and if an appeal to a higher
Court or an application for special leave to appeal to the
Supreme Court is lodged by, or on behalf of, only one or
more but, not all of them, the execution of the sentence
shall be postponed in the case of all such persons and
not only in the case of the person or persons by whom,
or on whose behalf, the appeal or the application is
lodged.
328
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(ix) On receipt of the intimation of the lodging of an appeal to
the Supreme Court or of an application for special leave to appeal to
that Court or of an intention to do so, the Government concerned, shall
forthwith communicate by e-mail to the Government Advocate, Ministry
of Law, and also to the Secretary to the Government of India, Ministry
of Home Affairs:
— the name of the convict under sentence of death, and
— particulars relating to the appeal or the application.
(x) If, it is desired to oppose the appeal or the application, three
copies of the paper book and of the judgment of the High Court or the
Judicial Commissioners Court or the Tribunal, as the case may be, (one
copy of each being a certified copy) a power of attorney in the form
prescribed by the Supreme Court and instructions, if any, for the purpose
of opposing the appeal or the application shall be immediately sent to
the Government Advocate, Ministry of Law. Notice of the intended
appeal or application, if, and when served by or on behalf of the convict,
shall also be transmitted to him without delay. If, the intended appeal
or application is not lodged within the period prescribed by the Supreme
Court Rules, the Government Advocate shall intimate the fact by express
letter to the Government. The execution of the sentence shall not
thereafter be postponed, unless a petition for mercy has been submitted
by or on behalf of the convict.
(xi) If, an appeal or an application for special leave to appeal
has been lodged in the Supreme Court on behalf of the convict, the
Government Advocate, Ministry of Law will intimate the fact to the
Government and also to the Secretary to the Government of India,
Ministry of Home Affairs. The Government Advocate will keep the
aforesaid authorities in formed of all developments in the Supreme Court,
in those cases which present unusual features. In all cases, however,
he will communicate the result of the appeal or application for special
leave to appeal, he will communicate the result of the appeal or
application for special leave to appeal, to the Government, by express
letter, endorsing a copy of his communication to the Secretary to the
Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs, the Government, as the
case may be, shall forthwith acknowledge the receipt of the
communication received from the Government Court in each case will
be supplied by the Government Advocate, Ministry of Law, in due
course to the Government, who shall acknowledge the receipt thereof.
329
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
The execution of the sentence of death shall not be carried until after
the receipt of the certified copy of the judgment of the Supreme Court
dismissing the appeal or the application for Special Leave to appeal and
until an intimation has been received from the Ministry of Home Affairs
about the rejection by the President of India, of the petition for mercy
submitted, if any, by or on behalf of the convict.
(xii) Minimum period of execution of death sentence. A minimum
period of 14 days was stipulated by the Supreme Court between the
receipt of the communication of the rejection of the mercy petition and
the scheduled date of execution. This is to enable the convict to prepare
himself and settle his affairs and meet his family members for one last
time or to avail any judicial remedy.
572. Stay of execution-petition for mercy.— (1) Execution of a
prisoner sentenced to death should be stayed in the following cases
after the date of execution has been fixed by the Government:-
(i) If, the prisoner desires to send an appeal to a higher
Court, if he/she has not done so previously,
(ii) In the case of a prisoner desiring to send mercy petition,
if, he has not done so previously, and
(iii) In the case of a telephonic order for execution received
from competent authority, if, confirmation thereof has not
been received.
(2) On receipt of an intimation from the Government that the
appeal or application to the Supreme Court, has not been lodged within
the period prescribed by the Supreme Court Rules, the execution of the
sentence shall not thereafter be postponed, unless a petition for mercy
has been submitted by or on behalf of the convict.
(3) Immediately on receipt of intimation of the confirmation by
the High Court of a sentence of death on a prisoner or of the dismissal
by the Supreme Court of the prisoner's appeal or his application for
Emergency leave to appeal, the Superintendent shall personally inform
the prisoner that if, he desires to submit a petition for mercy, it should
be submitted in writing within seven days.
(4) If, the prisoner submit a petition within the period of seven
days, it should be addressed to the Government and to the President of
India and dispatched by registered post with acknowledgment due,
330
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
to the Secretary to Government, Home Department, together with
a covering letter bearing in red ink, the words ‘Death Sentence’, ‘Petition
for Mercy’ and ‘Urgent’ reporting the date fixed for the execution and
certifying that the execution has been stayed pending receipt of the
orders of the Government on the petition. If, no reply is received within
15 days from the date of dispatch of the Petition, the Superintendent
shall send an express letter to the Secretary to Government, Home
Department drawing attention to the fact. He shall in no case carry out
the execution before receipt of a reply from the Government.
(5) If, at any time before the execution of the sentence, it comes
to the knowledge of the Superintendent that exceptional circumstances
have arisen which plainly demand a reconsideration of the sentence, he
should report the circumstances by wireless to the Government and ask
for its orders. In such a case, the Superintendent shall defer execution
of the prisoner till Government orders are received
573. Execution of death sentence.— All executions shall take place
at the prison to which the warrant is directed, unless expressly ordered
otherwise in the warrant and they shall usually be carried out in a special
enclosure attached to or within the walls of the prison, no convict shall
be executed on a day which has been notified as a public holiday.
574. Communications to have special marking.— (1) The words
'Death sentence' should be inserted before the address in communication
relating to capital sentence.
(2) In all cases receipts of orders communicating the rejection
of petitions shall invariably be acknowledged by registered letter. The
orders of the Government postponing the execution shall immediately
be acknowledged by wireless message. Telephonic orders regarding
prisoners shall be got confirmed by telephoning back to the concerned
authority in the Government.
(3) A distinctive red envelope with the words ‘Death Sentence’
and ‘Immediate’ marked on the top left and right hand comers
respectively, shall be used in death sentence cases. All Superintendents
shall make special arrangements to ensure that communication received
in these distinctive envelopes are received in the prison at any time of
the day or night either by the Deputy Superintendent or in his absence
by the senior most officer in-charge of the Prison at the time the
communication is delivered who:-
331
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(i) shall note the time and date of receipt of the
communication in the receipt register, and
(ii) Shall immediately place, the communication before the
Superintendent or in his absence the officer next below
him, for orders.
(5) The Superintendent shall see that prompt replies and
acknowledgments are furnished where these are required and that in the
case of orders staying execution acknowledgments are promptly sent to
the Government by special messenger or telegram and well in advance
of the time fixed for execution of the sentence.
575. Action on final confirmation of Death Sentence.— The
Government shall fix the date of the execution of a convict, if, his Mercy
Petition is rejected. On receipt from the Government of the final
confirmation and the date of execution of a convict.
(i) the convict and his relatives shall be informed about the date
of execution by the Superintendent;
(ii) the convict, if he so desires, be permitted to prepare his will
in his will, his statement to that effect shall be recorded by the Senior
Deputy Superintendent of Jail.
576. Postponement on medical grounds.— (1) The execution of a
convict shall not be carried out on the date fixed if he is physically unfit
to receive the punishment, but, in determining the degree of physical
disability sufficient to justify postponement of the execution, the illness
shall be both serious and acute (not chronic) before postponement is
considered.
(2) The Superintendent shall at once submit to the Inspector-General
a detailed report of such cases together with the medical opinion
regarding the degree of physical disability of the prisoner and the
probable date, if any, on which the prisoner is likely to become physically
fit for execution.
577. Delay in capital sentence.— Should any extraordinary or
unavoidable delay occur in carrying out a capital sentence into execution
from any cause other than the submission of an appeal or application,
the Superintendent shall immediately report the circumstances to the
Sessions Judge and return the original warrant either for the issue of
a fresh warrant, or for an endorsement upon the same warrant, of an
order containing a definite date for carrying the postponed sentence
into effect.
332
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
578. Pregnancy.— Where a female convict is certified by the
Medical Officer to be pregnant, the Medical Officer shall inform the
Superintendent of the same, and the Superintendent shall make a note
to that effect on the warrant, and return the warrant to the Sessions
Judge for endorsing thereon, an order for the suspension of the
execution of the sentence, until the orders of the High Court have been
taken under section 416 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.
When a woman prisoner sentenced to death declares herself to
be pregnant, and the Medical Officer is unable to certify the truth or
otherwise of the statement, immediately, he shall state the interval of
time necessary to enable him to satisfy himself on the point. The
Superintendent should immediately report the case to the Government
through the DG/IG for postponing the date of the execution. If, the
Medical Officer confirms the fact of pregnancy, the provisions of
paragraph shall apply.
When execution of a capital sentence on a woman prisoner has
been suspended under either of the situations mentioned above, the
sentence shall not afterwards be executed without the express order of
the Government for which the Superintendent shall apply immediately
through the IG/CSJ.
579. Witnessing the execution of death.— Prisoners shall never
be made to attend an execution, in such cases, it shall rest with the
Superintendent with the prior sanction of the DG/IG to determine what
prisoners shall be selected to witness the execution.
580. Arrangement for execution.— On receipt of the date of
execution of the prisoner, the Superintendent shall be authorized to fix
the time of execution sufficiently in advance. A report intimating the time
of the execution shall be sent to the Inspector-General, the Sessions
Judge and the Government.
Note:- (1) The execution shall take place early in the morning before
it gets bright. The latest time of the day for different
seasons will be in accordance with orders passed
separately by the Government.
(2) The Executive Engineer (PWD) shall arrange the
inspection of the gallows every quarter and before the
date of a hanging as and when intimated by the
Superintendent. The gallows shall be inspected and the
333
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
rope tested in the presence of the Superintendent the
evening before the execution, he being personally
responsible that these arrangements are properly made.
A new rope need not necessarily be used for every
execution, but the Superintendent shall see that the rope
is carefully tested. As a rule, a bag of sand weighing IV
times the weight of the prisoner to be hanged and
dropped between 1.830 and 2.440 metres will afford a safe
test of the rope. Two spare ropes for each prisoner
sentenced to death shall be kept ready in reserve on the
scaffold in the event of accidents.
(3) Wax or butter shall be applied to the loop of the rope.
After testing, the rope and other equipment shall be
securely locked and sealed in steel box and shall be kept
in charge of Deputy Superintendent.
(4) The gallows shall be inspected and the rope tested in the
presence of the Superintendent on the evening before the
execution; he being personally responsible that these
arrangements are properly made. A new rope need not
necessarily be used for every execution, but, the
Superintendent shall see that the rope is carefully tested.
As a rule, a dummy or a bag of sand weighing 172 times
the weight of the prisoner, hung and dropped between 6
and 8 feet or 1.83 and 2.50 mtrs. Will afford a safe test of
the rope. Two spare ropes for each prisoner shall always
be kept ready in reserve on the scaffold to meet any
contingency.
(5) Wax or butter shall be applied to the loop of the rope.
After testing, the ropes and other equipment shall be
securely locked and sealed in steel box and shall be kept
in charge of the Deputy Superintendent.
(6) The Medical Officer shall report in the medical report
about the drop to be given to the prisoner at least four
days before the date on which the prisoner is to be
executed. The Medical Officer of the prison shall work
out the details of the length of the drop to be given to a
prisoner on principles shown below:-
334
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(i) If, the prisoner weighs less than 45.360 kgs, he should
be given a drop of 2.440 metres.;
(ii) If, the prisoner weighs from 45.330 to 60.330 kgs, he
should be given a drop of 2.290 metres.
(iii) If, the prisoner weighs more than 60.330 kgs, but, not
more than 75.330 kgs, he should be given a drop of
2.130 metres;
(iv) If, the prisoner weighs more than 75.330 kgs. but, not
more than 90.720 kgs, he should be given a drop of
1.980 metres.;
(v) If, the prisoner weighs more than 90.720 kgs, he
should be given a drop of 1.830 metres.
Provided that so long as the extreme limits of 1.830 metres on
the one hand and 2.440 metres on the other hand are adhered to if,
owing to physical peculiarity of the prisoner, the Medical Officer is of
opinion that the drop should be increased or decreased, effect should
be given to the Medical Officer’s opinion.
Note:- (1) The above calculations are based on the assumption that
the execution rope will be made of cotton yam/manila of
2.59 to 3.81 cms Diameter.
(2) The following measures shall be adopted regarding the
fixing of the length of the rope to permit the required
drop:
(i) The height of the prisoner to the angle of the jaw
immediately below the left ear shall be accurately
measured, as well as,
(ii) The height from the drop shutter, when fixed in
position, to the lower portion of the ring in the beam
to which the rope will be affixed.
(3) These two measurements will determine the distance
when the prisoner is standing in position on the drop,
from the point of the latter's jaw to the ring in the beam.
The measurement of the prisoners neck shall also be
carefully taken, the neck measurement and the height
measurement to angle of jaw being carried out
335
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
immediately after the prisoner has been sentenced to
death. The length of rope for any given drop shall be
the length of the drop plus the distance from the angle
of the prisoner’s jaw to the ring in the beam.
(4) That is to say, that assuming the distance between the
angle of the jaw and the iron ring to be 1.220 mitres and
the desired drop to be 2.130 metres, the amount of free
hanging from the ring shall be 3.350 metres from the ring
to the leather washer maintaining the loop in position on
a pillow of gunny cloth, filled with sand, of the same
thickness as the neck of the prisoner.
581. Venue and presence of officers and others.— (1) All
executions shall take place at the prison to which the warrant is directed,
unless expressly ordered otherwise. Executions shall usually be carried
out in a special enclosure attached to or within the walls, of the prison.
(2) The Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent, Assistant
Superintendent in-charge and Medical Officer shall be present at all
executions.
(3) An Executive Magistrate deputed by the District Magistrate
shall attend the execution and countersign the warrant.
(4) If, the prisoner so desires, a priest of his faith may be
allowed, at the discretion of the Superintendent, to be present at the
place of execution, subject to the requirements of security and prison
discipline.
(5) Relatives of the prisoner and other prisoners shall not be
allowed to witness the execution. The Superintendent may, however,
permit social scientists, psychologists, psychiatrists, etc. who are
conducting research to be present, the Superintendent's discretion shall
prevail in the matters relating to grant of permission to witness execution.
As a matter of general policy, other persons shall not be permitted to
be present, a Police Guard of not less than ten Constables and two Head
Constables or an equal number from the prison Armed Guards, shall be
present at every execution. The Superintendent of Police will supply the
guard on application, where no Armed Guard of the prison exists.
(6) Prisoners of all categories shall be kept locked up until the
execution is over.
336
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
582. Execution.— (1) The Superintendent, Executive Magistrate,
Medical Officer and the Deputy Superintendent will visit the prisoner
in his cell before the hour fixed for execution, the Superintendent and
the Executive Magistrate shall then identify the prisoner as the person
named in the warrant and read over to him a translation of the warrant
in his mother tongue. Any other documents requiring attestation by the
prisoner such as his will, etc., shall be signed and attested in the
presence of Superintendent and the Executive Magistrate. The hands
of the convict shall be pinioned behind his back.
(2) A cotton cap with flap shall be put on the prisoners face
just before he enters the gallows-enclosures. The prisoner should not
be allowed to see the gallows.
(3) On the arrival of the prisoner at the scaffold, he shall be
made over to the batch of executioners.
Note :- The required number of executioners may always be
posted at the Prison where execution has to be carried
out. The executioners shall be trained in all matters
pertaining to execution of prisoners. At fixed intervals,
the executioners shall be required to practice on
dummies.
583. Duty of Executioners.— (1) The duty of the executioner or
executioners shall be:-
(i) to place the prisoner exactly under the part of the beam
to which the rope is attached;
(ii) to strap the prisoner’s hand tightly; and
(iii) to put the noose round the neck tightly, the knot or metal
eye being just in front of and below the angle of the jaw,
so as to run up behind the ear when the prisoner falls
and receives the jerk. Care must be taken to adjust the
rope so that the part to which the metal eye belongs shall
pass in front of the throat. The noose should be kept
tight, having been adjusted by means of a stiff leather
washer on the rope. The flap of the cap should hang in
front free from the rope.
(2) The Superintendent shall see that the rope round the neck
of the prisoner is adjusted properly and the knot is in proper position.
337
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(3) The operations mentioned-above should be done
simultaneously and as quickly as possible. On completion of all these
operations the Superintendent shall give a signal, on seeing which the
executioner in-charge shall push the lever to let down the trap-door.
(4) The body shall remain suspended for half an hour and shall
then be taken down only after the Medical Officer has certified that life
is extinct.
584. Hangman’s fees.— The hangman shall be paid at the rates
fixed by the Government for the execution of each convict.
585. Disposal of body.— (1) Subject to the provisions of this
paragraph, the body of the executed prisoner shall be disposed of
according to the requirements of the religion to which the executed
convict belonged.
(2) If, the executed prisoner’s relatives make a written
application for performing the last rites, the Superintendent may, in his
discretion, allow such request, provided that the relatives give an
undertaking in writing that they will not make a public demonstration of
any kind in relation to the cremation or burial of the executed convict.
In cases where the Superintendent thinks that there is a likelihood of a
public demonstration, he has the authority to refuse such permission.
In cases of disposal of the body of executed prisoner, in whose case
there is likelihood of public demonstration, the Superintendent shall
consult the District Magistrate and arrangements for the disposal of the
body shall be made according the requirements of the situation. In such
event, the Superintendent shall act in accordance with the instructions
of the District Magistrate.
(3) Except as provided in this chapter, the body of the executed
prisoner shall be taken out of the prison with all solemnity. A municipal
hearse or ambulance shall be used for the transportation of the body to
the cremation or burial ground. The Superintendent is authorized to incur
all reasonable expenditure required for the transportation and disposal
of the dead body.
586. Report of execution of death sentence.— The Superintendent
shall, immediately after each execution, send a report thereof to the DG/
IG and he shall return the warrant duly endorsed to the Court which
issued it.
587. Application of rules.— (1) All rules made in this chapter will
338
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
apply only if, the prisoners are to be executed in the Central Prison,
Puducherry.
(2) If, there are no facilities in the Central Prison, Puducherry
for the execution of the prisoners sentenced to death, such prisoners
may be transferred to a Prison in another State under reciprocal
arrangements made and in such cases, the prisoners will be governed,
in the matter of treatment and execution, etc., by the rules and
regulations in force in the State to which they are transferred.
CHAPTER–20
EMERGENCIES
588. Situations to be handled on an emergency basis.— The
following situations shall be handled as emergencies:-
(i) Escape from prison;
(ii) Outbreak;
(iii) Riots;
(iv) Strikes;
(v) Assault;
(vi) Suicide;
(vii) Accidents;
(viii) Fire;
(ix) Epidemic/Viral disease;
(x) Hunger Strikes (individual or mass);
(xi) Food poisoning;
(xii) Overcrowding;
(xiii) Failure of water supply, electric lighting arrangements,
and other essential prison services like conservancy and
plumbing;
(xiv) Non-supply of food or raw materials resulting in the
interference of prison routine;
(xv) Flood;
339
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(xvi) Earthquake;
(xvii) Terrorist Attack;
(xviii) Bomb Explosion;
(xix) War/Bombing;
(xx) Chemical Disasters;
(xxi) Nuclear Disasters.
589. Measures to prevent and control emergency situations.— It
is the responsibility of the Superintendent to take sufficient measures
for preventing and controlling emergency situations. These measures
may include:-
(i) demarcation of an out-of-bound area around the perimeter
wall of the prison;
(ii) adequate guarding and security measures and periodical
inspections;
(iii) system of thorough searches;
(iv) proper maintenance of the prison building and premises;
(v) proper custody of tools and equipment;
(vi) proper control of movement of prisoners;
(vii) timely segregation of prisoners who are instigators or of
bad character, and are potential risks to prison discipline;
(viii) prompt and strong, but, considerate handling of all
discipline problems;
(ix) attending to care and welfare requirements of prisoners;
(x) system of good discipline;
(xi) careful handling of plant and equipment;
(xii) periodical inspection of plant equipment and emergency
operation;
(xiii) accident preventive measures;
(xiv) fire preventive measures;
(xv) fire fighting equipment at all vulnerable points;
340
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(xvi) good environmental and institutional sanitation and
hygiene;
(xvii) proper procedure of quarantine for newly admitted
prisoners;
(xviii) segregation of prisoners suffering from contagious
diseases;
(xix) proper storage and inspection of articles of food;
(xx) observance of the required minimum standards in kitchen
and canteen operations, service of food and eatables;
(xxi) wire guards on trees to discourage prisoners climbing
them for escape;
(xxii) standby arrangements for water storage, power plant, and
emergency lighting;
(xxiii) concealing all drainage and water pipes in the buildings;
(xxiv) Delegation of powers to prison officers (Assistant
Superintendent,
Deputy
Superintendent
and
Superintendent of Jail) to use force in emergent situations
as is given to the Police.
590. Equipment for emergencies.— (1) Each prison shall be
properly equipped with the following to meet various types of
emergencies, namely:-
(i) Fire fighting equipment;
(ii) Emergency lighting arrangements like electric torches,
gas lights, electronic lamps;
(iii) Search lights;
(iv) Steel helmets;
(v) Canes;
(vi) Tear gas equipment;
(vii) Water hoses;
(viii) Telephones, inter-communication system and walkie-talkies;
(ix) Arms and ammunition;
341
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(x) Ladders, axes, knives, ropes, chains, handcuffs, alarms
and sirens;
(xi) First Aid kit.
(2) The Superintendent shall obtain the necessary sanction of
the Inspector-General of Prisons for the purchase of articles listed in
sub-rule (1) above.
(3) It shall be the responsibility of the Superintendent of Jail
to ensure that all these equipments are always kept in good condition
for use in emergency.
591. Preparations for emergencies.— (1) Institutions where
dangerous prisoners are kept or where there is a likelihood of any kind
of serious disturbances, should be fully equipped in all respects. In such
Institutions, the security arrangements should also be very strict.
(2) Each central prison should organize an Emergency Squad.
This squad should consist of personnel below forty years of age. The
personnel of this squad should be given special training in handling
various emergencies or unforeseen situations. The squad should also
be properly equipped and ready for action.
(3) Drills for handling emergencies should be held at fixed
intervals and a report should be submitted to the Inspector-General of
Prisons in the prescribed Form.
592. General instructions for handling emergencies.— The general
instructions to be followed in handling emergencies shall be as follows:-
(i) Giving immediate first aid to the injured;
(ii) Preventing entry into the affected area;
(iii) Immediate action to counter the spread of trouble to other
areas;
(iv) Quick intimation to all authorities concerned;
(v) Reporting to authorities concerned for help, if necessary;
(vi) If, the Superintendent is not present in the prison when the
problem occurs, he shall reach there as soon as he gets its information
of such emergency and take suitable measures for controlling it.
Information should also be sent to the Deputy Superintendent who shall
reach the prison immediately and either assists the Superintendent or
take charge of the situation;
342
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(vii) Use of control measures, such as handcuffing, locking
prisoners, segregating the trouble makers and mob dispersal;
(viii) Tightening all security measures according to the
requirements of the situation;
(ix) Mustering all possible help for effective handling of the
emergency;
(x) Obtaining all necessary assistance from the District
Collector, the Police and the Fire Brigade.
ESCAPE
593. Sounding an alarm.— (1) A siren (or an alarm bell) that can
be easily heard at the quarters of the subordinate officials, shall be kept
near the main gate of every prison, and in places where prisoners are
employed in large numbers. In the latter case, the alarm should be loud
enough to be heard at the main gate.
(2) The sequence of alarms starting with the blowing of a whistle
followed by the sounding of the bugle and then striking of the alarm
gong shall indicate the need for urgent help because of an escape or its
attempt.
594. Escape attempts.— Should any prisoner attempt to escape,
the Guard or Sentry shall at once raise the alarm if, the help of other
Guards is essential to prevent the prisoner’s escape. He shall, at the
same time, take all necessary steps to prevent the prisoner's escape. The
Armed Guard shall be ready at a moment's notice to prevent any group
attempt to escape from the prison.
595. When an escape takes place from an extramural group.—
(1) On the alarm being sounded because of an escape from a work site
from outside the prison, the officer in-charge of the standing guard at
the main gate shall dispatch as many Warders as he can spare for
assistance. The remaining warders shall wait for orders from the senior
officer present.
(2) The Warder in charge of the outside group, from which
a prisoner has escaped, shall, after sounding the alarm, send one of his
escorts to apprehend the prisoner and after collecting the remaining
prisoners shall march them back to the main gate of the prison where he
shall report the escape to the senior officer on duty.
343
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
596. Duty of the Deputy Superintendent.— As soon as a report
of an escape is received, the Deputy Superintendent or another senior
officer on duty shall:-
(i) dispatch a party of sufficient strength to search the locality
where the escape has occurred; and
(ii) Inform the Superintendent of the escape who in turn shall
take suitable action for apprehending the escaped prisoner/prisoners.
597. Escape during night.— If, the escape takes place during night
and there is possibility of the prisoner still being inside the prison,
search shall be made with torch lights inside the prison.
598. Duty of Superintendent.— The Superintendent shall, with the
knowledge of Inspector-General of Prisons, give prompt notice of the
escape to the nearest Police Station, the Executive Magistrate of the
area and the District Magistrate. Such information shall be accompanied
by a nominal roll giving a description of the escaped prisoner. He shall
also send immediate intimation, by telegraph, to the Police Station near
the prisoner’s home. If, the prisoner belongs to a region other than that
in which he was in prison, intimation shall be sent to the Magistrate of
his region or to the Superintendent of Police of that area.
599. Report to the Inspector-General.— If a prisoner escapes, the
Superintendent or in his absence the Deputy Superintendent, shall
immediately convey the message over phone to the Inspector-General
and in his absence to the next officer available in the headquarters,
followed by a detailed report within 24 hours from the time of escape.
A copy of this report shall also be sent to the Government. It shall
contain information on the time and circumstances in which the escape
occurred, the party or parties by whose neglect it occurred, whether the
prisoner has been recaptured and if not, the measures taken to recapture
him. When the prisoner is recaptured, another report shall be sent to
the Inspector-General of Prisons.
600. Publication of escapes.— Notice of escape of prisoners and
of the rewards offered for their recapture shall be published in the Official
Gazette, if so ordered by the Inspector-General.
601. Power to sanction reward.— The Inspector-General of
Prisons may take decisions regarding the sanctioning of rewards in such
cases which shall not more than ` 10,000.
344
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
602. Reward to prisoners preventing an escape.— All cases in
which prisoners prevent an escape, either by warning the officials about
any plot or preparation or by seizing a prisoner attempting to escape or
in any other manner, shall be brought to the notice of the
Inspector-General, with a view to giving them suitable rewards.
603. Punishment for facilitating an escape.— Every officer of the
prison, because of whose assistance, connivance or neglect, an escape
takes place, shall be prosecuted under sections 222, 223 or 225 A of the
Indian Penal Code (Central Act XLV of 1860) unless very extenuating
circumstances are present or the Superintendent considers the evidence
insufficient to procure a conviction.
604. Procedure on recapture.— (1) The recapture of the prisoner
shall be informed to all those who were informed of the escape originally.
(2) A recaptured prisoner may be received back into prison on
his original warrant.
605. Disposal of warrants of escaped prisoners.— The warrant of
a prisoner who escapes from prison shall be retained in the prison for
10 years from the date of his escape. If, he is not recaptured within that
period, it shall be returned to the committing Court with an endorsement
giving the reasons.
OUT - BREAKS
606. Alarm to be sounded on outbreak.— (1) Whenever there is a
prison outbreak or and agitation inside a prison, the concerned
Superintendent or Deputy Superintendent of Jail should inform the
Senior Superintendent of Police (Law and Order) who will take necessary
action to control the situation and bring order inside the prison.
However, till the arrival of the Police personnel, the Prison Guards and
security personnel guarding the prison shall initiate steps to control the
situation and prevent further untoward incidents.
(2) In the event of an outbreak or disturbance, the prison official
present at the scene of occurrence shall raise an alarm by blowing his
whistle and on hearing which the warder staff shall blow their own
whistles. It will be followed by sounding of gong or siren at the main
gate. Every prison official outside the prison shall proceed at once to
the Guard room and arm himself with a baton. A messenger shall be sent
by the senior officer present to the Superintendent and Deputy
Superintendent who shall summon every available man.
345
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
607. When the alarm is sounded.— At the sound of the alarm, the
Reserve Guard shall arm themselves with firearms, fully loaded and fixed
with bayonets and stand outside the prison on alert. The main gate
sentry along with other Warders shall be posted between gates and
unless the prisoners are actually threatening the main gate, the rest of
the force available shall enter the prison armed with batons and proceed
at the double to the scene of the disturbances. But, if, the prisoners are
threatening the main gate, it must be defended until the guard is strong
enough to enter and drive the prisoners back. The armed Reserve Guard
shall not enter the prison or arrive at the scene of the disturbance until
specially sent for by the officer in command.
608. Duty of convicts on hearing an alarm.— When the alarm is
given it shall be the duty of every convict to run at once to previously
defined places of security, usually the nearest sleeping barrack, where
they shall be locked in by the warders inside the prison. Prisoners should
be warned in advance that neglect of this rule shall render them liable
to be treated as participating in the outbreak.
609. Methods of quelling disturbances.— (1) On reaching the
scene of disturbance, the Guard shall proceed to quell it by using batons
or tear gas, if available, as the officer in command may decide. Action
shall first be directed to prevent any attempt at escape, to isolate the
rioters from other convicts, and to rescue any prison officer who may
be in danger. If, the disturbance is accompanied by an attack on any
prison official or by a combined attempt to escape, the officer in
command shall warn the prisoners that they will be fired upon if, they
do not submit. If, circumstances permit, this warning shall be repeated
three times. If, the prisoners do not submit or the outbreak or disturbance
cannot be quelled, the officer in command may summon the Reserve
Guard and open fire on these prisoners. He shall stop the firing as soon
as the prisoners cease resistance or submit. Only minimum force
necessary shall be used in all circumstances.
(2) On arrival of the Superintendent, his orders shall be taken
and all officers from the rank of Deputy Superintendent and below shall
act as per his orders.
(3) Prison officials shall not attempt to disperse a mob outside
the prison unless the prison staff is threatened.
346
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(4) Enquiries on incidents like assaults on prison officials shall
be conducted by the Superintendent or such other officer as the
Inspector-General may direct.
610. Defence of main gate.— The main gate sentry and the
additional Warders posted between gates shall defend the main gate.
If, prisoners cannot be driven back by any other means, firing shall be
resorted to after due warning. It shall be stopped as soon as the prisoners
are driven back.
611. Disturbance within wards.— If, the disturbance occurs within
the wards, the available force shall enter the prison armed with batons
and shall proceed at the double to the yard gate. A party shall be
detached to enter the ward and quell the disturbance while the remaining
force waits at the yard gate.
612. Treatment of extramural groups.— Groups which are outside
the prison when the alarm is sounded shall at once be collected and
made to sit close together under the charge of their escort till the
disturbance is over. If, the situation permits these groups shall be taken
in and locked up in a ward so that the Warders in charge of the group
can be released for other duty.
613. Rehearsal of procedure on alarm.— It is of importance that
if, an outbreak occurs, every man knows precisely what he has to do. In
order to perfect this procedure, an alarm parade shall be held once in
two months or more often in each prison. All steps laid down in the
rules shall be rehearsed as accurately and promptly as possible. The
convicts too shall be trained to run at once to the assigned place of
security when the alarm is sounded. No arms shall be taken inside the
prison during practice alarm parades. The Superintendent shall make
a record of each practice session and its results in his register
ACCIDENTS AND SUICIDES
614. Procedure when unnatural death occurs.— (1) Whenever
a sudden or violent death or suicide takes place in a prison, immediate
notice shall be sent to the Superintendent and the Medical Officer. The
body shall be left untouched in the position in which it was found for
inspection by these officers.
(2) If, there are chances that the person is still alive, measures
shall be taken at once for the prisoner’s first-aid and treatment and
revival.
347
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(3) In the case of a prisoner found suspended by a rope in an
attempt to commit suicide, and there is reason to believe that he may
still be alive, the body shall be raised at once to relieve pressure and
laid gently on the grounds. All measures shall be taken to restore
consciousness, without waiting for assistance, which however shall be
called for without delay. In all events of a death procedure laid down in
the Chapter on death should be followed.
615. Custody of articles used for suicide.— Knives and tools used
in worksheds and barber’s or tailor’s equipment shall be counted and
locked by the Warders every day. Ropes for wells shall be properly
secured or locked up, and the wells themselves protected to prevent
persons falling or throwing themselves in. Care shall be taken that
nothing is left about in the prison that may be used for suicidal purposes.
616. Precautions against the prisoners with apparently suicidal
tendencies.— Prisoners with apparently suicidal tendencies shall be
carefully watched and not left alone in a cell.
617. Employment of convicts on dangerous work.— When
prisoners are employed in blasting, excavation or other work of
a dangerous character, it shall be the duty of the officer conducting the
work to take every reasonable precaution to guard against accidents.
In blasting operations, no convict shall be employed to fire the charge.
In excavations, the walls shall be sloped or cut in steps.
618. Custody of poisons.— Poisonous drugs and drugs inducing
drowsiness, surgical instruments and other similar things shall not be
left within the reach of prisoners. Every receptacle containing any
poisonous drug shall be labeled "Poison" in large printed characters.
All these shall be kept under lock and key. Under no circumstances,
such key shall be entrusted to a prisoner.
619. Precaution against drowning.— A strong rope and grappling
irons shall be kept in the guard room of every prison, to be at hand in
case of accidents in wells.
FIRE
620. Prevention of fire.— (1) Special care shall be taken while using
kerosene and gas lights in any office or store room. Even in the
maintenance of electric lights, any leakage shall be immediately brought
to the notice of the Deputy Superintendent and rectified without delay.
348
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(2) All staff in charge of offices and stores shall take a round
of the offices and store rooms before they are closed for the night and
satisfy themselves that everything is safe.
(3) Fire shall be used in the workshops in properly constructed
fire-places and the senior officer, who locks up the prison, shall satisfy
himself before leaving that these fires are properly extinguished. The
concerned senior technical staff of the section shall also be responsible
in this regard.
(4) No burning coal, wood or other fuel used in kitchen shall
be allowed to be taken out. Those in charge of the kitchen shall be
responsible for any violation. If, liquefied petroleum gas is used in
kitchen, it shall be ensured that gas cylinders are stored in a secured
room in accordance with the safety rules for storage of LPG cylinders
and that no prisoner has access to such place. If, any fire occurs, nobody
should be allowed near the gas room until the fire is completely quelled.
(5) There shall be fire hydrants and fire fighting equipment
(sand and water buckets) in all parts of the prison, and especially at all
vulnerable points decided in consultation with the Divisional Fire Officer.
(6) Electric installations in the prison shall be inspected at
regular intervals.
(7) In extramural camps and open institutions, precautions such
as provision of a large supply of water and fire fighting equipment shall
be kept ready at hand.
(8) Superintendent shall draw up instructions on fire safety and
the drill to be adopted in his prison, showing the respective duties of
all members of the prison establishment on an alarm of fire being given.
He shall make the staff rehearse the fire drill at least once in six months.
This would include fire fighting safety measure and evacuation
techniques.
(9) In the event of a fire, immediate information to fire brigade
shall also be sent. Till help from the fire brigade is received, every attempt
to quell the fire shall be made. In the event of fire breaking out in the
prison by day or night, the alarm shall be sounded.
(10) Steps shall be taken to ensure that fire does not spread to
other parts of the prison and the lives of prisoners and of members of
349
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
the staff are not endangered. In the event of an injury to a prisoner or
a member of the staff on duty, because of fire
(a) medical attention to the injured shall be given and
(b) an inquiry shall be immediately held and statements of
the injured prisoner or member of the staff and other
witnesses shall be recorded.
EPIDEMIC
621. Epidemics diseases.— Epidemics which are likely to occur in
prisons are Covid-19 cholera, enteric fevers, gastro-enteritis, chicken
pox, measles, mumps, influenza, cerebrospinal meningitis, pneumonia,
plague, beriberi, scurvy and epidemic dropsy.
622. When a disease shall be deemed epidemic.— If, three or more
cases occur within one week of the occurrence of the first case of
cholera, it shall be concluded that the disease has assumed an epidemic
form.
623. Precautions against outbreak.— When an epidemic is present
in the vicinity of a prison, communication between the staff and the
infected locality shall be, as far as possible, prevented and special care
shall be taken that all arrangements to meet an outbreak are completed.
624. Removal to a segregation shed.— Every prison shall be
provided with two permanent segregation sheds outside the prison walls.
On the occurrence of a case or a suspected case, of cholera or any other
infectious disease, the patient shall not be taken to hospital, but, shall
be immediately removed to one of these sheds while all orderlies and
scavengers attending on the case shall be strictly isolated in another
shed. On no pretext shall they be allowed to enter the prison or
communicate with other prisoners until all risk of infection is over.
If, possible, the prisoners shall be removed to an infectious disease
hospital outside the prison.
625. Treatment of prisoners after contact with infection.— All
prisoners employed in cleaning a ward in which a case of suspected
infectious disease has occurred or who have been in contact with the
patient, shall be detained under medical observation in a separate
building to prevent their mingling with other prisoners. Special care shall
be taken that they bathe and feed separately.
350
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
626. Disposal of Prison officers’ clothing, if infected.— If, there
is any reason to think that the clothing of any Warder or other prison
officer is likely to have been polluted by any cholera discharge, it shall
be at once withdrawn from use and disinfected.
627. Treatment of the infected barrack.— The barrack in which
a case occurs shall be immediately vacated and the inmates kept together
and not allowed to go near other prisoners. The vacated barrack shall
be thoroughly disinfected.
628. Vaccination or inoculation.— Whenever a case of an
epidemic occurs, the Medical Officer shall at once arrange for
vaccination or inoculation, as the case may be, of all prisoners, prison
personnel and members of their families.
629. Accommodation of patient.— Overcrowding must be strictly
avoided both in the hospital as well as in every cell and ward. If the
epidemic is severe then it may be desirable use the entire hospital for
treatment of epidemic cases, removing all other cases to a temporary
hospital that can be set-up in a ward or workshed, (if, no better place is
available). Minor cases of colic or ordinary diarrhea shall also be treated
separately and not admitted to the hospital until the characteristic
symptoms of cholera and diarrhea have disappeared.
630. Sterilisation of drinking water.— (1) On the recommendation
of the Medical Officer drinking water shall be thoroughly boiled. Gas or
Firewood shall be made available for this purpose to the minimum extent
necessary as decided by the Inspector General of Prisons. Care shall
also be taken to ensure that sufficient appliances for boiling of water
are also provided.
(2) As far as possible, reverse osmosis plants should be in
place in prisons to prevent water borne diseases.
631. Observation of prisoners.— The general condition of
prisoners shall be carefully watched to detect incipient cases. Any
person attacked by premonitory symptoms shall be removed for
treatment at once. Warders shall be required to report any sign of
sickness at once. A prisoner visiting the latrine more often than usual
shall be placed under observation.
632. Treatment of hospital floor.— The floor of the segregation
hospital shall be washed or sprinkled liberally with 2% saponified cresol
or izal lotion.
351
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
633. Disposal of dejecta.— The dejecta shall be placed in a vessel
with a close fitting cover containing an equal part of 4% cresol or izal
lotion for two hours and then buried. The dejecta can also be incinerated
with saw dust, paddy husk or kerosene.
634. Cleanliness of prisoners.— Special attention shall be given
to the cleanliness of prisoners and their clothing. The water used for
washing shall not be allowed to remain within the prison walls.
635. Treatment of clothing and bedding.— The clothing and
bedding of the inmates of an infected ward shall be either immersed for
30 minutes in boiling water or kept in 20% carbolic or cresol lotion and
then aired and returned to them after they have bathed. Hospital clothing
and bedding used by infected patients shall be burnt.
636. Disposal of a infected corpse.— The body of a person who
has died of an infectious disease shall be wrapped completely in a sheet
saturated with 2% carbolic or cresol lotion and buried or cremated with
the least possible delay.
637. Report to the Inspector General.— (1) The first occurrence
of a case of cholera or any other infectious disease shall be at once
reported to the Inspector General by telegram which shall be followed
by a written report on the same day, stating the circumstances of the
case and the measures taken to arrest the progress of the disease.
(2) The next two cases too shall likewise be reported by
telegram to the Inspector General. On the occurrence of the second case,
the Superintendent shall submit a report stating whether he proposes a
large scale segregation of prisoners within the prison premises. If he
does, then he shall elaborate the measures he is taking for it. If he does
not plan segregation, he shall record reasons for that as well. If the
Inspector General is absent from the Headquarters, the report shall be
telegraphed to him.
638. Rules generally applicable to epidemics.— The above rules
relate for segregation are also applicable to other disease, such as small
pox and plague. In these cases, the necessity for segregation is equally
important. In case of typhoid fever, changing the water supply is of
primary importance.
352
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
639. Daily report during epidemic.— Whenever an epidemic
prevails in a prison, a daily report shall be furnished to the Inspector
General. In this report the Medical Officer shall briefly note the progress
of the epidemic, the measures he is taking to arrest it, and any
information he may consider of importance. A copy of this report shall
also be sent to the Director of Health and Family Welfare Services.
640. Special epidemiological inquiry.— The Inspector-General, in
consultation with the Director of Director of Health and Family Welfare
Services, may call for an epidemiological inquiry or report from the
Superintendent whenever he considers it advisable. A copy of such an
inquiry report shall be furnished to the Director-General of Health
Services, Government of India, New Delhi.
HUNGER STRIKE
641. Procedure to be followed in cases of hunger strikes.— (1)
Prisoners who go on hunger strike has to be treated firmly, it shall be
warned that no redress of any alleged grievances shall be allowed as
long as the strike continues and that they shall be liable to any prison
punishment or to prosecution under Section 52 of the Prisons Act, 1894.
(2) After sufficient warning, and before the refusal to take food
has adversely affected them, and if, any other punishment appears
unlikely to deter them, they may be prosecuted under Section 52 of the
Prisons Act, 1894. The usual concession in the matter of interviews and
letters of such prisoner shall be restricted to members of the legal
profession only. If, any such prisoner proposes to engage a member of
the legal profession to represent him, a vakalat nama shall be executed
by the prisoners in favor of the member of the legal profession and only
that member shall be permitted to interview the prisoner in this regard.
(3) In the event of mass hunger strike by the prisoners, the
Superintendent shall permit reasonable number of members of the legal
profession to interview the prisoners. For easy identification, the
members of the legal profession should be in their formal lawyers' dress
and give requisition for interview on their letter-heads. If a mass hunger
strike amounts to mutiny, the prisoners shall be isolated from each other,
and from other prisoners, as far as possible.
(4) When prosecutions are instituted under Section 52 of the
Prisons Act, 1894the proceedings shall be held within the prison and
shall be started and completed with as little delay as possible.
353
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
642. Forcible feeding of prisoners on hunger strike.— It is the
duty of the prison authorities to do what they reasonably can to keep
prisoners in their charge in good health and to save them from death.
Therefore, if, a prisoner is likely to cause his own death by continuously
refusing to take food, the Medical Officer may direct that the prisoner
be forcibly fed to keep him alive. Forcible feeding shall not be attempted
with unnecessary violence. But, till such a stage is reached, food
approved by the Medical Officer shall be regularly placed beside the
prisoner on hunger strike for his consumption.
643. Daily report to the Government.— The Medical Officer shall
furnish daily reports to the Superintendent on the health of the prisoner
who is on a hunger strike. He in turn shall forward it to the Government
through the Inspector-General. The Superintendent shall send a report
to the Collector and the Superintendent of Police concerned.
OVERCROWDING
644. Overcrowding shall be reported to the Inspector-General.—
If, a prison becomes overcrowded, the Superintendent shall take suitable
action for accommodating all the prisoners properly, duly reporting the
circumstances leading to overcrowding to the Inspector-General. Any
other matter pertaining to overcrowding shall always be referred to the
Inspector-General for orders.
645. Measures to relieve overcrowding.— As soon as prisoners
in excess of the available accommodation are received in any prison or
hospital, the Superintendent shall submit a report to the
Inspector-General with a statement of the measures which he proposes
to adopt to relieve the overcrowding, and such temporary arrangements,
as he thinks best, shall, at once, be adopted for this purpose.
646. Keeping prisoners in sheds or tents.— Prisoners in excess
of the accommodation shall not, except as a temporary measure, be
placed in worksheds or verandas, but, shall be kept in sheds or tents
inside the prison. The Superintendent shall always obtain prior sanction,
whenever necessary, for incurring expenditure in this regard and shall
ensure economy in every aspect.
647. Earth Quake.— In the event of an earthquake, the following
action shall be taken:-
(i) The prisoner shall be asked to take cover (kneel down and
cover head with arms);
354
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(ii) The prisoners shall be asked to remain in the same position
for a few minutes, due to after-shocks;
(iii) The prisoners shall be kept at least 14 feet away from
windows, mirrors, chimneys, tall book cases, furniture, old and high
buildings, poles, trees and electric wires;
(iv) The prisoners shall be asked to walk towards an open place,
in a calm and composed manner;
(v) Evacuation and rescue measures should be undertaken on
instructions from an evacuation team and unnecessary crowding of
affected area should be avoided.
648. Other emergencies.— Suitable action shall be taken according
to the requirements in cases of other emergencies, as well. The
Superintendent shall report the circumstances to the Inspector-General,
wherever necessary.
CHAPTER–21
EDUCATION OF PRISONERS
649. Education as a tool for overall development of prisoners.—
(1) Education is vital for the overall development of prisoners. Through
education their outlook, habits and total perspective of life can be
changed. Education of prisoners benefits the society as well as it leads
to their rehabilitation and self-sufficiency. Education reduces the
tendency to crime. This would mean less crime, fewer victims, fewer
prisoners, more socially productive people, and less expenditure on
criminal justice and law enforcement.
(2) Education is harmonious and all round development of
human faculties mental as well as physical. It is a tool by which the
knowledge, character and behaviour of the inmate can be moulded. It
helps a prisoner to adjust to the social environment and his ultimate
resettlement in society. Prisoners are stimulated to study correspondence
courses from various Universities.
(3) Life in prison tends to be monotonous and regimented. There
is a need to provide prisoners with adequate educational opportunities
in order to enable them to lead a law-abiding and self-supporting life
following their release. It must be understood that placing offenders
inside prison cells without any attempt to reform them is an unproductive
exercise.
355
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
650. Objective.— The objective behind educational programmes
in prisons shall be to channelize prisoners’ energies into constructive
and creative pursuits, instilling in them a sense of confidence,
developing amongst them social responsibility and consciousness,
fostering amongst them habits and attitudes necessary for adjusting in
the community, creating amongst them an awareness of the futility of
leading a criminal life and uplifting them morally, mentally and socially.
A comprehensive educational programme in a prison shall aim at:-
(i) providing opportunities to the illiterate inmates to achieve
at least a certain minimum level of education;
(ii) extending facilities to literate inmates to advance their
educational standards;
(iii) developing a better understanding of the duties and
obligations of a citizen;
(iv) improving the attitude of inmates towards society and
fostering a desire to live as good citizens;
(v) assisting the development of good social and ethical habits
and attitudes so that the inmates may properly adjust their lives in the
community;
(vi) helping them to improve their personalities and ability for
social adjustment through individual and group guidance in social living;
(vii) developing point of view which will make the futility of a
criminal way of life apparent to the inmates, making them aware of the
advantages of a law abiding life,
(viii) stimulating sustained interest and effort towards self-
improvement; and
(ix) developing social consciousness and a sense of social
responsibility and obligations.
651. Planning for education.— Educational plan for prisoners will
be such that:-
(i) Each prisoner shall be given a programme of education which
will help the process of his socialization and rehabilitation. In order to
achieve these objectives, an adequately trained educational staff and
minimum facilities like class rooms and library may be provided in the
prison;
356
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(ii) Education of illiterate adolescents and adult prisoners shall
be compulsory. Correctional services will pay special attention to
educational programmes;
(iii) Due to wide variations in intelligence level and individual
interests of inmates, it is essential to organize diverse educational
programmes to suit the needs of the larger groups;
(iv) Educational programmes shall cover subjects which would
help develop the inmate as affective members of social groups. The
programmes shall also help develop insight on the part of the inmates;
(v) The nature of the educational programmes in an institution
shall be related to the size and type of the inmate population and the
time earmarked for these programmes. Educational activities shall be
developed in conjunction with the overall programme of an institution;
(vi) As far as practicable, the education of prisoners shall be
integrated with the educational system of the Union Territory, so that
after their release they may continue their education without difficulty.
These programmes shall be related to after-care programmes also;
(vii) The education policy shall be formulated in a manner which
is adjustable to social environment, leading to ultimate resettlement of
a prisoner in the society. Education shall be organized at three levels:-
(a) For the beginners and illiterate inmates;
(b) For the intermediates; and
(c) For advanced education.
(viii) Educational personnel shall be oriented, through special
Training courses, to correctional policies, programmes and methods as
far as practicable;
(ix) Non-Governmental Organizations may be extensively
involved in the educational programmes
652. Nature of an educational programme.— (1) The educational
programme shall consist of:-
(i) Physical and health education;
(ii) Academic education;
(iii) Social education;
357
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(iv) Vocational education;
(v) Moral and spiritual education;
(vi) Cultural education.
(vii) Computer education
(viii) Legal education/awareness
653. Educational policy for inmates:.— (1) On admission to the
prison, the criteria for initial classification of prisoners shall be done on
the basis of their educational background, their aptitude to follow further
studies, their social background and vocational education.
(2) The policy behind academic education shall at:-
(i) Making every illiterate prisoner literate;
(ii) Developing educational qualifications of prisoners.
(3) If a prisoner, who was pursuing studies before his
imprisonment, expresses his intention to continue his studies and appear
for an examination of any Board or University or Institution, he may be
given due facilities for it. He may be allowed to receive books and writing
material from his friends and relatives from outside and purchase books
and such materials out of his personal cash kept in the custody of the
prison or at Government expense. Such facilities may also be extended
to a prisoner who has given up his studies before his imprisonment,
but, expresses his intention to proceed with it with a view to appear in
an examination conducted by any university or other Statutory Body or
a recognized institution.
(4) A prisoner may also be encouraged and provided with
facilities for enabling him to appear in competitive examinations
conducted by various Government Departments.
654. Classification of prisoners.— (1) Prisoner shall be classified
on the basis of their academic/educational qualification and their
aptitude for further learning at the time of admission in the prison. It
shall be made compulsory for each prisoner to sit in the educational
classes, arranged as per their qualification, for at least two hours in the
day, preferably in the morning hours.
358
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(2) he classification committee and educational personnel shall
together decide the amount of time to be devoted for academic
education, vocational education and work for each inmate. As there will
be variations in the educational level, intelligence and interests, diverse
educational programmes shall be organized for different groups of
inmates.
655. Compulsory education.— (1) The help of educated prisoners
shall be liberally obtained for carrying out educational programmes, in
addition to the help taken from regularly employed Teachers, and utilizing
similar facilities offered by Non-Governmental Organisations.
656. Language classes.— (1) Language classes shall be
encouraged. These classes could be run by the educated prisoners,
regular Teachers and Non-Governmental Organisations. This will help
the prison administration in harmonizing relations between prisoners of
different cultures and communities and would improve discipline in the
prison.
(2) Keeping in view the special needs of prisoners, a booklet
may be prepared which would enlist various educational programmes
being carried out in the prison.
657. Schools for Young Offender prisoners.— (1) Every prison may
have a regular School where Young prisoners can attend regular classes
in shifts. This School could be a branch of any Government School being
run by the Education Department of the Union Territory, with the
Education Department providing Teachers, equipment and material for
teaching young prisoners. The School shall provide education for
primary, secondary and senior secondary levels. It shall be mandatory
for each young to attend classes. The staff posted in the prison may be
paid special incentive for maintaining prisoners' interest in attending
School.
(2) The prisoners who pass various examinations shall be given
certificates as are given to students studying in regular Schools. Care
shall be taken to ensure that there is no mention of the young offender’s
imprisonment on such certificates.
658. Education for short-term prisoners.— For under-trial
prisoners and prisoners sentenced to short-term imprisonment,
educational classes could be organized in the yards or enclosures where
359
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
such prisoners are kept. This would facilitate better organization of
regular classes for prisoners who are required to undertake educational
programmes on a short, medium or long term basis.
659. Personnel and equipment:- Following personnel and
equipment for educational programme for prisoners are to be
provided.— (i) Teachers shall be appointed for running and guiding the
adult educational programmes in prisons. Teachers from Education
Department could be posted to the prison on transfer on deputation
basis. Inmates, who are educated and whose conduct has been good,
may be given training in imparting education to others. These trained
inmates may assist the regular Teachers in organizing diversified
educational programmes. The services of retired Teachers or
Non-Governmental Organisations could also be obtained in running the
educational programmes.
(ii) Necessary equipment for education like books, stationery,
writing material, furniture, etc., may be provided at Government cost. In
each prison, a building shall be earmarked or constructed as a School
for carrying out educational activities. Buildings and areas for
educational programmes shall be earmarked in accordance with the
minimum standards as fixed by the Education Department for similar
purposes.
(iii) Study or examination centres of National Open School and
or Indira Gandhi National Open University or Pondicherry University
and Annamalai University may be established in the Central Prison. The
strength of educational personnel may be fixed in accordance with the
inmate population and the educational programmes to be organized.
(iv) The educated prisoners, who help the prison administration
in conducting educational programmes, may be given wages/honorarium.
(v) Audio-visual equipment may be used for educational
purposes.
(vi) The lodging arrangement of prisoners can also be done as
per their educational requirements so that suitable environment is
created in the barrack/cell to enable them to carry out the assignments
given to them by their Teachers.
660. Curriculum.— Curriculum shall be drawn up in accordance
with the needs of each inmate group. It may be in line with the
educational programmes conducted in other educational institutions
360
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
in the Union Territory. It shall be planned in such a way as to synchronize
with the length of sentence of the inmates. Educational schedules and
time-tables shall be drawn to fit the total programme of the prison.
661. Tests and examinations.— Following concessions may be
given to prisoners for pursuing their higher education:-
(i) At the end of each educational project, inmates shall be given
tests and examinations. These tests and examinations shall be conducted
inside the prison by the Education Department or National Open School
or Indira Gandhi National Open University, as the case may be;
(ii) No fees, including examination fee, shall be charged from
students appearing in various examinations. Cases of brilliant students
may be recommended to Education Department and other agencies for
grant of scholarship.
662. Liaisons.— The prison shall establish liaison with the
Department of Education, National Open School or Indira Gandhi National
Open University and other approved educational institutions for
obtaining educational material and other help.
663. Library.— (1) Following facilities in prison library may be
provided for use of books, newspapers and periodicals by the prisoners:-
(i) Books in the library shall cater to the needs of different
educational standards, satisfaction of intellectual needs, and
development of knowledge, of the inmates;
(ii) The prison library shall be properly equipped with an ample
library of approved books, magazines, and newspapers and periodicals
in English and Tamil. Prisoners should be encouraged to develop reading
habits;
(iii) A librarian may be posted for the management of books and
other reading material. Help of educated prisoners could also be
obtained, under the supervision of the librarian, to run the library. The
librarian shall arrange for and make available books on various subjects
for satisfying the needs of prisoners. The Librarian in charge of the
prison library shall allow the use of the books, periodicals and journals
to the prisoners subject to the orders of the Superintendent. Any book
introduced otherwise than in accordance with the rule may be destroyed;
361
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(iv) Donation of books by NGOs. should be encouraged and
welcomed. Public and Government Schools should be encouraged to
adopt the educational programmes being run inside the prison for
prisoners.
(v) A digitalised library with e-learning materials may also be
provided, to the extent possible.
664. Social, Moral, Cultural and Spiritual Education.—
Meditational Therapy should be used for holistic healing.
665. Prison publication.— There may be a monthly or quarterly
publication for the inmates in the institution for internal circulation. The
publication may be printed or cyclostyled according to the facilities
available.
666. Accountabilitys.— It shall be one of the primary
responsibilities of the prison Superintendent and other prison personnel
that the programme of education is implemented in its proper spirit. The
success or failure of the programme, and the extent of the educational
activities in each institution, shall be one of the principal factors on
which the performance of these officers may be evaluated.
CHAPTER–22
VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND WORK PROGRAMMES
667. Objectives of Work Programmes and Vocational Training.—
Vocational training and work programmes shall be treated as essential
features of the correctional programmes. The objective of such
programmes shall be:-
(i) Imparting discipline and work culture among inmates;
(ii) Developing right attitudes towards work and dignity of
labour;
(iii) Promoting
(a) physical and mental well-being of inmates;
(b) proper development of mind through intelligent manual
labour;
(c) spirit of fellowship and a co-operative way of living; and
(d) a sense of group adjustment.
362
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(iv) Developing capacity for sustained hard work;
(v) Building habits of concentration, steadiness, regularity and
exactness in work;
(vi) Imparting and improving work-skills;
(vii) Awakening the self-confidence and self-reliance of
inmates;
(viii) Training and preparing inmates for achieving lasting social
readjustment and rehabilitation;
(ix) Imparting an occupational status and thus creating a sense
of economic security among inmates;
(x) Keeping inmates usefully employed in meaningful and
productive work;
(xi) Preventing idleness, indiscipline and disorder amongst
them;
(xii) Maintaining a good level of morale amongst them and thus
promoting a sense of self, as well as institutional discipline among them.
668. Policy of work programmes and employment of prisoners.—
(1) The first objective of prison labour and prison industries is that it
shall devote to supply prison requirements. After having fulfilled the
prison requirements, prison labour and prison industries shall be utilized
as much as possible to meet the requirements of the various other
Government Departments. Once the said sources of employment are
exhausted, prison labour shall then be devoted to producing articles for
general sale.
(2) The employment and production policy in prison shall be
designed to cater to the needs of prisoners coming from both rural and
urban areas. The emphasis shall be on the kinds of skills and jobs that
would ensure employment or self-employment when the inmate is
released from prison.
(3) A “Board of Work Programme and Vocational Training”, shall
be set up under the chairmanship of Inspector-General of Prisons at the
Prison Headquarters and he may be vested with full fiscal and
administrative powers. The functions of the Board shall be to:-
363
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(i) plan and implement programmes of work and vocational
training,
(ii) arrange funds required to run such programmes,
(iii) fix a policy of production,
(iv) examine the economic aspects of the work programmes,
(v) put prison work, programmes on a sound commercial
footing,
(vi) ensure coordination at all levels,
(vii) evaluate the performance of the work programme each
institution,
(viii) introduce practices and procedures of modern
management of production,
(ix) guide, supervise, direct and control all matters relating
to institutional work programmes and vocational training,
(x) Organize workshops in after-care homes for discharged
prisoners, and
(xi) promote marketing of prison products.
(4) Government Departments, Semi-Government Departments,
co-operatives and public undertakings shall purchase articles produced
in prison industries as per requirements from the Department of Prisons
and Correctional Services.
(5) A policy may be laid down for the employment of carefully
selected prisoners in public undertakings, co-operative farms of the
State, and agro-based industries organized in the co-operative sector
after their release from prison.
669. Vocational Training.— (1) Vocational training programmes can
be in self-employing trades and occupations, shall be organized in every
central prison for employable convicts. Vocational training programmes
can also be given by well knowledgeable prison personnel to inmates.
(i) Such programmes be open to under-trial prisoners who
volunteer to undergo such training;
(ii) The help of local Industrial Training Institutes could be
obtained in training the prisoners;
364
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(iii) The prison shall have adequate staff for efficient
organizationa of various training projects. It should be
properly equipped with training aids and classrooms for
conducting multifarious projects to suit the training
needs of its inmates;
(iv) The prison shall have a properly defined organization for
training projects in terms of formation of homogeneous
groups and setting down routine and time schedule of
projects;
(v) The cost incurred in the training projects, expenditure on
staff, equipment and material shall be treated as essential
investment for the purpose of training and resettlement
of offenders;
(vi) Special emphasis may be given to vocational training of
adolescent offenders, young adult offenders, and others
who may derive benefit from the training projects.
(2) Qualified technical personnel shall be appointed in adequate
numbers in every production unit and for every programme of vocational
training. Such personnel could be posted in the prison on a transfer-
cum-deputation basis from the Industrial Training Institutes of the Union
Territory.
(3) Vocational training programmes shall be designed to suit the
needs of prisoners sentenced to short, medium and long-term
imprisonment.
(4) Liaison shall be established with the Department of Technical
Education, Directorate of Industries, Industrial Training Institutes,
Polytechnics and Vocational Training Institutions to develop vocational
training programmes on a practical and pragmatic basis.
(5) On the completion of vocational training courses, inmates
shall be examined by the Department of Technical Education of the Union
Territory and on passing the examination, they shall be awarded a regular
Certificate or Diploma by that Department.
(6) As a measure of incentive inmates demonstrating good
progress in work programmes and vocational training shall be allowed
to visit important undertakings and other Government owned industries.
365
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(7) The prison industry should be given preferential treatment
in the matter of granting permission to run various industrial/production
units by the Government.
(8) The executive and supervisory personnel shall be given
training in modern methods of management.
(9) Diversification of programmes of vocational training shall
be given due priority when the master plan for diversification of work
programmes is designed.
670. Employment of prisoners.— (1) All convicted prisoners
sentenced to rigorous imprisonment shall be required to work subject
to their physical and mental fitness as determined medically. It shall be
seen that sufficient labour is provided in the prison for employing all
convicts who can labour.
(2) Apart from convicts, under-trial prisoners, who volunteer
to work, shall also be employed on work programmes and be given
vocational training. The under-trial prisoners employed in prison
industry oragriculture shall be given fair and equitable remuneration on
the same scale as prescribed for convicts.
(3) No criminal prisoner sentenced to labour or employed on
labour at his own desire or under-trial doing labour, shall, except in an
emergency, and with the sanction in writing of the Superintendent, be
made to labour for more than nine hours in a day.
(4) The Medical Officer shall, from time to time, examine the
prisoners while they are employed, and shall, at least once in every
fortnight, get their weights recorded in their history tickets.
(5) When the Medical Officer is of the opinion that the health
of a prisoner suffers from employment on any kind or class of labour,
he shall not be employed on that labour, but, shall be placed on such
other kind or class of work as the Medical Officer may consider suitable
for him.
(6) Prisoners sentenced to medium and long-terms of
imprisonment shall be given training in multiple skills so that they are
able to compete with the conditions in the labour market outside the
prisons.
366
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(7) For planned employment of inmates, the following factors
shall be taken into consideration while organizing work programmes:
(i) Mental and physical health;
(ii) Requirements of security, custody and discipline
(iii) Age;
(iv) Length of sentence;
(v) Inmates’ skills and abilities and also potential for
acquiring skills;
(vi) Urban and rural background of the inmate.
(8) Prisoners sentenced to less than one year of imprisonment
shall be employed in prison maintenance services, gardening, work-
centres and work camps.
(9) Prisoners sentenced to imprisonment for one year or more
shall be employed in production units in closed or open prisons.
(10) Every prisoner sentenced to undergo simple imprisonment
shall ordinarily be employed on hard labour of a kind that is most
suitable for him and for which he/she is, for the time being, fit. No
convict shall be put on medium labour if he/she is fit to perform hard
labour or on light labour as long as he/she is fit to perform either hard
or medium labour. Provided that no prisoner of the casual class shall
ordinarily be required to perform hard labour during the first month after
his/her admission to prison. Every convict of the habitual class shall,
throughout the period of imprisonment to which he/she is sentenced,
be required to perform the severest form of hard labour which he/she is
capable of performing, with due regard to his/her health.
(11) Every prisoner, on being first put to do any kind of work
with which he is not acquainted, shall be allowed a reasonable time to
acquire the necessary skills, to enable him to perform the task. Mental
and physical capabilities must be taken into consideration. The time will
vary from a few days to three to four months. In every case, when
allotting new work, the Superintendent or subject to his control the
Deputy Superintendent, shall note the task of prisoners begins, and
every subsequent progress, in his/her History Ticket.
367
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(12) No consideration of profit or convenience shall be
permitted to influence the class or form of labour which any convict
sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment is at any time required to
perform. It shall be fixed with reference solely to the health of the convict
and the regulations of the prison regarding the employment of prisoners.
671. Selection of employment for convict.— (1) When the Medical
officer has certified the class of labour for which a convict is fit, the
Classification Committee shall determine the particular employment to
which such convict shall be put. If, it is found that the initial allotment
of work was not suited to the abilities of a prisoner, the Classification
Committee shall consider the question of reallotment of work.
(2) All prisoners who are classified as fit for medium or light
labour only shall once in a month be produced before the Classification
Committee with the recommendations of the Medical Officer, so as to
examine them with a view to their reclassification, if necessary. Such
changes shall be recorded first by the Deputy Superintendent in the
History Ticket and signed by the Superintendent and then copied in the
remission sheet. If any prisoner passed for hard labour subsequently
becomes permanently unfit to perform it, such case shall be placed
before the Classification Committee with the remarks of the Medical
Officer and the revised labour to which the prisoner is fit shall be
similarly recorded by the Deputy Superintendent in the History Ticket
and signed by the Superintendent.
672. Restriction of extramural employment of prisoners.— No
convicts shall at any time be employed on any labour outside the prison
or be permitted to pass out of the prison for the purpose of being so
employed except under the written orders of the Inspector-General of
Prisons.
673. Drafting the prisoners to do menial works in official
quarters.— (1) A small number of convicts may under the written order
of the Superintendent be detailed to scavenge, to keep clean and assist
in supplying of water, etc., to the quarters occupied by the Superintendent
and other subordinate officials residing in prisons premises.
(2) They shall be detailed only for such limited period as may
be necessary to enable them to perform the duties.
368
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(3) The Superintendent shall be responsible that the number of
convicts employed under sub-section (1) is fixed at the minimum number
requisite and restricted to such definite hours of duty as are absolutely
necessary for the performance of the work.
(4) If, the privileges accorded under this rule are being abused,
the Superintendent shall withdraw them altogether.
674. Employment of prison services.— (1) The Superintendent shall
see that prisoners employed on untasked labour for prison services shall
be the absolute minimum number required for the purpose.
(2) The following shall be the percentage of prisoners to be
employed as cooks, scavengers, sweepers, cleaners-
Cooks
5 percent of the prison population
Cleaners of latrines
5 percent of the prison population
Sweepers
5 percent of the prison population
(3) During the prevalence of epidemics or for other emergencies,
the Superintendent shall appoint more persons for the tasks mentioned
in sub-section (2) as a temporary measure, in excess of the percentage
mentioned thereto. The cooks and cleaners of latrines appointed for the
prison hospital shall be in addition to the percentage fixed.
675. Safeguards for prisoners engaged in work.— (1) The
following facilities shall be provided in work-sheds and other places
where prisoners work:-
(i) Protection from heat, cold, rain, dust, smoke, fumes, gases
and chemicals;
(ii) Protection from seepage and dampness;
(iii) Safe drinking water;
(iv) Spittoons, urinals and latrines;
(v) Washing and bathing facilities;
(vi) First-aid facilities;
(vii) Fire extinguisher and other firefighting equipment;
(viii) Sufficient ventilation and lighting;
(ix) Safety equipment and accident prevention measures.
369
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
Note: The standards adopted in outside factories in this respect
should be adopted in prison factories. These should be
fixed in consultation with the Chief Inspector of
Factories.
(2) Periodical medical examination of prisoners, working in
production units having hazards of occupational diseases, should be
carried out.
(3) When convicts are employed in blasting, well-sinking,
excavations or other work of a dangerous character, it shall be the duty
of the officer conducting the work to take every reasonable precaution
to guard against accidents. In blasting operations, no convicts shall be
employed to fire the charges. In excavations, the sides shall be sloped
or cut in steps.
(4) Payment of compensation to prisoners, who meet with
accidents resulting in physical or mental disability, serious injury, death
or loss of health due to occupational diseases, shall be as certified by
the Medical Officer.
676. Tasks to be imposed on female and adult convicts.— Female
prisoners shall ordinarily be employed in cooking or in the preparation
of articles of food such as pounding, husking or sifting grain and the
like, but, shall not be employed in grinding grain except as a punishment.
The tasks to be imposed on females or adult convicts respectively shall
not in any case exceed two thirds of the maximum task for hard and
medium labour, prescribed in respect of adult male convicts.
677. Female Prisoners not to work outside female enclosures.—
No female prisoner shall, under any pretext, be employed outside the
female enclosure of any prison.
678. Restriction on employment of prisoners.— (1) No prisoner
shall, at any time, be employed by any officer of the prison or any other
person, for any private work or service of any kind whatsoever.
(2) No convict shall be employed on public works other than
prison building without the special sanction of the Government. When
the prison construction work or repairs to prison building are undertaken
by private contractors other than Public Works Department, the services
of prisoners may be lent to such private contractors provided they are
willing to pay wages at the rate paid to a normal worker for such work
outside. The wages so collected shall be treated as ‘Revenue Receipt’
and be credited to Government account.
370
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
679. Execution of work for outside agencies.— Private parties/
industrial units can be allowed to approach prisons to get their
manufacturing work done by prison labour inside the prisons if, capacity
and know-how for such manufacture is available. It should be ensured
that appropriate wages and other expenses are paid by such private
parties and industrial units.
680. Yearly audit of the accounts.— The accounts of the
production/work unit will be systematically audited by the Government
auditors for each financial year.
681. Agriculture.— Following infrastructural facilities in terms of
agriculture shall be made available to the prisoners:-
(i) Agriculture, agro-based industries and other allied activities
should be given high priority in the planned development of work
programmes and vocational training in correctional institutions;
(ii) The land available with an institution shall be thoroughly
surveyed in terms of soil analysis, availability, fertility, salinity, and
requirement of drainage, so that it is put to optimum use. The help of
Block Development Officers, officers of the Agriculture Department and
other allied agencies shall be taken in this regard;
(iii) Each new prison building in rural areas should have
a properly fenced farm wherever land for this purpose is available;
(iv) It should be ensured that proper irrigation facilities are
available at the farmland;
(v) The required building structure should be constructed on
each farm and internal roads should be laid;
(vi) All required farming equipment and spare parts should be
made available at each farm. A maintenance shop should also be set up
in large farms;
(vii) Prisoners detailed for labour at agricultural farms should
be distributed at various places in the farm by forming groups, with
a leader nominated for each group;
(viii) Guidelines should be issued by the Prison Headquarters
stating the eligibility criteria of an inmate who may be deployed on open
agricultural farms;
371
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(ix) The subsidy available to the farmers for purchasing
fertilizer, equipment and electricity should also be made available to
prison farms;
(x) Adequate funds should be provided for development of
agriculture and allied activities and its accounts should be maintained
separately;
(xi) Requisite security personnel should be provided at each
agricultural unit and their duties and responsibilities should be clearly
laid down;
(xii) The farm products should be first consumed in the prison
and the remaining should be sold to the Government Departments and
in the open market;
(xiii) The efficiency of each unit should be evaluated annually
in terms of the targets fixed and achieved;
(xiv) The number of prisoners employed in farming activities in
closed prisons should not exceed 5% of total prison population;
(xv) Prison personnel should be imparted training in various
aspects of agricultural and allied activities;
(xvi) Bio-gas plants, windmills, solar-cooking ranges, etc.,
should be introduced in the prison farms;
(xvii) Costing of agricultural and other produce should be done
on strict commercial basis;
(xviii) Open agricultural institutions, and institutions having
attached agricultural farms, should diversify work programmes according
to cropping schemes such as mixed farming, irrigated crops, dry farming,
etc. In some open prisons, work can be diversified into agricultural
activity, industrial units and agro-based production units.
682. Assessing and checking the task.— (1) A daily task sheet shall
be maintained for each prisoner for noting the particulars of each
prisoner, such as the nature of task on which employed, the standard
task prescribed, the task actually done and the wages earned. Entries
shall be made daily in these sheets by the Foreman or Assistant
Superintendent which shall be checked and duly attested by the Deputy
Superintendent. It shall be the personal responsibility of the
Superintendent to ensure that this is done every day.
372
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
Illustration:- For works spread over for more than one day which
is incapable of satisfactory measurement until completion, entries shall
be completed as soon as the item of work is over.
683. Prison industries and work programmes.— (1) Prison
industries shall be organized on business-cum-commercial basis.
Preference to prison products, while purchasing articles for office use,
shall be given by the various Government Departments.
(2) The work programmes shall also include essential
institutional maintenance services like culinary, sanitary and hygienic
services, prison hospital, other prison services, repairs and maintenance
services.
(3) Prison work programmes shall consist of services required
by the community such as construction work, masonry, carpentry,
plumbing, electric fitting, tailoring, fabrication of ready-made garments,
leather work, driving, prison servicing, agriculture, horticulture, dairy,
poultry, floriculture, maintenance of diesel engines, maintenance of
electric pumps, tractor repairing, automobile servicing and repairing, cane
work, basket making, pottery, book binding, typing, computer-operating,
handicrafts, stenography, cloth printing, embroidery, hosiery, bakery,
namkeen making, paper making, printing, tailoring, weaving, soap making,
candle making, toy making, sewing machine repair, food processing, etc.
(4) Every inmate shall be given training and work experience in
the use of hand tools in different services, jobs and production units.
(5) A standard list of equipments, tools, accessories and spare
parts, which each production unit must always have, shall be prepared
and maintained.
(6) In every institution, there shall be a separate and properly
organized maintenance workshop to repair the machinery and equipment
in time and to prevent breakdown.
(7) Products manufactured by Prison Industries shall be varied/
changed depending on market trends and demands.
684. Sanction of Government for new industry.— No new industry
shall be started in any prison without the previous sanction of the
Government.
373
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
685. Advice on technical matters.— The officers of the Department
of Industries shall provide, free of cost, any expert advice that may be
required by prisons on technical matters of equipment and management
of industries.
686. Dairy and Poultry Farms.— (1) Dairies shall be developed
on open prison farms on commercial lines under proper technical
guidance. These shall not be operated from closed prisons.
(2) Poultry farms shall also be organized at open farms. These
shall be run on commercial lines under proper technical supervision.
687. Standardization of Products.— (1) Various products of prison
industries should be standardized. A handbook containing details of
standardization, and the manufacturing process of various production
units, should be prepared for the guidance of personnel.
(2) Catalogues of standardized products of prison industries
should be prepared for securing orders from the market for various
production units.
(3) Technical supervision should be improved and a system of
quality control introduced at every stage of production, so that market
competitiveness can be maintained.
(4) Costing of prison products should be done on a rational
basis taking into account various limitations and handicaps of prison
management. The percentage of profit should not be the motive behind
production by prison industries.
(5) Showrooms should be opened outside the prison gates, and
at other places, for promoting sale of products of prison industry.
A brochure should also be kept in which information is provided to the
public about the products being sold along with their rates.
688. Targets of production for prison industries.— (1) The targets
of production for each unit for the ensuing year should be fixed in
accordance with the employable inmate population and production
potential of the unit. These targets should be communicated to the
respective institutions in advance. The unit's production, according to
the target, should be reviewed on a monthly basis.
(2) It should be the responsibility of the Superintendent of Jail
to meet the targets of production as set above.
374
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(3) The task sheet of each prisoner should be correctly
maintained by the technical personnel in-charge of the production units.
689. Training.— Prisoners selected for employment in a trade shall
be given preliminary training for a period of three months.
690. Classification.— For the purpose of payment of wages, the
prisoners shall be classified into three categories for the purpose of
labour as defined below:-
(i) ‘Skilled’ means, those employed on work which involves
either physical or mental or both kinds of skill in its execution and
cannot be accomplished by ordinary labour with proficiency without
sufficient skill.
(ii) ‘Semi-skilled’ means, those engaged on task which cannot
be performed by untrained hands, but, which can be executed with some
training and practice, but, does not require any strict standard of
precision.
(iii) ‘Un-skilled’ means, those engaged on a task which does
not require any skill or training.
691. Amount of wages, deductions and method of payment of
wages.— (1) Wages may be paid to the prisoner as per the Supreme
Court Judgment. Wages shall be fair and equitable and not merely
nominal and paltry. The wages for skilled, semi-skilled, unskilled and
trainees shall be as fixed by Government from time to time for the full
task. With a view to keep the wage system in prisons in harmony with
that in the free community, the wages shall be reviewed once in every
three years and revised whenever necessary.
(2) The wages shall be paid to workers of various categories
on the basis of the task prescribed by the Superintendent with the
approval of Inspector-General of Prisons, from time to time.
(3) A prisoner who performs the task of standard quality in
excess of the prescribed task shall be entitled to payment of additional
wages in proportion to the additional work turned out by him at the rate
prescribed for the purpose.
(4) A portion of wages payable to the convict shall be deducted
for Common Victims’ Compensation Fund for which detailed regulations
shall be drawn by the Government. In addition to the aforesaid
375
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
deduction, a portion of wages earned by a prisoner shall be deducted
towards Prisoners’ Upkeep Fund and Prisoners' Welfare Fund at the rate
prescribed for the purpose.
(5) The net wages payable to a prisoner shall be deposited in
his Savings Bank Account on a fixed date every month and the
passbook shall be kept with prisoner concerned. Signature or thump
impression shall also be obtained of every prisoner in the respective
registers every time the earnings in prison are credited in his account.
692. Utilizing wages earned.— (1) The prisoner who is under the
wage earning scheme shall be given the discretion to have his/her
earnings at his/her credit or to have it sent to his/her next of kin outside
the prison. If, he exercises his/her option to have his/her earnings at
his/her credit, he/she shall be given the option to revise his/her
discretion at any time in favor of sending his/her total or part of his/her
earnings to his/her next of kin.
(2) The prisoner shall be permitted to draw a part of their
earnings for purchase of articles required for his/her personal use such
as soap, tooth paste, snacks, etc. The list of the articles required shall
always be got approved by the Superintendent.
(3) No prisoner shall be permitted to transfer his/her earnings
at credit to another prisoner.
693. Amount of wages, deductions and method of payment of
wages.— (1) Wages shall be fair and equitable and not merely nominal
and paltry. The wages for skilled, semi-skilled, unskilled and trainees
shall be as fixed by Government from time to time for the full task. With
a view to keep the wage system in prisons in harmony with that in the
free community, the wages shall be reviewed once in every three years
and revised whenever necessary.
(2) The wages shall be paid to workers of various categories
on the basis of the task prescribed by the Superintendent with the
approval of Inspector-General of Prisons, from time to time.
(3) A prisoner who performs the task of standard quality in
excess of the prescribed task shall be entitled to payment of additional
wages in proportion to the additional work turned out by him at the rate
prescribed for the purpose.
376
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(4) A portion of wages payable to the convict shall be deducted
for Common Victims’ Compensation Fund for which detailed regulations
shall be drawn by the Government. In addition to the aforesaid
deduction, a portion of wages earned by a prisoner shall be deducted
towards Prisoners' Upkeep Fund and Prisoners' Welfare Fund at the rate
prescribed for the purpose.
(5) The net wages payable to a prisoner shall be deposited in
his Savings Bank Account on a fixed date every month and the
passbook shall be kept with prisoner concerned. Signature or thump-
impression shall also be obtained of every prisoner in the respective
registers every time, the earnings in prison are credited in his account.
694. Maintenance of accounts and records.— (1) At the end of
the month, the wages earned by each prisoner shall be worked out on
the task sheets by the Accounts wing and checked by the Accounts
clerk. The wages earned shall be abstracted in the wages register.
(2) The total earning of the prisoner shall be carried over from
the wages register into his personal ledger account. Personal ledger
accounts and the index shall be according to convict number. In April
of every year, fresh ledgers shall be opened. After the postings, the task
sheets shall be bundled ledger-wise and filed carefully which shall be
subjected to audit.
695. Authority for granting wages.— The Inspector-General of
Prisons shall be the authority to grant the wages as provided in the
foregoing rules.
696. Hours of work.— (1) For the purpose of calculating
wages, the working hours a day shall be fixed as 8 hours. Prisoners who
are mentally and physically fit for work should be required to work
for 8 hours.
(2) The Superintendent shall prescribe the hours of work for
prisoners mentally or physically handicapped and for prisoners advanced
in age.
(3) Employment of women and adolescent prisoners between
periods of locking and opening is prohibited.
(4) Hours of work for each group of prisoners should be
prescribed in accordance with the programme content of the institution,
but, total hours of work shall not exceed nine hours in a day.
377
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(5) A daily time schedule shall be worked out for the institution.
(6) Prisoners may be allowed to work in the production unit
after the locking time depending upon the work-load.
697. Rest days.— (1) After six days of work, prisoners shall be
allowed one day rest from their usual employment.
(2) In essential service unit and maintenance unit, a system of
shifts and rotations shall be so established as to enable prisoners
working in these units to get one day's rest in a week. Wherever
necessary, reserve pool of workers for these units shall be built up.
698. Labour not to be extracted on certain days.— (1) No prisoner
shall ordinarily be required to perform any labour other than such as
may be necessary for the conduct of the internal management and
domestic economy of the prison or to meet any call of emergency, on
Sundays and other holidays.
(2) No Jewish prisoner shall be required to labour on Saturdays,
the Jewish New Year (2 days), the day of Atonement; the first and last
days of the Feast Tabernacles (two days each); the feast of the Passover
(four days) and the feast of the Pentecost (two days), provided he elects
to labour on Sundays and other holidays.
(3) On days on which labour is not extracted from convicts,
those prisoners who are not employed on any domestic or other duties
connected with the management of the prison shall be locked into wards
or cells, unless there is reason to leave them outside on account of
recreational or cultural activities or if, they are otherwise engaged in
washing their clothes and the like.
(4) The Inspector-General of Prisons may, with the previous
sanction of Government, exempt all or any particular class of prisoners
from labour on any day or days other than those specified in sub-rules (1)
and (2) of this rule.
699. Holidays for prison.— Any of the days declared by the
Government as public holidays shall be deemed to be holiday for the
prison.
378
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
CHAPTER–23
LEGAL AID
700. Constitution of Legal Services Authorities.— (1) Article 39A
of the Constitution of India provides for free legal aid to the poor and
weaker sections of the society and ensures justice for all. Articles 14
and 22(1) of the Constitution also make it obligatory for the State to
ensure equality before law and a legal system which promotes justice
on the basis of equal opportunity to all. In furtherance of these, the
Legal Services Authorities Act was enacted by the Parliament in 1987 to
establish a nationwide uniform network for providing free and competent
legal services to the weaker sections of the society on the basis of equal
opportunity.
Under the Act, the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA)
has been constituted under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987
(LSA Act) to monitor and evaluate implementation.
(2) In Puducherry, a Union Territory of PuducherryLegal
Services Authority (UTPLSA) and in High Court, a High Court Legal
Services Committee has been constituted. Union Territory of Puducherry
Legal Services Authoritiy have been constituted in the Districts to give
effect to the policies and directions of the NALSA and to provide free
legal services to the people and conduct LokAdalats in the Union
Territory.
(3) Supreme Court Legal Services Committee has been
constituted to administer and implement the legal services programme
insofar as it relates to the Supreme Court of India.
(4) The Chief Justice of India is the Patron-in Chief of NALSA
and the senior-most Judge of the Supreme Court is the Executive
Chairman. The Central Government in consultation with Chief Justice of
India has also appointed an officer of the Higher Judicial Services as
the Member-Secretary of the NALSA.
(5) Similarly, at the Union Territory level, the Chief Justice of
the High Court is the Patron-in Chief of State Legal Services Authority
and Senior Most Judge of the High Court is the Executive Chairman.
There is a Member-Secretary for each UTPLSA.
(6) At the Union Territory level, District Judge is the chairman
of the Legal Services Authority and chief Judicial Magistrate or
equivalent judicial officer is the Secretary of Legal Services Authority.
379
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
701. Functioning of Legal Services Institutions.— (1) NALSA lays
down policies, principles, guidelines and frames effective and economical
schemes for the Union Territory of Legal Services Authorities to
implement throughout the Country.
(2) The Union Territory of Legal Services Authority, has been
entrusted with the following primary functions:
(i) To provide free and competent legal services to the
eligible persons;
(ii) To organize Lok Adalats for amicable settlement of
disputes;
(iii) To organize legal awareness camps; and
(iv) To implement the Schemes and policy directions of the
NALSA through strategic and preventive Legal Services
Programmes.
(3) Free legal services would include:
(a) Payment of Court fee in appropriate cases, process fees
and all other charges payable or incurred in connection
with any legal proceedings;
(b) Providing service of Lawyers in legal proceedings;
(c) Obtaining and supply of certified copies of orders and
other documents in legal proceedings.
(d) Preparation of appeal, paper book including printing and
translation of documents in legal proceedings.
(4) Under the Legal Services Authories Act, the persons eligible
for getting free legal services include:—
v Women and children;
v Members of SC/ST;
v Industrial workmen;
v Victims of mass disaster, violence, flood, drought,
earthquake,industrial disaster;
v Disabled persons;
380
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
v Persons in custody;
v Persons whose annual income does not exceed ` 1 lakh
(in the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee the limit
is ` 1,25,000);
v Victims of trafficking in human beings or beggars;
v Transgenders.
The following practices should be adopted so as to ensure
provision of free and competent legal services to persons in custody.
702. Appointment of Jail Visiting Advocates.— The Union
Territory should adopt the practice of nominating Jail Visiting Advocates
to visit different prisons regularly on fixed days of the week to help the
poor and unrepresented inmates. Any inmate should be able to seek aid
and advice, file any bail/parole application, appeal(s), etc., through these
advocates.
703. Legal Aid Clinic in every prison.— Legal services clinic
should be set up in every prison across the country, with sufficient
number of panel Lawyers and paralegal volunteers deputed to such
clinics for providing free legal services to inmates on all working days.
States may train certain inmates as Para-Legal Volunteers (PLVs) for
assisting the Legal Aid Clinics established at prisons.
704. Legal literacy classes in prisons.— Legal literacy classes may
be conducted in prisons in order to educate prisoners about their rights
and duties as well as about the availability of free legal aid services.
Services of law students, Para-Legal Volunteers and Legal Aid Lawyers
could be taken to ascertain legal aid needs of inmates.
705. Maximum period for which under-trials can be detained.—
According to Section 436A Cr.PC., under-trial prisoners who have
undergone detention in prison for a period extending upto half of the
maximum sentence specified for that offence under law (except offences
attracting death sentence and life imprisonment), shall be released on
their personal bond, with or without sureties. In other words, it means
pending investigation, inquiry or trial, no person shall be detained in
the prison for a period more than half of the prescribed maximum
sentence under that offence. However, Courts, for special reasons to be
recorded in writing, may extend the detention in prison or release on
bail instead of personal bond with or without sureties.
381
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
706. Constitution of Under-trial Review Committee.— (1) A
Committee consisting of the District Judge as Chairperson, Chief Judicial
Magistrate, the District Magistrate, the District Superintendent of Police
and Secretary, District Legal Service Authority, as Members, should be
constituted to identify under-trial prisoners who have completed half
of the maximum period or maximum period of imprisonment provided for
the said offence under the law.
(2) The Legal Services Authorities should instruct the panel
Lawyers to urgently meet such prisoners, discuss their cases with them
and move appropriate applications before the appropriate Court for their
release unless they are required in custody for some other purpose.
707. Cases which are compoundable in nature.— The Legal
Services Authorities should secure that for offences which are
compoundable, appropriate steps are taken for compounding, and where
the offences cannot be compounded, efforts should be made to expedite
the disposal of those cases or 1at least efforts made to have the persons
in custody released there from at the earliest.
708. Right to free legal representation or legal aid.— (1) Article
22 (1) of the Constitution entitles arrested persons to be represented
by a legal practitioner. It is the fundamental right of all prisoners/arrested
person to be provided with free legal aid in the prosecution of their case
at different levels of their trial. The Magistrate is duty bound to offer
the facility to the accused the moment she/he is produced before him or
her/his for the first time even if, the accused has not asked for it out of
ignorance.
(2) Even if, the accused does not ask for a Lawyer or he remains
silent, it is the Constitutional duty of the Court to provide him with a
Lawyer before commencing the trial. The obligation to provide him with
a Lawyer at the commencement of trial is absolute and failure to do so
would vitiate the trial and resultant conviction and sentence, if any, given
to the accused
(3) To ensure that arrested persons have free legal
representation, panel Lawyers have been deputed as remand/duty
Advocate in every Court dealing with criminal cases. Such Advocates
are available in the Court even on holidays. When an accused is
produced before the Court and does not a legal Counsel, the Court shall
provide the Counsel free of cost.
382
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(4) The Superintendent should inform convicts of their right of
appeal against conviction.
CHAPTER–24
WELFARE OF PRISONERS
709. Basic elements of welfare programmes.— (1) The objects of
welfare programmes in prisons shall be to:-
(i) Develop a relaxed, positive and constructive atmosphere
in the institution;
(ii) Ensure good personnel-inmate relationship based on
mutual trust and confidence;
(iii) Ensure care and welfare of inmates;
(iv) Ensure firm and positive discipline;
(v) Attend to immediate and urgent needs and problems of
inmates;
(vi) Attending to long-term needs of prisoners;
(vii) Help the inmates maintain regular contact with their
families, and communities in the outside world;
(viii) Ensure a good system of incentives for self-discipline
such as remission, leave transfer to semi-open and open
institutions and premature release;
(ix) Provide individual guidance and counselling;
(x) Encourage group activities, group guidance, group work;
(xi) Implant proper habits, attitudes and approaches and
prepare them for a normal social life;
(xii) Provide supportive therapy including psychotherapy.
(2) The starting point of all welfare programmes shall be the
initial classification of the prisoner and the study of individual inmates.
The welfare programme shall include periodical review of progress and
re-classification of prisoners, review of sentence and pre-mature release,
planning for release, pre-release preparation and after-care. Positive
influence of institutional personnel will play an important role in this
process. Community participation will be an important feature of welfare
programmes.
383
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
710. Counselling.— Counseling facilities should be extended to
the prisoners as follows:
(i) The mental health status of a prisoner should be studied
before his classification at the time of admission in the prison. Prisoners
certified as mentally ill should not be confined in prisons and instead
appropriate measures should be taken for their transfer to special
institutions.
(ii) Professionally qualified Counselors should be engaged by
the Prison department to provide counseling to the needy prisoners,
particularly those suffering from substance-related addictive disorders
and victims of abuse.
(iii) Proper and regular evaluation of prisoner’s mental health
should be done to enable the requisite psycho social support services
by the prison department.
(iv) Severe mental disorders would require appropriate
psychiatric treatment and dealt under the provisions of Mental Health
Act, 1986.
711. Psychotherapy.— Psychotherapy may be used in prisons as
it has been recognized as an effective measure for the treatment of
prisoners suffering from some degree of mental disorder and defects.
712. Guidance.— (1) Pamphlets containing the rights, duties,
entitlement, discipline and daily routine of a prisoner shall be printed
and distributed so that a prisoner may follow the ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ and
maintain discipline during his/her confinement.
(2) The literature mentioned in sub-rule (1) shall also be kept
in the prison library and issued to prisoners who can read.
(3) Illiterate prisoners shall be made to understand the contents
of the literature by the prison staff themselves or with the help of other
literate prisoners engaged for educational programmes.
713. Recreation, sports, cultural activities, films and Library.—
(1) Cultural and recreational activities may be organized in all institutions
for maintaining the mental and physical health of prisoners. These
activities are the basic elements of rehabilitation programmes for
prisoners. These shall form the integral part of an institutional regime.
384
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(2) Recreational and cultural activities may be organized
depending upon various conditions such as availability of space, the
climate and weather, composition of inmates and arrangements for
security. Such activities can include:-
(i) Outdoor games like cricket, kabaddi, wrestling, volley
ball, badminton, football and basket-ball;
(ii) Gymnastics;
(iii) Indoor games like chess, ring ball and carrom;
(iv) Film Shows: Historical, patriotic, biographical, scientific
and educational films, travelogues, documentaries,
newsreel, and films dealing with social themes may be
shown. Films depicting crime, sex, violence, suspense,
and such other subjects that may have a damaging effect
on the minds of inmates and shall not be shown to them.
A film projector may be provided for showing films to
the prisoners/inmates. A library of good films may be
developed at the headquarters of the Inspector-General
of Prisons and these films may be circulated to various
institutions. Close liaison shall be established between
the Department of Prisons and Correctional Services and
the Films Division, Department of Information and
Broadcasting, Film and T.V. Institutions, Film Societies
and other organisations which can supply good films for
the inmates;
(v) Music: Music has a special significance in the confined
atmosphere of a prison. It can bring relief to lonely,
distressed and unhappy inmates. It can relieve boredom
and promote interest in institutional programmes. Music
programmes could consist of radio music, recorded music,
group singing, folk music, instrumental music and
orchestra;
(vi) Community and folk dances: Group and Folk dances
could be performed on festivals and social occasions;
385
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(vii) Drama: Useful social values and models of behaviour can
be presented before the inmates through dramatic
performances. Dramas dealing with social problems,
pageants, musical dramas, tableau, soliloquies, dialogues,
radio plays and humorous skits could be performed for
the benefit of inmates. Inmates themselves can be
encouraged to take part, and organize these activities;
(viii) Arts and crafts: Arts and crafts can play an important
role in imparting useful values to prisoners. The prisoners
can maintain their individuality through these activities.
Such activities can also serve as supportive therapeutic
measures in the monotonous life of a prison;
(ix) Prisoners can be provided with necessary facilities for
pottery, basket making, wood carving, carpentry,
marquetry and veneers, wood turning, fret-work,
leather-work, home decoration, lamp-shade making,
metal-craft, plastics, toy- making, artificial flower making,
horn-craft, clay-modelling, lacquer-work, drawing,
painting, stencilling, paper-craft, paper-mache, rug
making, felt-work, knitting, embroidery, needle-work,
crochet, etc.;
(x) Reading: Inmates can be encouraged to read books,
newspapers and magazines. Group reading and guided
reading can also be useful for them;
(xi) Television: This is the biggest entertainer for prisoners.
The channels to be shown and their timings should be
carefully selected by the Superintendent of Jail;
(3) Every prison and allied institution may have an annual
sports/cultural meet. Inter-Institution and Inter-State sports meets of
inmates may also be organized. The sports groups from outside could
be invited into the prison for playing various games with the prisoners.
(4) Yoga and vibasana meditation shall be daily practiced for
which the hours may be fixed. Permanent centres of meditation could
be opened inside the prison. The services of Non-governmental
386
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
organisations could be availed for giving yoga and meditation practice.
It shall be ensured that discourses during meditation sessions are secular
in nature.
(5) Well known personalities in the fields of art, sports,
literature, culture and music may also be invited to the prison as guests
on various occasions to inspire the prisoners and be role-models for
them.
(6) There shall be a play ground for outdoor games and
a community hall for cultural programmes in the prison.
714. Role of Non-governmental Organisations.— (1) Non-
governmental Organisations may be extensively involved in organizing
sports and cultural meets. They could be encouraged to lend various
items and equipment for the smooth conduct of such events.
(2) Care shall be exercised in the selection of welfare agencies/
Non-governmental organisations for carrying out welfare programmes.
Only those Non-governmental organisations / welfare agencies which
have a proven track record, and which are known for their dedication
and selfless service, should be selected for associating in prison
programmes.
(3) No Member of a welfare agency/Non-governmental
organisations shall be associated with a prison if, he/she has a criminal
record. For this purpose, an undertaking may be obtained from the
Agency/Non-governmental organization.
(4) The good work done by welfare organizations and
Non-governmental organisations in prisons may be publically
appreciated.
(5) The minimum honorarium to be paid to the Counsellors.
715. Prisoners’ Panchayat.— (1) Every prison and allied institution
shall have prisoners’ panchayats. These panchayats shall consist of very
carefully selected inmates, who are of good conduct and who have the
potential and ability to organize events and activities. These panchayats
shall plan and execute daily recreational programmes for inmates. This
will give the prisoners a sense of participation in the prison management,
which is an important component of any policy of welfare and
reformation. These panchayats may also be used for giving the prisoners
an opportunity to express their problems and seek redressal.
387
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(2) The working of these panchayats shall be continuously
monitored by the prison administration. The Superintendent or Deputy
Superintendent of Jail shall as far as possible personally participate in
the panchayat meetings.
(3) A ‘Mahapanchyat’ of all the panchayats may be held in the
presence of the Superintendent at least once in a quarter for the redressal
of prisoners’ grievances and implementation of their suggestions. The
Inspector-General of Prisons may also participate in such Mahapanchayat
in different prisons in the Union territory from time to time.
716. Celebration of festivals.— (1) Independence Day, Republic
Day and Mahatama Gandhi's birthday shall be celebrated in each prison
to inculcate a feeling of the patriotism among the prisoners. Cultural
programmes could also be organized on such occasions and special food
can be served to the prisoners.
(2) The main festivals of all religions should be celebrated. In
these every prisoner should be encouraged to participate.
717. Spiritual development.— (1) Well known personalities from
all religions may be invited to deliver lectures to prisoners for their moral
upliftment. The help of Non-governmental organisations and welfare
agencies could be taken in this regard. It shall be ensured beforehand
that the content and tenor of such lectures is not such as would cause
resentment among people of other religions.
(2) No undue interference with the religion or caste prejudices
of prisoners shall be permitted. Every prisoner shall be allowed to
perform his/her devotions in a quiet and orderly manner.
718. Implementation of welfare activities.— (1) The Superintendent
shall be responsible for the smooth and orderly implementation of welfare
activities in the prison.
(2) The Superintendent shall submit quarterly reports of welfare
activities being conducted in his prison to the Inspector-General of
Prisons.
(3) Prison administration shall endeavour to access funds
available under Corporate Social Responsibility for conducting various
welfare activities for inmates and prison staff.
388
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
CHAPTER–25
FACILITIES TO PRISONER
719. Matters affecting caste or religion.— (1) No undue
interference with religion or caste prejudices of prisoners shall be
permitted. Prisoners shall be allowed to wear their religious symbols such
as the sacred thread and renew them if necessary, and shall be allowed
to perform their devotions in a quiet and orderly manner without undue
interference with prison routine and discipline.
(2) Water for ablution and a blue cotton carpet shall be
provided in cells or wards where Mohammadan prisoners are confined
and facilities shall be given to them for saying their prayers individually
four times a day, namely, at 5.00 a.m., midday recess, 6.00 p.m. and 8.00
p.m. and for eating food kept overnight according to the custom in the
month of Ramzan, if, they desire it. They shall be allowed a recess of
two hours for saying their prayers on Fridays and on the three
Mohammadan festival days, namely, Bakrid, Milad-Un-Nabi and
Shab-e-Barath, if, those days do not happen to be Fridays or holidays.
(3) Sikh prisoners shall be permitted to wear in prison a pagri
of suitable size, Kachh (short drawers) to reach to the knees and a
miniature, kirpan (dagger) made of steel 25 mm. in length and to retain
their relations symbols, namely–
(1) The Kes (long Hair),
(2) Kanga (comb) and
(3) Kara (Iron bangle).
(4) No gathering together of prisoners for the purpose of
performing any religious function or caste ceremony shall be permitted.
(5) Every prisoner who expresses a desire to keep a religious
fast, and in the opinion of the Medical Officer is in a fit State of Health,
may be permitted to do so. As far as practicable, the convenience of
such prisoners shall be met with regard to the disposal of the food and
the hours of its distribution.
(6) The festivals during which alone religious fast may be
permitted are:-
(i) In the case of Hindus:-
(a) Mahasivarathri
(b) Sri Jayanthi
389
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(c) Vaikuntayekadasi
(d) Sri Rama Navami
(e) MahalyaAmavasaya
(f) Pongal day
(ii) In the case of Christians:-
(a) All Fridays during Lent
(b) Christmas Eve (24th December)
(c) Assumption Eve (14th August)
(iii) In the case of Mohammadans:-
(a) Ramzan period (30 days)
(b) Moharram (10th May)
(c) Shab-e-Barath (15th day of Shabhan)
(d) Bakrid (9th day of Lilhaj)
(7) If, offered by any religious or charitable body or individual,
the Superintendent may at his discretion, receive and distribute to well
behaved prisoners on festival occasions, small luxuries in the shape of
fruits, sweets and meats, subject to the approval and strict control of
the Medical Officer.
Explanation:- (1) The Superintendent may also receive cash
from Religious or Charitable bodies or individuals for expenditure on
the purpose mentioned above when those Bodies or individuals find it
inconvenient to present actual fruits, sweet and meats. Such of the
amounts should be properly accounted for like Government money. All
documents such as vouchers, receipts and other connected records shall
be properly preserved and produced for audit.
(2) Articles such as radios and television sets useful to the
prisoners, offered as gifts to them may be accepted by the
Superintendents with the permission of the Inspector-General. On
receipt of such gifts, the Superintendent shall bring the same to stock,
make entries in the Civil Stores Articles Registers and send a report to
the Inspector-General. The Inspector-General shall then send a report
to the Government about the presentation of the articles. Any three
festival (1) Deepavali or Onam or Vishnu Festival or Pongal, (2) Christmas
and (3) Ramzan may be celebrated by the Government expenditure.
390
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
720. Conditions of admission of religious Ministers.— (1) At the
discretion of the Superintendent of the Prison, religious Ministers of
the several religionists of the inmates of the prison shall be admitted to
prison for the purpose of religious ministration collective or individual
on any appointed day of the week or other special days on previous
arrangement made in communication with the Superintendent.
Conveyance charges shall be paid by the Superintendent from the prison
funds at the prescribed rates.
(2) The Superintendent may refuse to admit any Minister whose
admission he considers inconsistent with the maintenance of discipline
in the prison; such refusal and therefore, the reasons shall be recorded
in his journal.
(3) Religious Ministration shall be subject to such conditions
as to time, place, duration, etc., as the Superintendent considers
necessary.
(4) On days other than those mentioned in sub-rule (1),
Ministers shall have access to prisoners who are dangerously ill or under
sentence of death and desire to see them.
721. Religious instruction and moral lectures.— (1) Religious and
moral lectures to all convicts in prison shall be allowed only on condition
that no proselytizing is carried on under the cloak of religious and moral
instruction, and that Lecturers confine their attention to prisoners of
their own faith.
(2) The selection of Lecturers shall be made by the Inspector-
General of Prisons and approved by Government.
(3) Superintendents shall endeavour to secure the services of
honorary lecturers and in their absence the senior members of the prison
staff, preferably the Teachers, should be deputed to lecture weekly to
the prisoners.
(4) Any Lecturer, who for any reason, finds himself unable to
attend the prison for a period of three months or more shall report the
reasons for his inability in advance to the Inspector-General through
the Superintendent of the Prison, in order that a suitable substitute may
be appointed in his place, if necessary. Any Lecturer who shall have
absented himself from the prison for a period of three months or more,
391
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
without thus reporting the circumstances of his absence, shall be
deemed to have vacated his office, and his name shall be removed from
the list of Lecturers.
(5) The Inspector-General may remove from the list, the name
of any Lecturer without assigning any reason.
(6) The Teachers and Lecturers shall draw conveyance
allowance at the rate allowed to moral and religions Lecturers.
722. Change of religion in prisons.— (1) No Minister of Religion
shall be allowed to have access to any prisoner other than a prisoner
sentenced to death who does not belong to his own denomination
unless the prisoner voluntarily and spontaneously expresses a wish to
see such a Minister, in which case the matter shall be reported to the
Inspector-General for orders.
(2) Before permitting any prisoner to see a Minister of Religion
who belongs to a denomination of persuasion other than his own, great
caution shall be exercised to avoid all outside suggestion or colour of
proselytize. If, however, the spontaneity of the prisoner's wish is
established beyond doubt, it is not desirable to interfere with its
fulfillment even though it extends to a change of religion.
723. Facilities for reading books, newspapers and keeping
photographs.— (1) Literate prisoner shall be allowed to read books or
periodicals in the prison library. Newspapers other than those from the
approved list may be allowed in special circumstances and with the
approval of the Government. Newspapers and magazines shall be
censored by the Superintendent before they are delivered to the
prisoners. The prisoners shall be permitted to keep two religious and
ten approved books of their own and any number of text books if they
desire to prosecute higher studies subject to the approval of the
Inspector-General and that steps are taken to ensure security in the
prison.
(2) Prisoners shall be permitted freely to keep the photographs
either of their family member or of deities of their religion with approval
of the Inspector-General and subject to the conditions that steps are
taken to ensure security in the prison. Such pictures and photographs
shall not, however, be allowed to be pasted or hung in dormitories or
cells or on other buildings.
392
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(3) Prisoners shall be permitted to take photographs at their own
cost and send the same to their near relatives subject to the condition
that such permission shall be granted at the discretion of the
Inspector-General on the merits of each case and that steps are taken
to ensure security in the prison.
724. Issue of Magazines, periodicals and newspapers.— (1) ‘B’
class prisoners shall be issued the Tamil dailies, from the list approved
by the Government, at the rate of one copy of any one of the dailies for
every 50 prisoners or part thereof at Government cost:-
(2) One copy of an English daily, from the list approved by
Government, shall be made available for the benefit of the literate
convicts at Government cost.
(3) All prisoners irrespective of their classification shall be
permitted to purchase at their own cost any of the Newspapers or
magazines of their choice, from the list approved by Government.
(4) All prisoners irrespective of their classification shall be
issued the periodicals, as approved by Government, at the rate of one
copy in any one of the periodicals for every 200 prisoners.
(5) Detenus shall be permitted to purchase at their own cost
any newspaper of their choice.
Explanation:- The list of newspapers, magazines and periodicals
to be permitted in the prison shall be reviewed once in two years by the
Inspector-General of Prisons.
725. Barbering.— (1) All convicted male prisoners shall be given
a proper hair cut once in two months and shaving once a week.
(2) Every male prisoner sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for
a longer term than one month or to imprisonment for life shall, on final
confirmation of the sentence or expiry of the period of appeal without
an appeal having been preferred (provided the unexpired term of such
prisoner’s sentence at that time exceeds one month), have the hair of
his head cut or trimmed only to such an extent and at such times, as
may be necessary for the purposes of health and cleanliness, unless he
desires that it should be cut shorter. Hindus shall be allowed to retain
the kudumi, dzuttu or top knot, the size of which shall be 152 cms. Long
and 75 cms. In diameter as nearly as possible. The beard and moustaches
of all such prisoners shall be either shaved or clipped closely. The beard
393
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
of Muhammadan prisoners may be left if so desired by them. In this rule,
“final confirmation of sentence” means, the decision of an appeal under
Chapter XXIX of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.
(3) No prisoner sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for month
or less shall be subjected, against his wish, to the operation of hair-
cutting except to get rid of vermin or dirt or when the Medical Officer
deems it necessary on the ground of health and cleanliness and then
the hair shall not be cut closer than may be necessary for the purpose
in view.
(4) Nothing in this rule shall prevent the cutting, trimming or
shaving of the hair of any prisoner at any time at his own request and
under the written orders of the Superintendent or if necessary, on
medical grounds and underwritten directions of the Medical Officer.
(5) Barbering instruments shall be properly cleaned and
thoroughly disinfected before and after every use, and got inspected
frequently.
726. Photographs.— (1) Prisoners shall be permitted freely to keep
the photographs either of their family member or of deities of their
religion with approval of the Inspector-General and subject to the
conditions that steps are taken to ensure security in the prison. Such
pictures and photographs shall not, however, be allowed to be pasted
or hung in dormitories or cells or on other buildings.
(2) Prisoners shall be permitted to take photographs at their own
cost and send the same to their near relatives subject to the condition
that such permission shall be granted at the discretion of the Inspector-
General on the merits of each case and that steps are taken to ensure
security in the prison.
727. Dental hygiene.— (1) The Superintendent shall see that twigs
or some other means of cleaning teeth is provided for daily use.
(2) Prisoners shall be supplied with 50 grams of tooth powder,
every month at Government cost. They may also be permitted to
purchase tooth paste, tooth powder, and tooth brush, at their own cost.
728. General hygiene.— (1) Prisoners shall be supplied with
sufficient quantity of washing soap on admission.
(2) Washing powder 50 grams for male prisoners and 100 grams
for female prisoners shall be supplied once a week.
394
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(3) Washing soap 200 grams for male prisoners and 400 grams
for female prisoners shall be supplied once in a month.
(4) Prisoners shall be supplied with 75 grams of bathing soap,
every month, at Government cost.
(5) Sufficient quantity of washing soap and bathing soap shall
be issued to prisoners working in conservancy and kitchen jobs.
(6) Gingelly or coconut oil, 50 grams for male prisoners and
100 grams for female prisoners shall be issued once a week.
(7) Additional oil may be issued to children allowed to stay with
women prisoners.
(8) Soap-nut powder or seekai powder, 30 grams for male
prisoners and 60 grams for female prisoners shall be issued once a week.
729. Purchase and receipt of articles.— Prisoners may be
permitted to purchase articles like hair oil, shaving cream and soap (both
washing and toilet) and snack items may also be permitted to receive
the same if, tendered by relatives and friends.
730. Canteen for prisoners.— (1) A canteen may be run on self-
supporting basis in the prison premises.
(2) The following articles may be stocked in the canteen, namely:-
(a) tea, coffee and milk;
(b) any eatables as are approved by Inspector-General of
Prisons, from time to time;
c) soap, oil, combs and the like;
(d) fruits like bananas, mangoes;
(e) tooth paste, tooth powder, tooth brush;
(f) Stationery articles like pencil, exercise books and papers;
and
(g) Any other item(s) or article(s) as approved by the
Inspector-General of Prisons.
(3) No prisoner other than one working in the canteen shall have
access to the canteen. Arrangements shall be made to sell the articles
to prisoners from the canteen by means of trolleys kept outside the
canteen at the places selected by the Superintendent during such hours
as may be fixed by him.
395
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(4) No short term prisoner with sentence of less than three
months and no long term prisoner before completion of three months of
his sentence shall be allowed to work in the canteen.
(5) Subject to the provisions of this sub-rule, prisoners may be
permitted to purchase articles mentioned in sub-rule (2) from the
canteen, either from the amount available at their disposal or from their
private cash or both in accordance with the following provisions:-
(a) Prisoners under substantive sentence of rigorous
imprisonment or simple imprisonment for a term of three
months or more and who have completed the first three
months of their sentence may purchase any of the articles
specified in sub-rule (2) from the amount available at their
disposal on account of wages earned by them;
(b) All prisoners during the first three months of their
sentence may purchase only soap and other articles of
toilet from their private cash;
(c) Prisoners who volunteer and actually perform
conservancy work may purchase any of the articles
referred to in sub-rule (2) from the canteen either from
the amount available at their disposal or from their
private cash or from both;
Explanation:- For the purpose of this clause, conservancy work
means the work of cleaning latrines, cesspool and the like.
(d) The Superintendent may permit the prisoners to purchase
tea, coffee and eatables from their private cash in the
following cases:-
(i) Even though the prisoner is entitled to work, he cannot
be suitably employed; or
(ii) Prisoner is unable to work due to physical or other
disability; or
(iii) Prisoner does work, but, he does not earn sufficient
wages for reasons beyond his control to purchase tea,
coffee and eatables from his private cash.
396
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(e) An unconvicted criminal prisoner or a Civil prisoner may
be permitted to purchase any of the articles specified in
sub-rule (2) either from the amount available at his
disposal or from his private cash:
Provided that no prisoner shall be in possession of more than
one cake of soap or any other article of toilet at any one time.
(6) The Superintendent shall cause maintenance of a record of
the reasons for which he has granted permission under clause (d) of
sub-rule (5) and shall keep such record in the canteen. He shall also
make or cause to be made a note of such reasons and restrictions in the
wage sheet of the prisoner concerned.
731. Restriction in granting amenities.— All the amenities,
facilities and privileges granted to prisoners under the rules prescribed
in this Chapter shall be granted to prisoners subject to good behaviour
and discipline.
732. Exclusion from privileges.— Any prisoner who abuses the
privileges, facilities and concessions granted under this Chapter shall
be liable to be excluded from such privileges, facilities and concession
for such time or to such further restrictions as the Superintendent may
direct.
CHAPTER–26
PRISONERS PROPERTY
733. Disposal of property other than money.— The property other
than money delivered with or found on a prisoner on admission or
subsequently sent to him through the Superintendent shall be dealt with
according to the following provisions, namely:-
(i) Prohibited articles such as tobacco, snuff, opium, ganja or
any other drug or liquor, obscene pictures or literature shall be
destroyed;
(ii) Perishable articles shall be sold and the proceeds credited
to prisoners cash property and entered in the prisoners’ cash property
register.
(iii) If, the clothing of a prisoner is so damaged or filthy as not
to be worth-keeping or fit for sale, it shall be destroyed;
397
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(iv) If, the Medical officer considers that there are objections
from the sanitary point of view to the retention of a prisoner's clothing
or if, a prisoner on admission is suffering from any infections or
contagious disease, the clothing shall, under the written direction of
the Medical Officer, be destroyed;
(v) The clothing of every prisoner sentenced to a substantive
term of rigorous imprisonment of three years or more shall, if, not liable
to be destroyed under the preceding provisions, be sold on confirmation
of the sentence or expiry of the time allowed for appeal and the proceeds
shall be dealt with in accordance and that the prisoner be required to
attend a Court as a witness or as an accused, his clothing shall not be
disposed off until no longer required in this connection.
(vi) In other cases, the clothing of a prisoner sentenced to
rigorous imprisonment as also the excess or surplus clothing of an ‘A’
class prisoner if, it is not possible to return the same to the friends or
relatives of the prisoner, shall be washed, tied up in a bundle and stored.
(vii) Metal vessels and other non-perishable and bulky articles
including high frequency materials shall be included in the clothing
bundle. Jewellery or other valuable property shall be made up into a
separate packet which shall be sealed by the Deputy Superintendent in
the presence of the Superintendent and the prisoner.
(viii) Every packet and bundle shall be labelled with the number
and name of the prisoner to whom it belongs, together with the date of
release, and shall be kept by the Assistant Superintendent, arranged
according to the date of release or number. He shall be responsible for
the safe custody of the articles entrusted to him till they are returned to
the prisoners on their discharge.
(ix) Only such property shall be kept as can be conveniently
stored. If, livestock or cumbersome articles, such as charpoys and the
like are brought or sent to the prison for the prisoner, they shall be
handed over to the prisoner's friends or relatives, if the prisoner so
desires, otherwise they may be sold and the proceeds credited to
prisoner’s cash property.
734. Periodical verification of prisoner’s valuable property.— The
Superintendent shall verify the prisoner's valuable property in the
custody of Assistant Superintendent not less than once in three months
and even frequently if necessary.
398
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
735. Responsibility on all prison Officers.— All prison officers are
liable to make good any loss to Government occasioned by failure to
comply with these rules or neglect of duty in connection therewith. This
direction applies to articles of civil stores also.
736. Grant of permission to receive property from outside.— The
Superintendent shall always use his discretion properly to grant
permission to the prisoner to receive any property from outside.
737. Disposal of money.— Cash property found on the person of
prisoner at the time of their admission to prison shall be remitted into
the Treasury to be credited to a personal deposit account opened in
the name of the Superintendent of the prison. Repayments which it is
not found convenient to make from the personal deposit account shall
be made from the permanent advance of the prison in the first instance.
The permanent advance may be recouped when found necessary by
drawing a cheque for the amount disbursed on the personal deposit
account at the Treasury.
738. Maintenance of accounts.— (1) There shall be a separate cash
book for accounting the cash of prisoners received on admission and
on subsequent occasion by money order or from the relatives of the
prisoners.
(2) There shall be a separate individual ledger book called
“Prisoners Cash property Register” for convicted prisoners for
maintaining day to day cash transactions of each prisoner separately.
A similar individual ledger book shall also be maintained separately for
the undertrial prisoners. These registers shall be signed by the
Superintendent while checking cash book. Every day's balance in the
Prisoner's Cash Property as accounted for in its cash book shall be
indicated in the abstract of the Main Cash book also.
(3) The Superintendent shall maintain an Abstract Register of
Prisoners Cash Property for operating the prisoners' cash property.
It shall be written as and when transactions take place and checked and
initialed by the Superintendent invariably along with the cash book.
At the close of every month, an abstract shall be drawn, checked and
signed by the Superintendent.
(4) The prisoner’s cash property shall also be reconciled for the
financial year with reference to the individual ledger account and
Abstract Register of Prisoner's Cash Property before 15th April and a
certificate of reconciliation shall be submitted to the Inspector-General.
399
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
739. Deposit of cash of prisoners in the Bank account.— Prisoners
of all classes may deposit their cash property in the Post Office Savings
Bank Account or fixed deposit or Savings Bank Account of any one of
the Nationalized Banks if, they so desire subject to the following
conditions, namely:-
(i) The amount to be deposited, shall not be less than ` 500
(Rupees five hundred only), for Savings Bank Account either in a Post
Office or Nationalized Bank and in the case of fixed deposit in a
Nationalized Bank, the amount shall be in multiples of hundred only;
(ii) Forms presented by the prisoner for the withdrawal of money
from the abovesaid Savings Bank Account or fixed deposit account shall
be countersigned by the Superintendent or the Deputy Superintendent
of the Prison; and
(iii) Withdrawal of money from savings bank account by the
prisoners shall be permitted only once in a month.
740. Record of prisoners’ property.— An entry shall be made in
the proper column of the Admission (Prisoners Property) Register
describing the property delivered with or found on a prisoner on
admission or that may be afterwards received upon his account. Such
entry shall specify the nature of the property, the number or quantity
and the approximate value of each item. In respect of jewellery, nature
of articles, its weight and cost shall be noted and signed by the prisoner
and also the Superintendent. If, any property is sold, the amount of the
proceeds shall be entered to the prisoner’s credit in the Register, the
actual money being dealt.
Explanation (1):- The genuine value of each article must be
shown. So much description of an article as will facilitate identification
and prevent pilferage must be given namely, whether shirt is cotton or
silk, white or coloured and the like.
Explanation (2):- Remuneration paid to prisoners for extra
labour and wages earned under the wage earning scheme need not be
entered in the Convict Register. Such earnings shall be maintained
(Register of Cash property of prisoners).
741. List of property to be read over to prisoner.— When a
prisoner on admission is brought before the Superintendent for
verification, the latter shall check whether all money, jewellery, clothing
400
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
and property brought with or found upon the prisoner have been duly
entered in Admission (Prisoners Properly) Register in the manner
provided above. These entries shall be read over to the prisoner in the
presence of the Superintendent and his property shall at the same time
be shown to him. If, the entries and articles are acknowledged to be
corrected, the prisoner shall be required to sign or impress his left
thumb-print in the Register in token thereof. The Assistant
Superintendent shall also initial the entry in token of having received
the property into his charge.
742. Disposal on transfer or release of prisoner.— On the transfer
or release of a prisoner, all property entered as in the Admission
(Prisoners Property) Register shall be shown to him in the presence of
the Superintendent and if, he admits that it is correct, he shall be
required to sign or impress his left thumb-print in the Register in token
thereof, and, if, he is to be released, the property shall be then and there
made over to him. If, he is to be transferred, the Superintendent shall
see that the property is correctly described in the list to be sent with
the prisoner and if, it includes valuables, the Superintendent shall have
it securely sealed up in his presence for delivery to the officer in charge
of the escort. On the transfer of a prisoner, all the property shall be sent
with him.
743. Circumstances when money or property of a prisoner may
be delivered to his relatives or friends.— The Superintendent may at
his discretion, make over money or property belonging to a prisoner to
whomsoever such prisoner may indicate provided that no property shall
be made over which the prisoner himself will need on release. Whenever
property is made over to others at a prisoner's request, a receipt for the
property shall be taken and the prisoner's signature or left thumb-
impression consenting to the arrangements shall be recorded in the
Admission (Prisoners Property) Register.
744. Use of private cash.— Civil prisoners shall be allowed to draw
on the money to their credit for purposes approved by the Superintendent.
745. Provision of clothing on release.— Whenever the private
clothing of a prisoner has been destroyed or sold, he shall, on release
be provided with a cheap cloth (not convict cloth) or in the case of
‘A” class prisoners who are accustomed to European made of dress,
with a coat, a pair of Pants, braces, shirt, collar, pair of cut shoes, hat
and neck-tie. The value of the outfit supplied shall be deducted from
401
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
any private money other than batta, gratuity or subsistence allowance,
belonging to the prisoner and if, he has none or the amount is
insufficient, the cost shall be debited to Government account. Any
convict, whose circumstances require it, shall be supplied with suitable
clothing free of charge.
746. Disposal of property of deceased prisoner and executed
prisoner.— When a prisoner dies in prison, his property shall be sent
to the Magistrate of the District to which the prisoner belonged for
disposal. The wishes expressed by any dying prisoner including the
prisoner executed about his property, together with full particulars shall
be communicated to the Magistrate to trace the relations of the deceased
prisoner.
747. Disposal of escaped prisoners property.— The property of
an escaped prisoner shall be retained for one year from the date of his
escape. If, he is not recaptured within the said period of one year, the
Superintendent shall on completion of one year from the date of escape,
cause a notice to be sent to the prisoner, by registered post
acknowledgment due for claiming his property within a specified period
unless the property is one of a value of not less than ` 250. If, the
property is not claimed within a period of three months, it shall be
forwarded to the Police for disposal.
748. Disposal of property found after original search.—
(1) Unauthorized property found on a prisoner on any occasion
subsequent to the search to which he is subjected on admission shall
be forfeited to the Government and the money or the sale proceeds of
any articles sold, shall be paid into the Treasury in full under
“Miscellaneous Prison Receipts”.
(2) The Superintendent may at his discretion, award to the officer
discovering the unauthorized property not more than one half of any
sum of money so found or realized. The reward amount shall be
separately drawn debiting it to the head “Rewards, etc.”
CHAPTER–27
THE ATTENDANCE OF PRISONERS BEFORE COURTS
749. Statutory power.— The rules contained in this Chapter are
made in virtue of power conferred under section 9 of the Prisoners
(Attendance in Courts) Act, 1955 (Central Act 32 of 1955).
402
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
750. Definition.— In the Rules under this Chapter unless there is
anything repugnant in the subject or context-
(i) “Act” means, the Prisoners (Attendance in Courts) Act, 1955
(Central Act 32 of 1955).
(ii) “Officer in-charge of the prison” means, the Superintendent
of Jail.
751. Countersigning of Order.— (1) A Chief Judicial Magistrate
or a Session Judge or a District Judge as the case may be, who receives
an order for countersignature under section 3 of the Act shall satisfy
himself that the order was issued by a person having lawful authority
to issue it and that it is duly authenticated. If, the Chief Judicial
Magistrate or Sessions Judge or District Judge is not satisfied as to the
authenticity of any such order, it is open to him to require the Officer
who brought the order to give evidence on oath as to the genuineness
of the signature. If, the Chief Judicial Magistrate or Sessions Judge or
District Judge is satisfied that the order has been properly signed and
authenticated, he should countersign it in the manner prescribed in the
First or the Second Schedule to the Act, as the case may be, and the
order so countersigned shall be sent to the Officer in-charge of the
Prison concerned.
(2) The Officer in-charge of the prison, on receipt of such order
shall act in accordance therewith and shall provide for the safe custody
of the person during his absence from the prison for the purpose
aforesaid.
752. Escort.— The escort of prisoners under the Act shall be
undertaken by the police.
753. Police guard.— Whenever an order for the production of a
prisoner to give evidence or to answer a charge is received from a
competent Court by the Officer in-charge of the prison, such Officer shall
send a copy of the Court’s order to the head of the local police, who
thereupon shall cause the necessary police guard to be detailed in
accordance with the terms of the order, and the prisoner shall be made
over to the custody of this guard. Whenever a prisoner is produced
before a Court situated outside the district in which he is confined, the
Officer in-charge of the prison shall report the fact of such production
to the Chief Judicial Magistrate and the Superintendent of Police of the
District from which the prisoner is so produced.
403
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
754. Attendance and prison ration.— Whenever the Court and the
prison are in the same station, the prisoner shall be taken from the prison
to the Court and back daily, until his attendance is dispensed with. On
every day he attends the Court he shall receive the full prison ration
and shall be allowed to take his midday meal with him for consumption
at any convenient hour.
755. Confinement.— Whenever a prisoner is sent for examination
to or has to halt a night enroute at a station where there is a central
prison, he shall be confined therein. Where there is no central prison,
he shall be confined in the subsidiary prison, and where there is no
subsidiary prison, he shall be confined in the police lock-up.
756. Safe custody.— If, the escort is unable to reach a central prison
or subsidiary prison or police lock-up before sunset, the police shall make
the necessary arrangements for the safe custody of the prisoner.
757. Strength of police guard.— (1) the minimum strength of the
police guard shall be: -
“For not more than four prisoners - two constables, for five or
six prisoners - three constables, for seven to ten prisoners - one head
constable and four constables. A female warder shall, wherever possible,
accompany a female prisoner instead of one of the constables.
(2) When prisoners are of desperate character or are likely to
attempt to escape or when the number to be escorted exceeds ten, the
strength of the guard shall be increased at the discretion of the Officer
in-charge of the police. Whenever necessary extension for guard it may
be extended as per direction of the Superintendent of Jail.
758. Responsibility for the custody.— If, the prisoner is taken to
a central prison or subsidiary prison, the prison or police establishment
guarding it shall be responsible for the custody of the prisoner.
Whenever, the escort desires to proceed, the prisoner shall be handed
over for the purpose:
Provided that no prisoner escorted under these rules shall be
admitted into a prison after sunset, nor handed over to the escort before
sunrise.
759. Procedure in lock-up.— (1) If, the prisoner is taken to a police
lock-up as per Court order, in which there are no other prisoners, the
police in-charge of the lock-up shall permit the prisoner escorted under
404
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
these rules to occupy a ward in the lock-up, the key of which shall be
handed over to the escort and the prisoner shall be entirely under the
charge of the escort as regards safe custody, supply of food, etc. On
the departure of the escort with its prisoner, the key of the ward
occupied shall be returned to the police in-charge of the lock-up. In the
event of any prisoner committing damage to a ward occupied by him,
the fact shall be reported to the Officer in-charge of the prison hence,
he was brought, who shall defray the cost of repairing the damages.
(2) In the event of a police lock-up being occupied by other
prisoners, the prisoner shall be confined with them, the police in-charge
of the lock-up being then responsible for his safe custody. The duty of
supplying the prisoner with food and watching him cook and eat shall
rest with the police escorting him.
(3) Police escorts shall conform to the rules in force at lock-ups
as regards hours for cooking and meals. For example, when the custody
of the prisoner devolves upon the police in-charge of the lock-up, the
escort shall not demand that he be let out at unauthorized hours to cook
his food, etc.
760. Conveyance.— A prisoner shall ordinarily be moved about
either by rail or by road or by water, but, when neither of these modes
of conveyance is available, he shall go on foot, unless he is certified
by the Medical Officer to be physically unfit to march, in which case,
it shall be left to the discretion of the escort party to arrange for
a suitable conveyance of their choice so as to suit the health condition
of the prisoner. No prisoner shall be compelled to march on foot more
than 24 kilometres in twenty-four hours. When travelling by rail, the
accommodation to be provided shall be of the lowest class in the case
of “B” class prisoners and first class in the case of “A” class prisoners.
Prisoners whose confessions are to be recorded shall be taken to the
Court from the prison in a police van or lorry, when available, escorted
by warders as an exceptional case.
Explanation:- (1) Prisoners escorted by the police between two
places which are over 16 kilometres apart and are wholly or partly
connected by motor bus service may be conveyed by motor bus,
provided that the number of prisoners so escorted at a time is small and
can be controlled easily, and provided that their presence in the motor
bus does not cause inconvenience or annoyance to members of the
public using it. Actual conveyance charges in the case of such prisoners
may be paid.
405
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(2) Women prisoners, escorted by the police, shall be provided
with conveyances where the distance to be traversed by them exceeds
1.6 kilometres. Conveyances may also be provided for shorter distances
in cases in which, for reasons of health or custom or other valid reasons,
failure to make such provision would cause undue hardship to them.
(3) The prisoners shall not be allowed to claim the mode of
conveyance of their choice or to walk the distance to the Courts at their
discretion. The decision of the police escort party shall be final
761. Cost of conveyance.— (1) The cost of conveyance (if any)
and of maintaining prisoners while absent from the prison shall be
advanced by the Officer in-charge of the prison to the Officer in-charge
of the escort:
Provided that, whenever possible, the escort shall be given
articles of diet sufficient for the prisoner's rations during his absence,
instead of money. If, a prisoner is admitted into any prison, he shall be
supplied with rations by that prison during the period he spends there.
(2) The cost of conveyance of prisoners to and from the Court
shall be recovered by the Officer in-charge of the prison from the Court
before which the prisoner’s attendance is required. No recovery need,
however, be made from a criminal Court before which a prisoner is
produced in cases where such cost is less than ` 10. Conveyance and
other incidental charges of undertrial prisoners sent from this Union
Territory to other State and vice versa should be borne by the State
sending such prisoners.
(3) The scale of charges for the conveyance of prisoners
required to be produced to give evidence in civil or criminal Courts shall
be as follows:-
(i) All prisoners, civil or criminal, the lowest fare admissible
for journeys by rail, boat or steamer and actual expenses
by road.
(ii) Subsistence allowance:- The scale at which subsistence
allowance payable to the “A” and “B” class prisoners,
shall be as fixed by Government from time to time.
406
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(4) The dietary charges of the prisoners who are sent from a
criminal Court to a prison shall be borne by the criminal Court concerned.
conveyance charges other than railway and bus warrants in such cases
shall be borne by the criminal Court. No recovery need, however, be
made from a criminal Court where such charges are less than ` 10.
Explanation:- (i) “A” class prisoners, if escorted, singly, shall
be permitted to travel, if they so desire, in any class of accommodation
higher than that which is permitted to them, at their own expense, which
shall include any extra cost on account of the escort accompanying them.
(ii) In the case of a prisoner falling ill or escape or death in
transit, the responsibility to inform the relatives of prisoner's illness or
death or to take necessary measures to apprehend the prisoner in case
of escape rests with the Officer in-charge of the prison from where the
prisoners was taken to Court.
762. Prisoner under sentence of death.— No prisoner under the
sentence of death shall be removed under the Act from the prison in
which he may be confined without the special sanction of Government,
except when his presence is required by a Sessions or High Court for
the purpose of taking additional evidence in the case.
763. Warrant to accompany.— When a prisoner is sent from one
prison to another under these rules, his original warrant or warrants of
commitment and a nominal roll shall be sent with him.
764. Maintenance of Register.— A register showing the prisoners
sent under the Act, as in the specimen form specified below, shall be
maintained by the Officer in-charge of the prison.
CHAPTER–28
THE REMISSION SYSTEM
765. Definition.— Remission is a concession, which can be granted
to prisoners by Head of the Administration, appropriate Government or
by the Head of the Prison Department or by the Superintendent of Jail.
The appropriate Government reserves the right to debar/withdraw any
prisoner or category of prisoners, from the concession of remission. The
remissions other than that granted by the Head of the Administration
may be withdrawn or forfeited if, the prisoner commits specified jail
offences or conditions prescribed in the relevant order of remitting the
sentence.
407
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
766. Remission as an incentive.— (1) Remission system aims at
the reformation of a prisoner. The scheme is intended to ensure prison
discipline and good conduct on the part of the prisoners, and to
encourage them to learning and better work culture, with the prospect
of their early release from prison as an incentive. But, the prisoner has
no right to claim as a matter of right.
767. Objective.— Remission is intended to be an incentive for good
behaviour and work. It should be granted on the basis of an inmate’s
behaviour, work and general response to various institutional activities.
In the context of this chapter:
(i) ‘Prisoner’ includes a person committed to prison in
default of furnishing security for maintaining peace or
good behaviour and also includes persons convicted by
a Military Court,
(ii) ‘Sentence’ means, a sentence as finally fixed on appeal
or revision or otherwise, and includes an aggregate of
more sentences than one, and an order of imprisonment
in default of furnishing security for maintaining peace or
good behaviour.
768. Kinds of Remission.— Remission will be of the following
types:
(i) Ordinary remission
(ii) Special remission
(iii) Government remission
(iv) In Lieu of wages
ORDINARY REMISSION
769. Authority to grant ordinary remission.— The Superintendent
or an officer nominated by him on his behalf is authorized to grant
ordinary remission under these rules.
770. Eligibility.— The following types of convicted prisoners shall
be eligible for ordinary remission:
(i) Prisoners having substantive sentences of two months and
more,
408
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(ii) Prisoners, sentenced to simple imprisonment for two months
or more, who volunteer to work,
(iii) Prisoners employed on prison maintenance services
requiring them to work on Sundays and Holidays, e.g. sweeping, cooking
etc., irrespective of the length and nature of their sentence i.e., simple
or rigorous imprisonment,
(iv) Prisoners admitted for less than one month in hospital for
treatment or convalescence after an ailment or injury not caused willfully.
(Those admitted for such purpose for more than one month should be
entitled to remission for good conduct only).
Note: It will be the responsibility of the prison administration
to provide work to all eligible prisoners. If, for any reason
the prison administration fails to do so the prisoners who
are otherwise eligible for remission for work should be
granted it as per their normal entitlement under the orders
of the Inspector General of Prisons.
771. Non-Eligibility.— The following types of prisoners should not
be eligible for ordinary remission:
(i) Prisoners having substantive sentence of less than two
months,
(ii) Prisoners sentenced in default of payment of fine only,
(iii) Prisoners whose sentence is reduced to less than two
months (in such cases remission already earned, if any, should stand
forfeited),
(iv) In the case of prisoners who are convicted of an offence
committed after admission to the prison under sections 147/ 148/ 152/
224/ 302/ 304/ 304A/ 306/ 307/ 308/ 323/ 324/ 325/ 326/ 332/ 333/ 352/ 353
or 377 of IPC or of an assault committed after admission to the prison
on a warder or other officer or under any other law for misusing the
concession of parole/furlough granted under that law. The remissions
of whatever kind earned by him under these rules up to the date of the
said conviction may, with the sanction of Head of the Prison Department,
be cancelled.
(v) Prisoners debarred from remission as punishment for
committing prescribed prison offences;
409
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(vi) Prisoners specifically debarred from remission under any
law or rule or by the judgment of Court and
(vii) Prisoners out on Emergency leave like medical leave,
temporary release on parole, release on bail etc., for the duration of such
leave.
772. Scale of ordinary remission.— (1) Ordinary remission may be
granted to prisoners who are eligible for it at the scale shown below:
(a) Three days per calendar month for good behaviour,
discipline and participation in institutional activities,
(b) Three days per calendar month for performance of work
according to the prescribed standards,
(c) Two days per calendar month for prisoners employed on
prison maintenance services requiring them to work even
on Sundays and holidays e.g. sweeping, cooking etc.,
(d) 10 days per calendar month to convict overseers and
convict warders (until these two categories are
abolished). Convict overseers and convict warders will
not be eligible for remission mentioned in (a), (b) and (c)
above,
(e) One day for each month's stay in open institutions to
prisoners sentenced to imprisonment of one year or more
and transferred to such institutions,
(2) Total remission should not be exceeded to a prisoner for
one-third of total imprisonment.
773. Remission to prisoners sentenced by Court Martial.—
Prisoners sentenced by Court martial shall be granted ordinary remission
for the period they pass in transit or in military custody, before their
admission in prison on the same scale as laid down in these rules.
774. Scale applicable to nursing orderlies.— (1) In lieu of the
remission allowed, convict nursing orderlies shall receive eight days
remission per calendar month.
(2) Remission under these rules shall be calculated from the first
day of the next calendar month following the appointment of the prisoner
as convict nursing orderly.
410
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
775. Additional remission to prisoners employed on prison
services.— Prisoners employed on prison maintenance services such as
cooks, scavengers and sweepers who work on Sundays and holidays
may be awarded one day ordinary remission per calendar month in
addition to any other remission under these rules.
776. Prisoners in Open institution.— Prisoners sentenced to
imprisonment of one year or more transferred to Open Institution may
be granted extra remission at the rate of one day for each day's stay in
that Institution in addition to three days for good behaviour.
SPECIAL REMISSION
777. Authority to grant special remission.— The following
authorities may award special remission at such scale they are
empowered below:
(a) The IG Prisons is authorised to grant special remission under
the recommendation of Chief Superintendent of Jails up to 40 days
during one year.
(b) The Superintendent of Jail is authorised to grant special
remission up to twenty (20) days during one year.
778. Criteria to grant special remission.— Meritorious work by
inmates should be rewarded by grant of special remission in addition to
the annual good conduct remission to create a spirit of healthy
competition among prisoners. Such special remission may be granted to
prisoners eligible for ordinary remission on the following considerations:
(i) Saving the life of a Government Employee, a prison visitor
or an inmate,
(ii) Protecting a Government Employee or prison visitor or
inmate from physical violence or danger,
(iii) Preventing or assisting in prevention of escape of
prisoners, apprehending prisoners attempting to escape or giving material
information about any plan or attempt by a prisoner or a group of
prisoners, to escape,
(iv) Assisting prison officials in handling emergencies like fire,
outbreak of riots and strike,
411
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(v) Reporting of or assisting in, prevention of serious breach
of prison regulations,
(vi) Outstanding contribution in cultural activities or education
or acquiring an additional education qualification (such as a degree or
diploma) or teaching art and craft and special skills to fellow inmates,
(vii) Specially good work in industry, agriculture or any other
skill development programme or in vocational training.
779. Scale of Special Remission.— Subject to the fulfillment of any
one or more of the conditions aforementioned, special remission not
exceeding 60 days (including Award of Annual good Conduct) in a
calendar year completed by the prisoner in a Jail may be granted by the
Head of the Prison Department on the recommendation of
Superintendent of Jail to those prisoners who are eligible for ordinary
remission.
780. Award of Annual Good Conduct Remission.— Any prisoner
eligible for ordinary remission, who has not committed any prison
offence for a period of one year reckoned from the date of his sentence
or the date on which he was last punished for a prison offence, shall be
awarded 30 days annual good conduct remission in addition to any other
remission.
Explanation:- For the purpose of this rule, prison offences
punished only with warning shall not be taken into account.
781. Procedure in making award.— (1) An officer awarding
ordinary remission shall, before making the award, consult the prisoner's
history-ticket in which every offence proved against the prisoner must
be carefully recorded.
(2) If, a prisoner has not been punished during the month
otherwise than by a formal warning, he shall be awarded the full ordinary
remission for that month.
(3) If, a prisoner has been punished during the month otherwise
than by a formal warning, the case shall be placed before the
Superintendent, who, after considering punishments awarded, shall
decide what amount of remission shall be granted. All remissions
recorded on the prisoner’s history ticket shall be entered on the
remission sheet (or card) and Remission Register.
412
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
Note: (i) Prisoners with substantive sentences from two months
to five years should be sanctioned remission each month
while those sentenced to more than five years (including
life convicts) should be granted remission once in a
quarter.
(ii) Entries regarding remission should be made, under proper
attestation of the Superintendent, in the Remission
Register and the History Ticket of the prisoner concerned
as soon as it is granted.
(iii) Grant of remission to prisoners sentenced by Court martial
should be on the same principles as those applicable to
other prisoners.
GOVERNMENT REMISSION
782. Grant of Government Remission.— Remission granted by the
Government under 432 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 acting
on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers shall be called
Remission by the Government. Remission by the Government may be
granted on occasions of National importance or public rejoicing.
Note :- No Rules can be prescribed for the Government for grant
of this type of remission.
783. Eligibility.— The remission by the Government can be
awarded to such prisoners or categories of prisoners, as the Government
may decide. In case of prisoners who, at the time of general grant of
remission by the Government, are released on temporary or emergency
release like on parole or furlough etc., specific orders of the Government
about the award of this remission to such prisoners are necessary;
784. Scale.— The Government remission will be granted at such
scale or in such quantum, as may be fixed by the Government from time
to time.
785. Remission Committee.— (1) The Remission Committee of each
institution shall consist of:-
(a) Superintendent in-charge of the institution Chairman
(b) Deputy Superintendent or senior most prison officer
Member available in the institution
413
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(c) Assistant Superintendent or the prison Officer in-charge
of remission section, Member
(d) Officer in-charge of Industries/Vocational Training
Member
(2) The functions of this Committee shall be:-
(i) to attend to all matters pertaining to remission;
(ii) to recommend cases of prisoners to the Inspector General
of Prisons for the grant of special remission; and
(iii) to recommend other remissions.
(3) The members of the Committee shall assist the Superintendent
in all matters pertaining to the award of remission. The decision of the
Superintendent should be treated as final. The Remission Committee
shall meet on fixed days in the last week of every month or as and when
required.
Note: In view of the importance of remission work, it is essential
that the Committee meets as per fixed schedule so that
remission may be granted in time. Special remission
should be granted leaving a margin of at least seven days
prior to a prisoner’s release.
786. Grant of remission to life convicts serving more than one
life sentence.— Life sentence shall be taken as imprisonment for twenty
years for the purpose of calculation of remission, under Section 57 of
the Indian Penal Code, 1860. In the case of a prisoner serving more than
one life sentence, twenty years shall be treated as the total of all his
sentences for calculating remission. Grant of remission to a life convict
shall not mean actual remission in his sentence. When the Sentence
Review Board will examine his case, the remission to his credit will be
one of the factors on the basis of which the review of his sentence will
be considered.
787. Procedure for calculating various remissions.— The method
of calculation of the various kinds of remission shall be as follows:-
(1) Ordinary Remission:
(a) Ordinary remission shall be calculated from the first day
of the calendar month after the date of the prisoner’s
sentence. Ordinary remission shall not be granted for the
414
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
broken period of a calendar month. A prisoner, unless
sentenced on the first day of a month, will not get
remission for the month in which he has been sentenced.
(b) In the case of a prisoner, transferred from one prison to
another while undergoing imprisonment, the period spent
by him in the first prison, excluding the period spent as
an under trial prisoner, shall be calculated along with the
period spent by him in the second prison, for remission.
(c) Period spent outside the prison, such as release on leave
which are included as part of a sentence, should not be
treated as broken periods. During such periods the
prisoner shall be eligible for earning ordinary remission.
For periods spent outside the prison which are not
included as parts of a sentence (such as, bail, emergency
release, escape and extradition) prisoners shall not be
eligible for earning remission. In such cases, the prisoners
should be considered as eligible to earn remission from
the first day of the calendar month following the date of
their re-admission.
(d) No prisoner shall receive ordinary remission for the
calendar month in which he is released. If, by the award
of remission for a particular month, the date of release
would fall in that month, full remission due for that month
shall not ordinarily be given, but, a portion of the
remission shall be given so that the release may fall on
the 1st of the following month;
(e) Prisoners who have been released on bail or whose
sentence have been temporarily suspended, shall, on their
re-admission to prison, be credited with any remission
they may have earned before their release on bail or to
the suspension of the sentence. They will be brought
under the remission system again on the first day of the
calendar month after their re-admission.
(2) Annual good conduct remission:-
The annual good conduct remission shall be reckoned
from the date on which the prisoner is eligible for
ordinary remission. In all such cases mentioned under
415
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
clause (c) of para (1) above, the date of eligibility for
annual good conduct remission will also be duly
postponed.
(3) Special remission:- Special remission for the year shall be
reckoned from the date of sentence. Special remission may be granted
for any fraction of a year accordingly.
788. Removal and Revocation of Prisoner from Remission.— The
Head of the Prisons Department, on the recommendation of
Superintendent of Jail, may remove any prisoner from remission for a
period of six months for committing any specified prison offence.
Similarly, the Superintendent of Jail may remove a prisoner from remission
for three months. However, the sanction of the Inspector-General will
be necessary for such removal from remission for any period exceeding
three months. With prior sanction of the Head of the Prisons Department,
the Superintendent of Jail may re-admit any prisoner to remission who
has been removed from there. The prisoner who is re-admitted to
remission shall earn remission under these rules from the commencement
of the month following his re-admission.
789. Conditions for Forfeiture of Remission.— Remission earned
by a prisoner may be forfeited by the Head of the Prisons. Department
on the recommendation of Superintendent of Jail;
(i) If, the prisoner is convicted of an offence committed after
admission to prison, under sections 147, 148, 152, 224, 302, 304, 304-A,
306. 307, 308, 232, 324, 325, 326, 327, 332, 333, 352, 353 or 377 of the
India Penal Code or convicted of an assault committed on a prison
official, a prison visitor, a prisoner or any other Government employee
or on conviction for any offence committed in violation of the law
providing for temporary release of the prisoner on parole/ furlough etc.,
after admission to prison. All the ordinary and special remission, of
whatever kind, earned by him under these rules up to the date of the
said conviction may be forfeited in part or in whole.
(ii) For prison offences Superintendent is empowered to forfeit
earned remission up to 30 days for one offence. Earned remission beyond
30 days may be forfeited with the sanction the Head of the Prisons
Department.
Note: All entries about forfeiture of remission shall be promptly
made in the history ticket or remission sheet and in the
Remission Register or in any other relevant document/
record.
416
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
790. Power to remove from remission system.— (1) The Government,
the Inspector-General of Prisons and the Superintendent of Jail may
remove any prisoner from remission, for a specified period, for
committing prison offences.
(2) The Superintendent may remove a prisoner from remission
for three months. For removal from remission system beyond three
months, prior sanction of the Inspector-General shall be obtained.
791. Re-admission of excluded prisoner.— The Superintendent
may, with prior sanction of the Inspector-General, re-admit to remission
any prisoner who has been removed from there. The prisoner who is
re-admitted to remission shall earn remission under these rules from the
commencement of the month following his re-admission.
792. Records.— Following records will be maintained by the prison
authority:-
(i) Assistant Superintendent or any other official in-charge of
yards or sections shall maintain sheets for prisoners eligible to earn
remission. On the appointed days, these sheets shall be forwarded to
the officer dealing with remission work and to the Deputy Superintendent
or to any other officer in-charge of admission and release of prisoners
for inspection. These sheets shall be attached to the remission sheet of
the prisoners.
(ii) A Remission Register shall be maintained and all entries
about grant and forfeiture, if any, of remission shall be promptly made
and duly attested by the officers concerned.
(iii) Entries in the Remission Register shall be made at the end
of each quarter. In case a prisoner is due for release before the
completion of a quarter, these entries shall be made during relevant
months, and action regarding his/her release may be taken accordingly.
(iv) At the end of each quarter, prisoners should be informed
about the remission they have earned during the quarter and also the
total of their remission.
(v) Grant or forfeiture, if any, of all types of remission should
be recorded in the remission sheet.
(vi) The Deputy Superintendent or Officer in-charge of
admission and release shall inspect the Remission Register or Remission
Sheets at fixed intervals.
417
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(vii) Except for the communication mentioned in clause (iv),
remission record shall be treated as confidential. It shall not be allowed
to be handled by the prisoners.
(viii) Prisoners should be released on such dates, as would be
worked out, after allowing for the remission granted.
793. Maximum limit of remission.— The aggregate of the ordinary,
annual good conduct and special remission granted to a prisoner shall
not exceed half of the substantive sentence (to be calculated from the
date of his conviction).
794. Method of converting the remission into year, months and
days.— In calculating the date of release of a prisoner, the number of
days of remission earned shall be converted into months and days, at
the rate of thirty days a month, provided that where the remission earned
exceeds 365 days, it shall be converted into years at the rate of 365 days,
the balance, if any, being converted into months and days at the rate of
thirty days a month.
795. Endorsement of remission on warrant.— Prisoner should be
released on such dates, as would be worked out, after allowing for the
remission granted. The total amount of remission earned by him shall
be endorsed on his warrant and the endorsement shall be signed by the
Superintendent.
796. Record of prisoner transferred.— (1) When a prisoner is
transferred to another prison or Psychiatric Hospital or Psychiatric
Nursing Home or Leper Asylum or T.B. Hospital or Pandemic disease,
the total amount of remission earned by him up to the end of the
preceding month shall be endorsed on his warrant and entered on his
history ticket, these entries being signed by the Superintendent.
(2) The receiving Prison or Psychiatric Hospital or Psychiatric
Nursing Home or Leper Asylum or T.B Hospital or Pandemic Hospital
shall be responsible that the above information is duly obtained. Each
prison or Psychiatric Hospital or Psychiatric Nursing Home or Leper
Asylum or T.B. Hospital or Pandemic Hospital at which a prisoner serves
a portion of his sentence shall be held responsible for the correct
calculation of the remission earned in that prison or asylum or hospital.
797. Preservation of remission sheets or cards.— Remission
sheets shall be retained in the office of a prison for a period of one year
after the unconditional release of the prisoner to whom they relate
418
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
or for a period of one year after his death. When a prisoner is
transferred to another prison, his remission sheet or card shall be sent
with prisoner.
798. Report on over-detention and premature release.— The
Superintendent shall bring to the notice of the Inspector-General the
cases of violation of these rules resulting in over-detention or premature
release of a prisoner for further action as he deems fit.
799. Maintenance of record of remission.— (1) All remissions
awarded to prisoners shall be recorded on the prisoner's history sheet
and shall be entered on the remission sheet or card.
(2) A remission register shall be maintained in which he all
entries about grant and forfeiture, if any, of remission shall be promptly
made and duly attested by the officers concerned.
(3) Entries in the Remission Register shall be made at the end
of each quarter. In case a prisoner is due for release before the
completion of a quarter, these entries shall be made during relevant
months, and action regarding his release may be taken accordingly.
(4) At the end of each quarter, prisoners should be informed
about the remission they have earned during the quarter and also the
total of their remission.
(5) The remission records shall be inspected by the Deputy
Superintendent at fixed intervals.
(6) Except for the communication mentioned in clause (4) above,
remission records shall be treated as confidential. It shall not be allowed
to be handled by the prisoners.
800. Gratuity to convicts.— Convicts who come under the purview
of remission rules and who have earned 60 days remission shall, if well
conducted, and perform the prescribed task of standard quality, be
entitled to payment of gratuity as prescribed for the trade or work in
which they are employed.
801. Convict unable to work.— Convicts who are unable to work
due to ill-health, shall also if well-conducted, be granted gratuity.
802. Calculation of remission for the purpose of gratuity.—
Government remission granted on important occasions shall not be
counted for the purpose of calculating gratuity.
419
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
803. Remission in lieu of gratuity.— All convicts prisoner entitled
to the benefit of gratuity under rule 827 shall, at their option, be granted
remission in lieu of the amount of gratuity earned by them.
804. Option.— The convict shall express their option to earn
remission in-lieu-of gratuity within three months from the date on which
the convicts become entitled to the benefit of gratuity under the rules.
The option once exercised shall ordinarily be final, but, may be revoked
with the permission of the Superintendent.
805. Acknowledgement.— The exercise and revocation of the
option referred to above shall be recorded in writing in the convict's
remission sheet over his signature or left-thumb print.
806. Calculation of amount of remission in-lieu-of gratuity.— The
remission granted in-lieu-of gratuity shall be calculated in days at the
rate of one day remission for one month's gratuity as admissible or at
the rates as may be fixed by Government from time to time.
807. Addition to normal remission.— The remission granted in-
lieu-of gratuity shall be in addition to the remission earned by convicts
under the rules in this Chapter.
808. Unspent balance of gratuity.— The unspent balance of
gratuity shall be allowed to accumulate and paid to prisoners on their
release in addition to any other money they may be entitled to under
the rules.
809. Lapse of gratuity.— If, convicts dies before his release, the
gratuity earned by him shall lapse to Government
810. Restriction to the grant of remission in lieu of wages.—
(1) The total remission granted by the Inspector-General of Prisons and
the Superintendent together under the preceding rule shall not exceed
60 days in a year.
(2) Remission earned by prisoners in lieu of wages shall be in
addition to all other remissions earned by the convicts under the rules
in this chapter.
811. Remission in lieu of wages.— If, a prisoner wishes to have
remission of sentence in lieu of wages, he may purchase the remission
at the rate of two days wages per day or at the rates as may be fixed by
Government from time to time, subject to the condition that not more
420
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
than 30 days special remission by the Superintendent of the Prison and
60 days by the Inspector-General of Prisons shall be so granted to any
one convict in a year.
812. Maximum remission awardable.— The total remission, but,
excluding Government Remission awarded to a prisoner under the rules
in this chapter shall not be exceeding one-third of his sentence.
CHAPTER–29
PAROLE LEAVE
813. Leave is not a right.— Leave means an emergency or ordinary
leave. Leave cannot be claimed as a matter of right. It is a concession
granted to the prisoner.
814. Right of withdrawal and debarring.— The Government, the
Inspector-General of Prisons, the Chief Superintendent of Jails and the
Superintendent of Jail reserve the right to debar or withdraw any prisoner
or categories of prisoners from the concession of leave.
815. Kinds of leave.— Leave shall be of two kinds, namely
emergency leave and ordinary leave.
816. Grounds for the grant of emergency leave.— Emergency leave
may be granted for attending the death or illness of father, mother, wife,
husband, son, daughter, full brother or full sister or the wedding of son,
daughter, full brother or full sister of the prisoner.
817. Eligibility for Emergency leave.— No emergency leave shall
be granted to a prisoner unless:-
(a) He has been sentenced by a Court in the Union territory of
Puducherry to imprisonment for a term of imprisonment for life for an
offence against any law other than a relating to a matter to which the
executive power of the Union Government extends.
(b) His conduct in prison has been satisfactory.
818. Mode of request.— The petition containing the request for
the grant of emergency leave shall be submitted to the Superintendent
of Jail, in which the prisoner is confined by the prisoner or by a relative
of the said prisoner.
421
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
819. Certificate of correctness to accompany the petition.— The
petition shall be accompanied by a certificate in support of the serious
illness or the funeral or the proposed wedding obtained from the Karnam
or the Medical Officer of the nearby Government Hospital/Dispensary/
Primary Health Centre or Member of the Legislature or Member of the
Parliament or Chairman of the Municipal Council or President of the
Panchayat or Revenue Inspector or Tahsildar or Deputy Tahsildar or
Sub-Inspector of Police or the Probation Officer having jurisdiction or
from any responsible office jurisdiction, subject to verification.
820. Authority who may grant Emergency Leave.— The
Superintendent of Jail shall grant emergency leave to prisoners subject
to the other conditions laid down in these rules.
821. Verification of certificates.— The Superintendent of Jail shall
at his discretion verify the genuineness of the certificates produced
along with the petition for emergency leave with the Probation Officers
or Police from the concerned before releasing the prisoner on emergency
leave. In case the prisoner is to attend the funeral urgently, the
Superintendent shall contact the Probation Officer or Police Concerned
by wire or by phone and get the matter confirmed.
822. Right to grant or reject emergency leave and appeal
thereupon.— The Superintendent of Jail reserves the right either to grant
or to reject the emergency leave for special reasons to be recorded in
writing which shall always be treated as strictly confidential. The
reasons for such rejection shall not be communicated to the prisoner
but, shall be reported to the higher authorities if called upon to do so.
The petition preferred by the prisoner against such rejection shall
always be submitted to the Chief Superintendent of Jails with the remarks
of the Superintendent of Jail for his orders and the Chief Superintendent
of Jails may either grant or reject the emergency leave.
823. Maximum period of emergency leave.— The total period of
emergency leave to be granted to a prisoner by the Superintendent of
Jail or the Chief Superintendent of Jails, as the case may be, shall be
fifteen days in a year to be spread over four spells, the first spell being
six days and the remaining three spells being nine days, each spell not
exceeding three days at a time. However, in exceptional cases, the
Government may extend the period of emergency leave following the
Procedure prescribed in the Chapter–29. Application for emergency leave
for the fifth time in a year shall be submitted to Government for prior
orders.
422
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
824. Police escorts.— (1) Police escort shall be provided at the
discretion of the Superintendent of Jail in the case of a prisoner who is
released on Emergency leave, if he is really dangerous to the community
and the decision of the Superintendent shall be final.
(2) No person shall be granted Emergency leave under police
escort unless the prisoner or the relatives of the prisoner applying for
the grant of such leave to the prisoner, has agreed to meet the entire
cost of the police escort calculated in terms of Travelling Allowance
Rules in force in the Union territory of Puducherry. An approximate
amount equivalent to a sum so calculated shall be deposited by the
prisoner or by his relatives on behalf of the prisoner in advance with
the Superintendent of Jail.
825. Request for escort and report to Police.— Where Emergency
leave is granted, Superintendent of Jail shall forthwith apply to the
Inspector of Police or Superintendent of Police of the region in which
the prison is situated requesting him to furnish a police escort
immediately. The Superintendent of Jail shall also send to the Inspector
of Police or Superintendent of Police, as the case may be, the nominal
roll of the prisoner, application of the person applying for the grant of
leave to the prisoner, the amount recovered in advance from the relative
of the prisoner or the prisoner and a copy of the bond executed by the
prisoner and other connected documents.
826. Escort at Government cost.— The cost of the escort shall be
borne fully by the Government, if, the relative of the prisoner who makes
the petition produces a poverty certificate from an officer of the
Revenue Department not below the rank of a Tahsildar. In such cases,
the amount if deposited in advance with the Superintendent of Jail shall
be refunded.
827. Adjustments on accounts on payments.— The Superintendent
of Police or Inspector of Police of the District concerned shall forward
the statement of expenditure to the Superintendent of Jail who shall
arrange to credit the amount to the Police Department through challan
to the concerned Superintendent of Police or Inspector of Police, as the
case may be. If, the amount already deposited in advance, is found to
be less than the amount due, the Superintendent of Jail shall arrange to
recover the balance amount from the prisoner and affect its remittance.
423
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
828. Report to the Government.— The Superintendent of Jail or
the Chief Superintendent of Jails, as the case may be ordering the grant
of leave to a prisoner shall forthwith report the full facts and
circumstances of the case to the Government while forwarding the
petition to the Government and the Government may, on consideration
of the report and petition order that the period of absence from the prison
be treated as suspension of the sentence.
829. Authority who may grant ordinary leave.— The Government,
is the competent authority to issue order of release of prisoners on
ordinary leave.
830. Grounds for the grant of ordinary leave.— The grounds for
the grant of ordinary leave to a prisoner shall be:-
(i) To make arrangements for the livelihood of his family and
for the settlement of life after release.
(ii) To make arrangements for the admission of his children in
the school or college.
(iii) Construction or repair, work of the homestead;
(iv) To make arrangements or to participate in the marriages of
sons, daughters, full brothers or full sisters;
(v) To settle family disputes like partition etc.,
(vi) To undertake agricultural operations like sowing, harvesting
etc, and
(vii) For any other extraordinary reasons.
831. Non-eligibility for ordinary leave.— The following categories
of prisoners shall not be eligible for being released on leave:
(i) Offenders classified as habituals;
(ii) Prisoners sentenced under section 392 to 402 of the Indian
Penal Code (Central Act 45 of 1860);
(iii) Prisoners whose presence is considered dangerous or
otherwise prejudicial to public peace and so ordered by the District
Magistrate and Superintendent of Police;
424
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(iv) Prisoners who are considered dangerous or have been
involved in serious prison violence like assault, outbreak, riot, mutiny
or escape or who have been found to be instigating serious violation of
prison discipline,
(v) Prisoners committed for failure to give security for
maintaining peace or good behaviour;
(vi) Prisoners suffering from mental illness, if not, certified by
the Medical Officer to have recovered;
(vii) Prisoners whose work and conduct have not been good
during the preceding 12 months;
(viii) Prisoners convicted of an offence against any law relating
to matters to which the executive power of the Union Government
extends, unless approved by the Union Government;
(ix) Prisoners whose release on leave is likely to have
repercussions elsewhere in the country.
832. Eligibility for ordinary leave.— (1) No prisoner shall be
granted ordinary leave unless he has been sentenced by a Court in the
Union territory of Puducherry for a term of imprisonment or for life for
an offence against any law, other than a law relating to a matter to which
the executive power of the Union Government extends and he/she has
completed five years of imprisonment from the date of admission to
Prison as convict.
(2) The period of ordinary leave shall not exceed one month at
a time, unless it is extended by the Government.
(3) The prisoner shall be granted the second spell of leave not
exceeding one month after completion of two years of imprisonment from
the date of his/her last return from leave.
(4) In case of prisoner who have got a balance of three years
to service ordinary leave not exceeding one month for each of three
years, the year being calculated from the date of his return to prison
from last leave, shall be granted so as to enable him to make
arrangements for settling the family life after release.
833. Petition for ordinary leave.— (1) The petition for ordinary
leave shall be submitted by the prisoner or by a relative of the prisoner
to the Government direct or sent through the Superintendent of Jail where
the prisoner to whom leave is to be granted is confined.
425
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(2) Each petition for ordinary leave shall be accompanied with
a statement of the names of two sureties who are willing to execute the
bond for the prisoner's release on leave and take care of the prisoners
during the period of leave. In the petition, it shall be stated among other
things, the names and addresses of the prisoner's relatives with whom
he wishes to stay during his leave period.
834. Process of petition.— All petitions for the grant of ordinary
leave submitted to the Government or to the Superintendent of Jail shall
be referred to the Probation Officer concerned for the reports on the
advisability of the ordinary leave of the prisoners in question. The
Probation Officer shall personally enquire into and send his report to
the Government or to the Superintendent of Jail. If, the Probation Officers
feels that the release on leave of a prisoner is likely to involve breach
of peace in the locality, he shall consult the local Sub-Inspector of Police
solely with a view to avoid any breach of peace and record the views of
the Sub-Inspector of Police in the said forms. In respect of other cases
in which there is no likelihood of breach of peace, the Probation Officer
shall send his report direct to the Government or to the Superintendent
of Jail without consulting the local Sub-Inspector of Police. Where the
petition has been submitted to the Superintendent of Jail, he shall
forward the petition along with the reports expeditiously to the
Government for orders. The Government may on consideration of the
petition and reports pass such orders as it deems fit.
835. General conditions governing grant of Ordinary Leave and
Emergency Leave.— The following conditions shall invariably be laid
down while granting leave or emergency leave, in addition to such other
conditions, if any, specified by the Government, Inspector-General of
Prisons or the Superintendent of Jail, as the case may be, as deemed
necessary:-
(a) That the prisoner will execute a surety bond for the amount
ordered by the Inspector-General of Prisons with two sureties for a like
sum each;
(b) That he shall report at the Police Station daily once;
(c) That the prisoner shall reside at the place designated by the
Superintendent of Jail, Inspector General of Prisons or the Government,
as the case may be, and shall not go beyond the specified limits;
(d) That the prisoner will keep good behaviour and will not
commit any offence during leave;
(e) That the prisoner will report to the Probation Officer, if any,
of the area of his stay during leave;
426
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(f) That the prisoner will neither associate with bad characters
nor lead a dissolute life;
(g) That the prisoner will be liable to be recalled immediately to
prison in case he violates any of the conditions;
(h) That the prisoner will surrender himself to the
Superintendent of the prison on expiry of the leave granted or on recall.
Subject to the above, eligibility for parole should be regulated as
follows:-
Sentence
When due
When due
When due
Duration
for first
for second
for
of Leave
release
release
subsequent
per year
releases
Not exceeding On completion After
After
15 days
five years
of one year of completion
completion
actual
of six months of six months
imprisonment
of actual
of actual
to be counted imprisonment imprisonment
from the date
to be counted to be counted
of admission
from the date from the date
to prison as
his last return his last return
convict
from leave
from leave
Exceeding five On completion After
After
15 days
five years
of one year of completion
completion
years, but, not actual
of six months of six months
more than
imprisonment
of actual
of actual
14 years
to be counted imprisonment imprisonment
from the date
to be counted to be counted
of admission
from the date from the date
to prison as
his last return his last return
convict
from leave
from leave
Prisoners
On completion After
After
15 days
sentenced
of one year of completion
completion
to life or
actual
of six months of six months
imprisonment
imprisonment
of actual
of actual
exceeding
to be counted imprisonment imprisonment
14 years
from the date
to be counted to be counted
of admission
from the date from the date
to prison as
his last return his last return
convict
from leave
from leave
427
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
836. Execution of bonds.— The surety bond of the sureties shall
be executed before a Tahsildar who may send the same to the
Superintendent of Jail duly attested and affixing his office seal. The
surety bond of the prisoner shall be executed before the Superintendent
of Jail who may duly attest and affix his office seal.
837. Postponement of leave.— (1) If, the prisoner commits serious
violations of prison discipline after the sanction of ordinary leave, but,
prior to his actual release on leave from the prison, the Superintendent
shall forward a report along with his recommendations to the
Inspector-General of Prisons for further orders.
(2) On the application of the prisoner, the Superintendent may
postpone the grant of leave to the prisoner ordered by the Inspector
General of Prisons, so that the leave period may synchronize with the
purpose for which the prisoner seeks ordinary leave. In such a case,
a report shall be submitted to the Inspector-General of Prisons for
information.
838. Time for release.— The leave shall be affected on any day
after sunrise and before lock-up. The rule preventing the release of
prisoners on Sundays and other holidays does not apply to the release
on leave and emergency leave.
839. Intimation of leave and readmission.— The Superintendent
of Police, the Probation Officer and the Sub-Inspector of Police having
jurisdiction over the place where the prisoner has proposed to spend
his leave may be intimated about the date of leave and readmission of
the prisoner.
840. Supervision.— (1) The Probation Officer, the Sub-Inspector
of Police having jurisdiction over the place where the prisoner is staying
shall keep a close watch over the prisoner during his period of leave.
(2) They shall also intimate the Superintendent of Jail any
breach of the conditions of bond executed or any adverse remarks that
may come to their notice regarding the prisoner on leave.
841. Power to recall.— The Superintendent of Jail is empowered
to recall any prisoner on leave, if:-
(a) a report is received that the prisoner on leave misbehaves,
(b) There is any breach of any of the conditions of leave.
428
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
842. Action to be taken for recall.— If, the Superintendent of Jail
decides to recall any prisoner from leave for any of the reasons stated
in the previous rules or when the prisoner released fails to return to the
prison on the date of expiry of the leave, the Police authorities shall
immediately be telegraphically requested to arrest and bring the prisoner
back to the prison.
843. Punishment.— (1) Prisoners shall be punished according to
the Prison Rules for breach of any of the conditions of leave and for
late surrender.
(2) If, the Superintendent is satisfied that the overstayal was
for reasons beyond the prisoner's control, such as breakdown in the
transport system and the like, a report shall be submitted to the
Inspector-General of Prisons for getting orders of the Government
treating the period of overstayal as leave period.
844. Extension of period of Emergency leave.— (1) If, a prisoner
released on emergency leave wants extension of the period, he may apply
for the same to the appropriate authority sufficiently in advance. The
extension in the period of Emergency leave may be granted by an order
in writing for such further period as may be specified in such order on
the same conditions on which the prisoner was originally granted
emergency leave or on such other conditions as the authority granting
extension may determine.
(2) The Superintendent shall not grant any extension where the
Superintendent issued the initial order granting emergency leave.
(3) Where the prisoner has applied for extension for such
period, which does not make the total period more than 30 days, the
Inspector-General may by an order extend the period of emergency leave
for such further period as may be specified in such order, subject to
sub-rule (1).
(4) Where the initial order is issued by the Superintendent or
by the Inspector-General and the prisoner has applied for extension for
such further period which exceeds thirty days, the Inspector-General
shall submit the case to the Government and the Government may, by
order, extend the period of emergency leave for such period as may be
specified in such order subject to sub-rule (1).
429
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(5) If, orders authorizing the extension are not received before
the expiry of his emergency leave period, the prisoner shall report back
to the prison. As soon as a prisoner on emergency leave surrenders to
the Prison authorities, his original order of release and the bond executed
by him shall become inoperative. Where a prisoner who is released on
emergency leave, surrenders to the prison authorities before his
application for extension of the period of emergency leave has been
sanctioned, he shall not be released after such surrender without
obtaining a fresh release order from appropriate authority.
845. Pending cases.— No prisoner on whom a case is pending trial
or shall be granted Leave.
846. Treatment of leave period.— The period spent on leave will
be counted as sentence served, while that spent on emergency leave
will not count as sentence served. The period spent on emergency leave
will be treated as ‘out days’ or sentence suspended for all purposes.
The day on which the prisoner sent from the prison and returning to
the prison will not be considered as “out days”.
847. Decision on applications for ordinary leave.— Petitions for
the grant of ordinary leave shall be decided on the merits of each case
and the Inspector-General of Prisons shall have power to reject any
application without assigning any reason. The decision of the authority
competent on an application for the release on Ordinary Leave shall be
communicated within a maximum period of six weeks from the date of
receipt of such application.
848. Maintenance of record.— A register in shall be maintained
in the prison in which all cases of prisoners eligible for leave shall be
posted and the due date of surrender watched and action pursued,
wherever necessary. Appropriate entries in this regard will also be made
in the History Tickets of the inmates concerned.
849. Grant of Emergency leave to prisoners convicted in the Union
territory of Puducherry and undergoing sentence in another State.—
(1) Where an application for suspension of the execution of a sentence
of imprisonment is made by or on behalf of a person sentenced to
imprisonment for an offence against any law relating to a matter to which
the executive power of the Union territory of Puducherry extends and
the person is sentenced to such sentences of imprisonment by the Courts
in the Union territory of Puducherry and that person is in prison outside
430
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
the Union territory of Puducherry, the execution of the sentence shall
be suspended and such person released on leave by the Government of
the State where such person is confined to prison, subject to the
conditions specified in sub-rule (2), for such period not exceeding fifteen
days as may be necessary for obtaining the orders of the Government
of the Union territory of Puducherry where such person was sentenced,
if, the Government of the State in which such person is detained in prison,
is satisfied that the immediate release of such person on leave is rendered
necessary by reason of any illness constituting a grave threat to the
life of such person or of a parent, wife, husband or child of such person.
(2) The Government ordering the release on leave under
sub-rule (1) shall forthwith report the full facts and circumstances of
the case, while forwarding the application to the Government of the
Union territory of Puducherry and the Government of Puducherry on
consideration of the report and petition, may make such order as it deems fit.
850. Power to exempt.— The Government may exempt any person
from all or any of the provisions of the rules in this Chapter.
CHAPTER–30
PREMATURE RELEASE
851. Objective.— The primary objective underlying premature
release is reformation of offenders and their rehabilitation and integration
into the society, while at the same time ensuring the protection of society
from criminal activities. These two aspects are closely interlinked.
Incidental to the same is the conduct, behaviour and performance of
prisoners while in prison. These have a bearing on their rehabilitative
potential and the possibility of their being released by virtue of
remission earned by them or by an order granting them premature
release. The most important consideration for premature release of
prisoners is that they have become harmless and useful member of a
civilized society.
Premature release of prisoners can be of following four types -
(i) By way of commutation of sentence of life convict and
other convict under Section 433 of the Code of Criminal
Procedure, 1973 by the appropriate Government.
431
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(ii) By way of remitting term sentence of a prisoner under
Section 432 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 by
the appropriate Government.
(iii) By order of the President of India by exercising power
under Article 72 of the Constitution of India.
Premature release under any special law enacted by the
Government providing for release on probation of good conduct
prisoners after they have served a part of the sentence.
No guidelines need to be prescribed here for premature release
of convicts falling under sub clause 2 (ii) to 2 (iv) above because the
relevant provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, the
Constitution of India and the special legislation of the Government are
to be followed. For premature release of convicts falling under sub
clause 2 (i) above, guidelines or policy for premature release of life
convicts as prescribed in this chapter may be followed.
852. Composition of the Sentence Review Board.— There shall
be Sentence Review Board to recommend premature release of life
convicts in appropriate cases vide G.O. Ms. No. 44, dated 02-08-2007 of
Office of the Home Department, Puducherry. This shall be a permanent
body having the following members:
1. Minister in-charge of Prison
Chairman
2. Chief Secretary to Government
Member
3. Director-General of Police
Member
4. Secretary to Government (Law)
Member
5. Principal District and Session
Member
Judge, Puducherry
6. Chief Probation Officer
Member
7. Inspector-General of Prisons
Member-
Secretary.
853. Presiding Officer in the absence of the Chairman.— In the
absence of the Minister of the Prison, the Chief Secretary shall preside
over the meeting.
432
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
854. Quorum.— The cases put forward to the Sentence Review
Board shall be considered even when one or more members of the
Committee are not able to attend the meeting or when there is a vacancy
on the Committee. The quorum shall comprise of 4 members and the
Sentence Review Board shall not take any decisions when the quorum
is not complete.
855. Periodicity of the Sentence Review Board Meetings.— (1) The
Sentence Review Board shall meet at least once in three months at the
Headquarter on a date to be notified to its members at least 10 days in
advance by the Member Secretary. The notice of such a meeting shall
be accompanied by complete agenda papers.
(2) However, the Chairman of the Sentence Review Board can
convene a meeting of the Committee more frequently, even at short
notices, if, necessary.
856. Nominees of official members in their absence.— In the
absence of any of the official members, their nominees will be the member
of the Board.
857. Eligibility for Premature Release.— The following categories
of life convict prisoners shall be eligible to be considered for premature
release by the Sentence Review Board:
(i) Women offenders sentenced to life imprisonment: on
completion of eight years of imprisonment, including remission, except
those covered under Section 433-A of the Code of Criminal Procedure,
1973, whose cases will be considered only after completing 14 years of
actual imprisonment.
(ii) Life convicts (men and young offenders) on completion of
10 years of imprisonment, including remission, except those covered
under Section 433-A of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, whose
cases will be considered after completing 14 years of actual imprisonment.
(iii) Prisoners convicted of offences such as rape, dacoity,
terrorist crimes, kidnapping, kidnapping for ransom, crime against women
and children, smuggling (including those convicted under NDPS Act),
Prevention of Corruption Act, Immoral Traffic Prevention Act, offences
against State, and undergoing life imprisonment, after completion of
14 years of sentence inclusive of remission.
433
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(iv) Old and infirm offenders of 65 years of age on the day of
the commission of offence, sentenced to life imprisonment on completion
of 10 years of sentence or 75 years of age including remission,
whichever is earlier subject to the condition that they shall not be
actually released unless they have undergone at least five years of
imprisonment including remission.
858. Non-Eligibility.— The following categories of life convict
prisoners shall not be eligible to be considered for premature release by
the Sentence Review Board:
(i) A life convict prisoner shall not be eligible for premature
release when the sentence of imprisonment for life to mean the remainder
of natural life.
(ii) When the sentence of imprisonment is not life imprisonment
and more than 14 years for a specified number of years by of judicial
procurement or commutation.
859. Procedure.— For every life convict eligible for eventual
consideration by the Sentence Review Board under the rules
(i) Every Superintendent in charge of a prison shall initiate the
case of a prisoner at least three months in advance of his/her becoming
eligible for consideration for premature release as per the criteria laid
down by the Government in the guidelines to be notified separately for
eligibility of premature release of life convicts.
(ii) The Superintendent of Jail shall prepare a comprehensive
note for each prisoner, giving his family and societal background as per
the record of the case, the offence for which he was convicted and
sentenced, and the circumstances under which the offence was
committed. The Superintendent shall also reflect fully on the conduct
and behaviour of the prisoner in the prison during the period of his
incarceration, and during his/her release on probation/leave, change in
his/her behavioural pattern, and prison offences, if any, committed by
him/her and punishment awarded to him for such offences. A report shall
also be made about his physical and mental health or any serious ailment
with which the prisoner is suffering, entitling him for premature release
as a special case. The note shall also contain recommendation of the
Superintendent, i.e., whether he favors the premature release of the
prisoner or not. In either case such recommendation shall be supported
by adequate reasons.
434
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
860. Cases of ex-military prisoners.— Subject to the rules laid
down in the prison rules, the prisoners convicted by Court-Martial shall
be placed before the Board for consideration.
861. Duties of the Superintendent of Jail.— (1) On admission into
a prison of a prisoner eligible for eventual consideration by the Board
under the rules, the Superintendent of Jail shall write to the convicting
Court for copies of the judgment of the original Court as well as the
appellate Courts. He shall also write to the District Magistrate of the
District in which the prisoner’s home is situated or in which the prisoner
usually resides, for information regarding his/her antecedents.
(2) He shall initiate the case of a prisoner at least three months
in advance of his/her becoming eligible for consideration for premature
release as per the criteria laid down by the Government.
(3) The Superintendent of Jail shall prepare a comprehensive
note for each prisoner, giving his/her family and societal background,
the offence for which he/she was convicted and sentenced, and the
circumstances under which the offence was committed. The
Superintendent of Jails shall also reflect fully on the conduct and
behavior of the prisoner in the prison during the period of his/her
incarceration, and during his/her release on probation/leave, change in
his/her behavioral pattern, and prison offences, if any, committed by
him/her and punishment awarded to him/her for such offences. A report
shall also be made about his/her physical and mental health or any
serious ailment with which the prisoner is suffering, entitling him/her
for premature release as a special case. The note shall also contain
recommendation of the Superintendent of Jail, i.e., whether he favors
the premature release of the prisoner or not. In either case, such
recommendation shall be supported by adequate reasons.
(4) Police report:- The Superintendent of Police shall see that
Police Officers not lower in rank than Sub-Inspector of Police enquire
into and report on the advisability of premature release of the prisoner.
The Superintendent of Police shall scrutinize the reports and give his
considered opinion and forward it to the Superintendent of Jail within
one month.
(5) The Superintendent of Jail shall also make a reference to
the Probation Officer in-charge of the District by giving particulars like
native place of the prisoner, the names and addresses of the relatives
435
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
of the prisoner and the place where the prisoner proposes to settle on
his release. The Probation Officer shall enquire into the life of the
prisoner outside the Jail and submit a report to the Superintendent of
Jail within one month.
(6) On receipt of the Police report from the Superintendent of
Police and Probation Officer report, the Superintendent of Jail shall
forward the report along with a judgment copy of the case of the prisoner
concerned to the Chief Judicial Magistrate. After scrutinizing these
records, the Chief Judicial Magistrate shall forward the police report and
judgment copy and his report to the Superintendent of Jail giving his
considered opinion on the advisability of premature release of the
prisoner within one month.
(7) The Superintendent of Jail shall submit the abovesaid report
for consideration of the advisory board to the Inspector-General of
Prisons through Chief Superintendent of Jails.
862. Examination of the case by the Inspector-General of Prisons
(Member-Secretary).— On receipt of the report of the Chief Judicial
Magistrate, Superintendent of Police and the Probation Officer, the
Inspector-General of Prisons at least 15 days in advance to the Chairman
of the Board, shall examine the case, bearing in mind the report/
recommendations of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Superintendent of
Police and the Probation Officer, and make his/her recommendations
regarding the premature release of a prisoner or otherwise. While doing
so he/she shall keep in view the general or special guidelines laid down
by the government for the Sentence Review Board. The various norms
laid down and guidelines given by the Supreme Court of India and
various High Courts in the matter of premature release of prisoners shall
also be given due consideration.
OTHER CASES OF PREMATURE RELEASE
863. Prisoners in danger of death with no hope of recovery.—
(1) Where a convicted prisoner is suffering from illness, other than an
acute infectious disease, that there is no hope of recovery within or
outside the prison and it is considered desirable to allow him the comfort
of dying out of prison, the Medical Board shall send a Certificate
together with a detailed report of the case to the Superintendent.
436
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(2) On receipt of the certificate, the Superintendent shall
immediately forward the papers to the Inspector-General together with
a nominal roll of the prisoner showing the amount of remission earned,
if any and any remarks relevant to the case, which the Superintendent
may desire to, add. A certificate to the effect that the convict will, if released,
be suitably cared for by his friends or relatives shall accompany the
documents.
(3) If, the un-expired period of sentence of a prisoner-
(a) does not exceed six months, the Inspector-General may
direct his/her immediate release, after making personal
inquiries into the case and consulting the District
Magistrate of that District;
(b) exceeds six months; the Inspector-General shall, after
consulting the concerned District Magistrate, immediately
report the facts of the case with his recommendations,
to the Government for orders.
(4) Great care shall be exercised in recommending release of
prisoners under this rule and the report to the Government shall contain
full particulars showing that on humanitarian grounds the balance of
advantage lies in allowing the prisoner to die at home. In such cases,
the nature of medical relief which the prisoner is likely to be able to
command at his home is an important consideration which should not
be overlooked.
(5) All release under this rule shall be counted as death in the
statistical records of the Prison.
(6) All references under this rule shall be treated specially
urgent at all stages by the officers concerned.
(7) This rule shall not apply to a prisoner who goes on a hunger
strike. A prisoner on hunger strike shall in no circumstances be released.
864. Cases of recovered mentally ill prisoners.— The cases of
recovered mentally ill prisoners from Puducherry transferred to mentally
ill hospital shall be dealt with by the Review Board like that of any other
long-term non- habitual prisoners, provided that they are quite sane and
will not be a danger either to themselves or to the community, if released.
437
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
865. Referring the case of prisoner who is undergoing
imprisonment in default of furnishing of security if, he is seriously ill.—
If, a prisoner detained solely under a sentence of Imprisonment in
default of furnishing security to maintain peace or for good behaviour,
is so seriously ill that he/she is likely to die, whatever be the term of
his unexpired sentence, the Superintendent shall refer the case to the
District Magistrate of the District, in case the order is passed by an
Executive Magistrate or to the Court of Sessions, in case the order has
been passed by a Judicial Magistrate, for necessary orders of release
under Section 123 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.
866. Conditions of release on grounds of health.— In the absence
of any instructions to the contrary, every release from prison on the
medical grounds shall be subject to the condition that the prisoner
agrees and subscribes to the conditions set forth in the form prescribed
for the purpose before the Superintendent of Jail. The form shall be
printed in English and in the language of the region to which the prisoner
belongs to. The prisoner shall sign copies of the form both in English
and in the language of his region and the copy signed in the latter
language shall be delivered to him on his release, the copy in English
being retained in the prison.
867. Reporting the cases of release.— Every case of release under
these rules shall immediately be reported to the Inspector-General, who
shall report to the Government all such releases that have been made
without the special sanction of the Government. A descriptive roll of
the prisoner released shall also be submitted in duplicate along with
such report.
868. Transfer of a sick or dying prisoner whose release has been
sanctioned.— (1) If, the sick or dying prisoner, whose release has been
sanctioned under above rules, express their inability to meet the
expenses of a journey to the prison, the prisoner may be transferred, if
fit to travel, in anticipation of sanction of the Inspector-General, to the
prison of the District where he/she shall stay, provided that no prisoner
shall be so transferred to any District beyond the jurisdiction of the
State without the special sanction of the Government.
(2) In the event of such a prisoner dying before he/she can be
released, the death shall be recorded in the records of the prison from
which he/she was transferred.
438
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
PROCEDURE AND GUIDELINES FOR THE REVIEW BOARD
869. Convening the meeting of the Board.— The Inspector-General
of Prisons shall convene a meeting of the Sentence Review Board on a
fixed date and time at the Headquarters. Notice of such meeting shall
be given to the Chairman and Members of the Board at least ten days
in advance and such notice shall be accompanied by complete agenda
papers consisting of:-
(i) Copies of judgments;
(ii) Report of the Chief Judicial Magistrate;
(iii) Note of the Superintendent of Jail;
(iv) Report of the Superintendent of Police;
(v) Report of the Probation Officer;
(vi) Recommendations of the Inspector-General of Prison;
(vii) Report of the Medical Officer of the Prison about the
mental and health condition of the offender for premature
release;
(viii) Copies of other necessary documents, History sheet, Work
sheet, Summary receipt, Nominal roll of Convict, Parole
leave detail and if any.
870. Guidelines for the Sentence Review Board.— (1) The
Member-Secretary shall convene a meeting of the Sentence Review
Board on a fixed date and time at the Headquarters. Notice of such
meeting shall be given to the Chairman and Members of the Board at
least ten days in advance and such notice shall be accompanied by
complete agenda papers, i.e., the note of the Superintendent of Jail along
with copies of other necessary documents, if any.
(2) The meeting shall ordinarily be chaired by the Chairman and
if, for some reasons, he/she is unable to be present, it shall be chaired
by the Judicial Secretary-cum-Legal Remembrance. The Member-Secretary
shall present the case of each prisoner under consideration before the
Sentence Review Board. The Sentence Review Board shall consider each
case and give its views. As far as practicable, the Sentence Review Board
shall make unanimous recommendations. However, in case of dissent,
the majority view shall prevail and will be deemed to be the decision of
the Sentence Review Board. If, equal numbers of members are of
opposing views, the decision of the Chairman will be final.
439
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(3) While considering the case of premature release of a
particular prisoner the Sentence Review Board shall keep in view the
guidelines issued by the Union Territory Administration in this regard.
The paramount consideration before the Sentence Review Board being
the welfare of the prisoner and the society at large. The Sentence Review
Board shall take into account the circumstances in which the offence
was committed by the prisoner and whether he/she has the propensity
to commit similar or other offences again.
(4) Rejection of the case of a prisoner for premature release on
one or more occasions by the Sentence Review Board will not be a bar
for its reconsideration. However, the reconsideration of the case of a
convict, rejected once, shall be done only after a period of six months
or as specified by the Sentence Review Board, but, not more than one
year from the date of its last consideration. A fresh report from the
Superintendent will be necessary for such reconsideration. It is
prescribed that rejection of the case of a prisoner of pre mature release
should be based on sound reasons conforming to the guidelines issued
by the Government in this regard. The prisoner so affected shall be
intimated about the rejection of the case by the Sentence Review Board,
in writing by the Superintendent of Jail.
(5) The recommendation of the Sentence Review Board shall be
placed before the Union Territory Administration without any delay for
consideration. The Chief Minister or Executive Head of the Union
Territory may either accept the recommendations of the Sentence Review
Board or reject the same on the grounds to be stated or may ask the
Sentence Review Board to reconsider a particular case. The decision of
the Union Territory Administration shall be communicated to the
concerned prisoner and in case the Chief Minister or Executive Head of
the Union Territory has ordered for his premature release, the prisoner
shall be released forthwith, with or without conditions, as prescribed in
the guidelines issued by the Government in this regard.
871. Placing the recommendation of the Board before the
Competent Authority.— The recommendation of the Sentence Review
Board shall be submitted to the Government without any delay for
consideration. The Government may either accept the recommendations
of the Sentence Review Board or reject the same on the grounds to be stated
or may ask the Sentence Review Board to reconsider a particular case.
The decision of the Government shall be communicated to the concerned
440
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
prisoner and in case the competent authority has ordered to grant
remission, and order his premature release, the prisoner shall be released
forthwith, with or without conditions.
872. Release.— Subject to the condition laid down by the
Government in the release order, the prisoner shall be released according
to rules, and the release intimated to the Government.
873. Bond to be executed by the prisoners granted conditional
release.— All prisoners granted conditional release shall be released from
the jail subject to the conditions that the prisoners agree and subscribe
to the conditions set forth in the bond prescribed for the purpose.
The Bond shall be printed both in English and in the language
of region to which the prisoner belongs. The prisoner shall execute the
bond both in English and in his own language. The copy of the bond
executed in the mother tongue on the prisoner shall be delivered to the
prisoner on his release. One copy of the bond in English shall be
forwarded to the Supervising Officer or agency under whose supervision
the prisoner is placed during his period of release and one copy retained
in the Jail.
874. Supervision of prisoners granted conditional release.—
(1) Prisoners granted conditional release are subject to supervision as
laid down hereunder -
(a) Period of Supervision:- Prisoner granted conditional
release shall be under supervision for such period or
whole period of the unexpired period of sentence as may
be directed by the Government.
(b) Authority of Supervision:- Prisoners granted conditional
release shall be under the supervision of the Probation
Officer or an agent of after care association having
jurisdiction over the place where the prisoner has taken
his abode.
(2) The Executive Magistrate having jurisdiction over the place
where the prisoner has taken abode should himself undertake the work
of supervision over the prisoner. He may make use of the service of the
private persons and different officers other than those belonging to the
Police Department such as officers of the Block Development and
Officers of the Co-operative Department.
441
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
875. Nomination of Supervising Officer.— The Superintendent of
Jail shall nominate the Supervising Officer in consultation with the
District Magistrate (Independent) of the District in which the prisoner
is likely to settle after his release, on the arrangement which may be
practicable for the supervision of the prisoner.
876. Duties of the Supervising Officer.— Such of those officers
entrusted with the duty of the supervision of the prisoner shall be in
constant touch with the prisoner and observe their behaviour. It is the
duty of the Supervising Officer or agency to see that the conditions of
release are not broken by the prisoner and give the prisoner any
protection, assistance or advice he may need.
877. Action on violation of Conditions.— (1) It shall be the duty
of the Supervising Officer to bring the notice of the Chairman or to the
Executive Magistrate, if the prisoner is relapsing into crime or in the
event of his failure to observe any of the conditions under which he
was released.
(2) On the receipt of any adverse report from the Supervising
officer and if the Chairman, is satisfied that there are serious breach of
any of the conditions under which prisoner was released and the
prisoner remaining outside will in noway be useful for his rehabilitation,
he shall refer the matter to the IG Prisons, who in turn, through the
Judicial Authority concerned, take steps to arrest bring him back to the
prison to undergo the unexpired period of his sentence.
(3) No appeal shall lie on any orders passed for breach or
violation of conditions.
878. Monitoring of Cases.— A computerized record of all the
prisoners serving sentence in the prisons, for a follow up of their cases,
shall be maintained in every prison as well as at the Prisons
Headquarters and at the Home or Prison Department of the Government.
The monitoring system should be based on the following guidelines:-
(i) There should be a single file system for the case of every
prisoner. Such files shall be maintained at the prison institution;
(ii) This file will have a complete record of information regarding
the consideration of a prisoner’s premature release on any grounds on
previous occasions and the date of reconsideration of the case;
442
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(iii) Only one ground for a prisoner’s premature release shall
be considered at a time;
(iv) Full record of information regarding the stage of each
prisoner’s premature release shall be kept in a register prescribed for
the purpose as well as in computers;
(v) Monitoring of all cases shall be done every month at the
prison level, every three months at Prisons Headquarter level and every
six months at the government level.
879. Record Relating to Review of Sentences and Premature
Release.— (1) Immediately on admission of a convict eligible for being
considered for premature release, a copy of the judgment in his/her case
shall be obtained from the Court and a file shall be opened. This file
should contain:
(i) Copies of the judgments of the original Court and the
Appellate Court;
(ii) A data sheet containing information, viz., name of the
convict, his/her number, age at the time of the sentence,
previous occupation, offences, sentences, date of
sentence, sentencing Court, sentence undergone,
unexpired sentence and remission earned;
(iii) Report of the Superintendent of Jail giving particulars
about the educational progress, performance at work and
vocational training, interest in recreational and cultural
activities, discipline, group adjustability, conduct,
attitude towards society and family members, conduct
during release on leave, need for an after-care programme,
and the manner in which the convict proposes to resettle
after his/her premature release;
(iv) Medical report about the physical and mental condition
of the offender, serious illness, if any, suffered by him/
her, and his/her fitness for premature release;
(v) Opinion of the Chief Judicial Magistrate and
Superintendent of Police of District of residence or of the
place of committing the crime, about the suitability of the
offender for premature release;
443
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(vi) Report from the Probation Officer or any other agency,
about the after-care programme for the convict;
(vii) Recommendation of the Institutional Classification
Committee;
(viii) Recommendation of the Review Board;
(ix) Order of the Government;
(x) Bond furnished by the prisoner;
(xi) Conditions of release duly signed by the prisoner.
(2) Premature release of convicts other than life convicts -
(i) Under Section 432 of the Cr.P.C., the Government may
remit the sentence of any convict other than the life
convict on case to case basis on the request of the
convict. The procedure prescribed under Section 432
Cr.P.C. shall be adhered to while remitting such sentence.
(ii) Under Section 433 of the Cr.P.C., the Government may
commute the sentence of any convict as prescribed
subject to the provisions of the Section 433A of the Code
of Criminal Procedure on case to case basis on the
request of the convict or without the consent of the
person.
(3) Premature release of Convicts convicted in the State/Union
Territories other than where they are confined:- The case of premature
release of convicts convicted in the State/Union Territories other than
where they are confined shall be undertaken by the Sentence Review
Board of the State/ Union Territory where the convict was convicted
but, the case shall be prepared and forwarded by the Superintendent of
the Prison where the convict is confined at the relevant time through
the Head of the Prison Department.
(4) The cases of convicts falling under the provisions of
Section 435 Cr.P.C. shall be processed by the Government concerned
after consultation with the Central Government
444
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
CHAPTER–31
RELEASE
880. Superintendent to arrange for a pre-release programme.—
The Superintendent shall arrange for a pre-release programme which is
meant for:-
(i) reorienting the inmate about his responsibilities and social
obligations;
(ii) re-affirming the need for self-respect;
(iii) setting in an attitudinal preparation for smooth return and
readjustment to the inmate's family and community life;
(iv) preparing the inmate for his conditional release and for his
post-release adjustment.
881. Pre-release preparation.— The pre-release programme shall
preferably be conducted on every Sunday or frequently as may be
possible for a period of one month, by assembling all the prisoners due
for release the next month and lecturing to them on common subjects
which are indicated below:-
(a) Health and mental hygiene;
(b) Family planning;
(c) Conditions and requirements of living in the society; likely
problems and realities which the inmate may have to face after release
and how to face them;
(d) The economic problem, job opportunities;
(e) Suitably advising them to get admitted in the After Care
Homes for Males;
(f) Budgeting and balancing family income;
(g) Proper use of leisure, utilization of facilities and resources
available in the society, e.g. libraries, night schools, vocational guidance
centres and vocational training institutions;
(h) Dangers of drinking, gambling, bad companionship, venereal
diseases and the like;
445
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(i) Informal discussions aiming at group guidance; individual
counseling and guidance. Either the Superintendent or any other prison
official shall conduct the programme. The Chief Probation Officer shall
have his turn on a day in consultation with the Superintendent.
882. Date of release.— The date of release of all convicts shall
be arrived at by following the rules under Chapter-18 (Execution of
Sentences) and by deducting the remission earned by the prisoners
according to remission rules. The date of release of the convicts shall
be recorded in the release register and diary of convicts released.
883. Names of convicts due for release to be read out at parade.—
The names of convicts due for release during any month, as recorded
in the Register, shall be read out by the Deputy Superintendent at a
general parade to be held on the last day of the preceding month, and
any complaint of omission shall be at once inquired into by the Deputy
Superintendent and, if necessary, brought to the notice of the
Superintendent.
884. When the date of release falls on a prison holiday.— Should
the date on which a convict is entitled to release fall on any of the prison
holidays, he shall be liberated on the preceding day, an entry to that
effect being made in the Convict Register and on the warrant.
Provided that this rule shall not apply to prisoners sentenced
to two days' imprisonment either substantively or in default of payment
of a fine.
885. Completion and verification of accounts relating to
prisoners.— The Deputy Superintendent shall see that all accounts such
as prisoners’ private cash property, gratuity and wages relating to the
prisoners are properly verified and completed by the respective officers
on the day previous to the release of the prisoner.
886. Prisoners suffering from acute or dangerous diseases.—
(1) No prisoner who is certified by the Medical Officers as unfit for
travel shall be released from the prison against his will on the expiry of
sentence, but, shall be detained in prison hospital until the Medical
Officer considers that he can be safely released. Such events shall be
recorded in the Superintendent’s order book.
(2) A prisoner discharged from prison, if, suffering from any
contagious or dangerous disease, shall ordinarily be removed to the
nearest hospital until he is in a fit state to be sent home. In case removal
446
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
would endanger his life, the prisoner may, but, only with his own consent,
be detained in the prison hospital. Such events shall be recorded in
the Superintendent’s order book.
887. Procedure prior to releasing convicts.— (1) On the day of
release, the convict’s state of health and weight shall be recorded by
the Medical officer in the Convict Register and the convict’s personal
marks of identification shall be duly verified by the Deputy
Superintendent. The convict shall then be produced before the
Superintendent together with his warrant, Convict Register, History
ticket, Register of Prisoners to be released, diary of convicts released
and the amounts paid to him and his private clothing and other private
property, if any.
(2) The Superintendent shall compare the entries in the warrant
with those in the registers, and shall satisfy himself that they agree and
that the sentence passed on the prisoner has been duly executed. He
shall then sign the endorsement for release on the warrant, certifying to
the execution of the sentence and the date of release and shall affix his
initials together with the date in the proper column of the Convict
Register.
(3) The procedure laid down shall then be carried out and the
gratuity, subsistence allowance, etc., to which the prisoner is entitled
shall be paid to the prisoner in the presence of the Superintendent.
(4) All government properties such as clothing, bedding and
other equipments issued to the prisoner such as clothing, bedding and
other equipments issued to the prisoner shall be withdrawn after
verification.
(5) A prisoner who is due for release but, has another case
pending against him for which he is not on bail, shall be treated as
released as a convict, but, detained as an undertrial prisoner if, a remand
warrant for the second case has been received from the Court. If, the
prisoner is on bail for the second case, he shall be informed before
release, of the date on which he has to appear before Court and a written
undertaking to this effect shall be taken from him.
(6) When the prisoner is released on leave, emergency or
conditional release, the conditions of release and his obligations to abide
by the conditions laid down shall be fully explained to him.
447
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
888. Facilities to be extended to prisoners released.— Every
prisoner shall before his release be:-
(a) given a full meal,
(b) issued one set of suitable clothing if, he has no private
clothing,
(c) provided with railway/motor/steamer travel warrant to enable
him to reach either his home or the place where he was arrested,
(d) provided with subsistence money at rates prescribed by the
Government.
889. Issue of release certificate.— Each released prisoner shall be
given a certificate of release showing details such as date and time of
release from prison, if, it is required by the prisoner.
890. Treatment of e-mail orders of release.— No action shall be
taken on an e-mail directing the release of a prisoner, unless it has been
sent by the Chief Secretary to Government or the Registrar of the High
Court. If, doubt is felt as to genuineness of a message, a cyber crime
enquiry shall be made.
891. Treatment on order of High Court.— When an order of
release is received direct from the High Court by the Superintendent or
Officer in-charge of the prison, the prisoner or prisoners concerned shall
be released immediately without waiting for the receipt of the formal
warrant of release from the lower Court. The same procedure shall be
followed in cases where sentences are reduced or modified by the High
Court and where, as a result of such reduction or modification, a prisoner
is due for immediate release.
892. Release of prisoners in danger of death.— On receipt of the
orders of competent authority directing the release of a prisoner, the
prisoner shall be placed before the Medical Officer for examination before
effecting the actual release and the Medical Officer shall certify that the
prisoner’s state of health continues to be the same as it was when his
case was originally recommended to competent authority, justifying his
release. If, the Medical Officer considers that the condition of the
prisoner, on the day of receipt of the order of release, does not justify
his release as originally recommended, he shall issue a certificate to that
effect to the Superintendent of the Prison who shall not release the
prisoner but, forward the certificate to the Inspector-General of Prisons
for submission to Government.
448
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
893. Time and method of release.— Every convict to whom prison
clothing has been issued shall be required to wash it clean on the
morning of his release and every prisoner shall be given the usual food
before release. Ordinarily, prisoners shall be released as soon as possible
after the mid-day meal or earlier if, the train or bus to their home starts
earlier. All prisoners shall be released at the prison gates. No prisoner
shall be released after the lock-up of the prison.
894. Compliance with orders for release of prisoners.— If, an order
for the release of a prisoner otherwise than on medical grounds is
received before 6.00 p.m. or on any of the prison holidays, it shall be
acted upon forthwith. If, such an order is received after 6.00 p.m.
on any day, whether it is a prison holiday or not, it shall be acted upon
on that day itself, if, possible and in any event on the morning of the
next day.
895. Release of a prisoner in Superintendent’s absence.— If, an
order for the unconditional release of a prisoner is received at the prison
before 6.00 p.m. and in the absence of the Superintendent, the prisoner
shall be released by the Deputy Superintendent or other senior prison
officer present who shall strictly carry out the procedure laid down in
rule, but, shall not sign the endorsement on the warrant which, together
with the convict register or register of undertrial prisoners, as the case
may be, shall be put up before the Superintendent for signature later on.
896. Grant of travelling expenses.— (1) All prisoners shall be
supplied with a railway warrant or bus warrant or with railway ticket or
bus ticket or paid a reasonable fare for any mode of conveyance to the
station
(a) nearest to his home or
(b) to the place where he was convicted or
(c) to the station nearest the place at which the prisoner is
to be employed after release as the Superintendent may
decide, according to the class of accommodation they are
eligible under the following rules.
(2) “A” class prisoner:- Train warrant or ticket of second class
or bus warrant or ticket or fare of express bus.
(3) “B” class prisoner:- Train warrant or ticket of second class
or bus warrant or ticket or fare of ordinary bus.
449
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(4) When a journey has to be made by boat or steamer, the
prisoner shall be provided with passage money to the halting place
nearest his destination at the lowest rate.
(5) If “A” class prisoners and “B” class prisoners desire to
travel by higher class of accommodation other than that they are entitled,
they shall be allowed to do so provided they themselves pay all
additional expenses.
(6) Indian military prisoners who are not enlisted out of India
shall be issued railway warrant or ticket or bus warrant or ticket or
conveyance charges to the place at which they were convicted, if, their
regiment is for the time being quartered there, unless such place happens
to be their home, according to their class.
897. Prisoners unable to walk.— Sick prisoners on release if,
unable to travel on foot, shall be provided with conveyance charges as
may be necessary. In such cases, their families shall be informed of the
date of release and about their sickness and asked to receive the prisoner
on release at the prison gates.
898. Grant of subsistence allowance.— Every prisoner who has
to proceed a distance of more than 8 kms. or more than three hours
journey by rail or other mode of conveyance shall be paid subsistence
allowance at the rates fixed by Government from time to time.
899. Grant of travelling expenses to undertrial prisoners.—
Ordinary undertrial prisoners and special class undertrial prisoners if,
unable to meet their own travelling expenses, may be given travelling
expenses as provided for ordinary prisoners in the case of ordinary
undertrial prisoners and as provided for special class prisoners in the
case of Special class undertrials.
900. Release of prisoners convicted under security proceedings
in danger of death.— If, a prisoner detained solely under a sentence of
imprisonment in default of furnishing security to keep the peace or of
good behaviour is so seriously ill as to be likely to die whatever the
term of his unexpired sentence, the Superintendent shall refer the case
immediately to the Chief Judicial Magistrate, as the case may be, of the
district in which the prisoner was ordered to give security, who should
exercise the discretion allowed to him under section 123 of the Code of
Criminal Procedure, 1973 to release the prisoner.
450
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
901. Return of warrant to Court.— On the release of a convict,
the warrant under which he was confined shall, within 36 hours, be
returned to the Court from which it was issued with the certificate to
the effect that the manner in which the sentence has been executed or
the reasons such as remission, pardon, reversal of the sentence (with
the number and date of any orders of Government or any Court
authorizing the same), why the convict has been discharged from
custody before his sentence had fully expired. The date of the return of
the warrant shall be recorded in the Convict Register. The endorsement
shall be in the following form namely:-
“I hereby certify that the sentence passed on the prisoner named
in this warrant has been executed according to law and that he has this
day been released from custody on appeal or expiry of sentence or bail,
he having earned .................. days of remission, dated ...................
Deputy Superintendent/Superintendent of Jail
Explanation:- (1) Warrants of commitment of prisoners
sentenced by
(i) General Court-Martial
(ii) Summary General Courts-Martial or
(iii) District Courts-Martial, should be sent to the Judge,
Advocate-General in India and those of prisoners
sentenced by
(iv) Summary Courts Martial to the Officer Commanding the
Unit in which the Court was held after the sentences have
been executed. The discharge certificate of these
prisoners shall be delivered to them at the time of their
release.
(2) In case of release on bail, reversal or modification of the
sentence, the warrant of commitment shall be returned to the original
Court through the Appellate Court except incase of orders issued by
the High Court.
902. Return of warrant of prisoners undergoing more than one
sentence.— When a convict has to undergo two or more sentences under
different warrants, each warrant shall, except where an order under
section 356 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 has been made
against the convict, be returned to the Court immediately on expiry of a
451
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
sentence to whom it relates. The warrant of commitment on which an
order under section 356 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 is
entered shall not be returned to the committing Court until such time as
the prisoner has undergone all the sentences under different warrants
and has been served with the copy of the order of the Court for
notification of his residence and any change of or absence from, such
residence under section 356 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.
903. Return of warrant of a prisoner who dies.— The warrant of
a prisoner who dies in prison shall be returned to the Court within 36
hours of his death with an endorsement certifying to the date and cause
of death.
904. Return of warrant of commitment for trial.— Warrants of
commitment for trial shall, as soon as the trial is over, be returned to
the committing Court with an endorsement signed by the Superintendent,
in one of the following forms, as may be applicable, namely:-
(i) Prisoner was acquitted and discharged by the Court this day;
or
(ii) Prisoner was convicted this day and is now in my custody
under a warrant of the .............................. Court sentencing him to
...................................; or
(iii) Prisoner died in prison this day on the ..........................
(state cause of death)
905. Conditional release for treatment outside the prison.—
(1) If, in the opinion of the Medical Officer, a convicted prisoner required
special treatment in a hospital outside the prison or in a psychiatric
nursing home as defined in the Mental Health Act, 1987 (Central Act
No. 14 of 1987),which is likely to lead to his recovery or materially to
prolong his life, he shall certify to the necessity of transferring the
prisoner to such hospital or psychiatric nursing home, record a full
statement of the case and forward the same to the Superintendent who,
after getting order from the Inspector-General, shall send the prisoner
to such hospital or psychiatric nursing home subject to the prisoner or
any relative or friend of the prisoner executing a bond in the form
prescribed for the purpose.
452
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(2) This form shall be in English and in the language of the
region. The prisoner or his relative or friend as the case may be, shall
sign two copies of which one shall be retained in the prison and the
other delivered to the person concerned for production before the
Officer in charge of the hospital or psychiatric nursing home where the
prisoner is to undergo treatment and again on the discharge of the
prisoner from the hospital or psychiatric nursing home before the
Superintendent of the prison in which he was originally confined. Before
removing the prisoner, the Superintendent of the prison shall inform the
Superintendent of hospital or asylum of the removal and relatives or
friends of the prisoner and then shall make necessary arrangements to
send him to the hospital or psychiatric nursing home for treatment. The
prisoner shall be provided if, necessary with railway warrants for his
journey, to and fro subsistence allowance and bus fare. The railway
warrant, subsistence or any other allowance for the return journey may
be sent to the Officer in charge of the civil hospital or psychiatric nursing
home to be delivered to the prisoner on discharge. At the time of removal
from the prison, the prisoner shall be provided with private clothing
which will be withdrawn on his re-admission. If, the Medical Officer
considers the case so serious as to require an attendant, the
Superintendent shall provide a proper attendant, women prisoners shall
be provided with women attendant.
(3) In the case of prisoners of a dangerous type who are sent
to outside hospitals or psychiatric nursing home for special treatment,
a regular police guard shall be arranged. Such a prisoner shall be sent
to such hospitals or psychiatric nursing home only after ascertaining
from the authority concerned that separate accommodation is available.
In an emergent case, necessitating the immediate removal of a sick
prisoner to a outside hospital or psychiatric nursing home in which a
delay in sending the prisoner to such an institution is in the opinion of
the Medical Officer of the prison, likely to prove fatal, the prisoner shall
be sent without delay to the hospital or psychiatric nursing home and
the authority concerned shall make the best possible arrangements
irrespective of the fact that separate accommodation is or is not available
in the hospital or psychiatric nursing home.
906. Intimation to Police of impending release.— Not later than
the 25th of each month, the Superintendent shall send to the
Superintendent of Police of the District in which the prison is situated
a list of -
453
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(i) Prisoners convicted for offences covered under chapters XII
to XVII of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.
(ii) Prisoners who have to notify residence under section 356
of Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.
(iii) Those imprisoned under the bad livelihood sections, who
will be released during the following month, and a similar list shall also
be sent to the Superintendent of Police of any other District in which
the prisoners homes may be situated or in which they may have been
convicted. When necessary, a supplemental list containing the names
of prisoners admitted after the 25th of each month and who will be
released during the following month shall be sent to the Superintendent
of Police. The name of the probable railway station of destination shall
be given against the name of each convict who is expected to travel by
train.
907. Report to police of convict’s death.— At the end of each
month, the Superintendent shall forward to the Superintendent of Police,
a list of all convicts who died in the prison during the month. If, a
deceased convict belongs to any other District/State, his roll shall be
sent to the Superintendent of Police of the District to which the prisoner
belongs.
CHAPTER–32
PRISON DISCIPLINE
908. Principles.— (1) Prison discipline is the prime mover of a
dynamic and interactive human mechanism called the correctional
process, which an offender undergoes to get reformed into a law-abiding
and dignified citizen, who can become self-reliant after his/ her release
and deserve a rightful place in the mainstream of the society. Prison is
to be as reformative center.
(2) An offender, after release, always faces cold treatment and
rejection from the society at large. On account of such rejection and
dislike, the gap between an offender and the society becomes wider. This
sends the offender back into the world of crime, and from there again to
custody, making a vicious circle. This is how crime recurs. Correctional
work aims to bridge the gulf between the offender and the mainstream
society.
454
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(3) Prison discipline should not be retributive but reformative;
not repressive but curative; and should be carried on with a view to
foster the basic values and virtues of life and humanity.
(4) Prison discipline is the collective responsibility of all the
prison personnel who are actually supposed to usher in reformation to
the offender.
(5) Prison discipline shall also ensure impeccable security in the
prison so that the safe custody and well being of the prisoners is not in
jeopardy.
(6) Prison discipline shall also envisage a tidy ambience in the
premises, which is conducive to creative work in the field of culture,
literacy and vocational training.
(7) Prison discipline shall be supported and given a human face
by:-
(i) Sympathetic and patient understanding of the
predicaments of the inmates, with follow-up guidance and
counselling, which will act as an emotional support base
to them. Counselling will also act as a preventive measure
against despondency in their psyche;
(ii) Introducing a system of incentives and rewards which
will be accorded to the deserving inmates making rapid
progress on the path of correction;
(iii) Exemplary conduct on the part of the Superintendent,
Deputy Superintendent and other prison personnel will
go long way to encourage prisoners to return to the
society at large and make it a better place for posterity.
909. Scope.— Prison discipline shall cover all aspects of
Institutional life such as:-
(i) Discipline of good health;
(ii) Discipline of work;
(iii) Discipline of proper behaviour;
(iv) Discipline of education and learning; and
(v) Discipline of interest in finer aspects of life.
455
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
910. Ban on smoking in prison premises.— Smoking in prison
premises is prohibited. The sale of tobacco and its products in prison
premises shall also be forbidden.
911. Reference to Magistrate.— When in the opinion of the
Superintendent any of the following offences are established against
any prisoner, he shall refer the case to the Magistrate exercising
jurisdiction for enquiry in accordance with the Code of Criminal
Procedure, 1973:-
(1) Offences punishable under Section 147, 148 and 152 of the
Indian Penal Code, 1860;
(2) Offences punishable under Section 222, 223 and 224 of the
Indian Penal Code, 1860;
(3) Offences punishable under section 304-A, 309, 325 and 326
of the Indian Penal Code, 1860; and
(4) Any offence triable exclusively by the Court of Sessions.
Note: The offences specified in the above rule are:- Section 147 -
rioting; Section 148 - rioting armed with a deadly weapon;
Section 152 - assaulting or obstructing or using criminal
force to a public servant, when suppressing riot or
threatening or attempting to do so; Section 222 -
Intentional omission to apprehend on the part of a public
servant or intentionally siding or suffering to escape any
person lawfully committed to custody; Section 223 -
escape negligently suffered by a public servant; Section
224 - resistance or obstruction to lawful apprehension or
escape or attempt to escape from lawful custody; Section
304-A - causing death by a rash or negligent act; Section
309 - attempt to commit suicide; Section 325 - voluntarily
causing grievous hurt; and Section 326 - voluntarily
causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means.
912. Enquiry before punishment.— (1) Prisoners are liable to be
punished for prison offences as per rules irrespective of the class in
which they are placed.
(2) No prisoner shall be punished for any statement or complaint
made to a visitor.
456
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(3) Whenever prisoners are produced before the Superintendent
for punishment, the Superintendent shall conduct a thorough enquiry
in a fair manner. It shall not become a mechanical process for the mere
awarding of punishments. Enquiry shall be conducted as promptly as
possible. During the enquiry, the accused shall be present. Witnesses
shall be brought in one at a time.
(4) Every precaution shall be taken to ensure that the enquiry
is conducted in an orderly manner. Prisoners shall be thoroughly
searched before being brought before the Enquiry Officer. Violent
prisoners may be properly secured during enquiry.
(5) In case of serious violation of prison discipline, the
Superintendent may order the recording of statements of the persons
concerned. When the Superintendent thinks that recording of statement
is not necessary, he shall briefly record the salient facts of the case in
the appropriate column in the punishment book. If, a prisoner has
committed any infringement of the prison rules through ignorance or
excusable carelessness, the Superintendent, shall admonish him without
recording in the said Forms.
(6) The officer, who conducts the preliminary investigation,
shall present his report and witnesses, if any. The report shall be
presented in a language that is commonly understood in the locality or
by the accused. Where necessary and available, an interpreter may be
provided. The accused and his witnesses, if any, shall be heard.
(7) After the Superintendent is satisfied that all relevant facts
of the case have come to light, he shall record his decision in the register.
After enquiry, the punishment shall be promptly implemented as per
rules.
913. Medical opinion for certain punishments.— (1) The
punishment of separate confinement or change of labour shall not be
implemented unless the Medical Officer has examined the prisoner and
certified in writing in the punishment book that he is fit, to sustain it.
The same rule shall apply to any other punishment that may be
prejudicial to the physical or mental health of a prisoner.
(2) The Medical Officer or his medical subordinate shall daily
visit prisoners undergoing any such punishments and shall advise the
Superintendent if, he considers the termination or alteration of the
punishment necessary on the ground of physical or mental health.
457
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
914. Duties of Prisoners.— At the time of admission, prisoners
should be asked to obey the rules and their duties shall be explained to
them. Their duties shall include:-
(i) obey the orders of all officers of prison (including clerks,
medical and technical staff);
(ii) Remain strictly with their groups and within the part of the
prison in which they are confined, unless ordered by proper authority
to leave it;
(iii) Abstain from talking when in a file at unlocking or at latrine
and bathing or other parades or at any time when ordered by an officer
of the prison to desist; also abstain from abusing, singing, quarrelling,
laughing loudly, talking loudly and indecent behaviour at any time;
(iv) Not hold any communication with outsiders, women, civil
or undertrial prisoners or prisoners of a class different from their own
or with the guards, beyond what is absolutely necessary;
(v) Not receive or possess ganja or other drugs, money or
jewellery or mobile phone or any article of food or clothing prohibited
by the rules, books, papers, writing materials of any description, rope,
knife or other implement (except during working hours and when the
implement is required for work) and, where they find any of these articles
in the prison or know of any other prisoner having possession of any
such articles, report the matter to the Deputy Superintendent or Warder;
(vi) Report any plot or conspiracy, and any attempt to escape
or any planned attack upon any prisoner or officer of the prison;
(vii) Help the officers of prison in the event of any attack upon
them;
(viii) Keep their clothes, blankets, beddings, and utensils clean
and in proper order;
(ix) Keep their persons clean;
(x) Perform their assigned tasks willingly and carefully and take
proper care of any property of Government entrusted to them for any
purpose;
458
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(xi) Be orderly in their behaviour; march when moving about
the prison; when addressing or being addressed by an officer of the
prison or visitor stand at attention with their hands down; and salute
when ordered;
(xii) Not to remove provisions from the kitchen or food servicing
platforms without authority or conceal any article of food in the wards
or cells;
(xiii) Not to remove any unconsumed food from the place where
the meal is taken;
(xiv) Stick to the bed, ward, yard, and the seat assigned to them
while at meals or at work;
(xv) Not to loiter about the yards or in the wards, after the doors
have been opened or bathe or visit the latrine beyond the specified
hours;
(xvi) Not commit any nuisance or urinate in any part of the
prison which has not been assigned for that purpose or spoil any part
of the prison or any article in the prison in any way;
(xvii) Show respect to all officers; Not to strike, assault or
threaten any officer or prisoner;
(xviii) Not to gamble or barter or play any game (unless
specially permitted by the Superintendent) within the prison; nor keep
animals, birds or other pets;
(xix) Wear the clothing given to them and not to exchange
clothing or any part of their prison kit, with any other prisoner.
915. Grievance Redressal System.— The following system shall
be maintained for grievance redressal of the prisoners:-
(i) There shall be one or more complaint boxes in every prison
installed in centrally located and convenient places, within easy reach
of the inmates. Such complaint box shall also be installed in an easily
accessible place in the female ward;
(ii) The inmates may drop their complaints in the form of written
petitions addressed to the Superintendent or to the higher authorities,
into such boxes;
459
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(iii) The box shall remain under lock and key and the key shall
remain in the custody of the Sessions Judge having jurisdiction over
the prison, who shall unlock the complaint box on the days fixed by
him;
(iv) The complaint box shall be opened at appointed time before
the evening locking up of the prison;
(v) The Superintendent shall form a permanent committee of
Grievance Redressal System, comprising of the Superintendent, Deputy
Superintendent, Medical Officer and the Welfare Officer;
(vi) The committee shall meet as and when necessary, but at
least twice a week to look into all the complaints of the inmates;
(vii) The Superintendent shall preside over the Committee
which shall enquire into all the complaints at the earliest.
(viii) The decision of the Committee shall be executed forthwith.
(ix) Complaints and letters addressed by the prisoners to the
higher authorities in the Government, Judiciary, Inspector-General of
Prisons or other high functionaries should be forwarded to them
immediately;
(x) The District Judge shall visit each prison in his jurisdiction
once a month and give an opportunity to all the prisoners to present
their grievances or requests, if they so desire, in the absence of prison
offices. This should be a statutory function of the District Judge;
(xi) The Superintendent shall take weekly rounds of inspection
of the prison. If, a prisoner is not satisfied by the action taken by the
Superintendent on his complaint, he shall be allowed to approach higher
authorities for redressal of his grievances;
(xii) The Board of visitors shall be activated. The visitors shall
receive and enquire into prisoners’ complaints and grievances and send
their suggestions to appropriate authorities
OFFENCES AND PUNISHMENT
916. Acts constituting Prison Offences.— The following acts are
forbidden and every prisoner who willfully commits any of the following
acts shall be deemed to have willfully disobeyed the regulations of the
prison, and to have committed a prison offence within the meaning of
Section 45 (1) of the Prison Act, 1894:-
460
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(1) Endangering the security of the prison in any way, by a
willful or negligent act and shall include tampering in any way with
prison walls, building, bars, locks and keys, lamps or lights or with any
other security and custody measure;
(2) Doing any act calculated to create unnecessary alarm in the
minds of other prisoners;
(3) Doing or omitting to do any act with intent to cause to
oneself any illness, injury or disability;
(4) Omitting to report the Commission of any prison offence;
(5) Breaking law and order and prison discipline;
(6) Planning, instigating and abetting, directly or indirectly, the
Commission of any prison offence;
(7) Refusing, omitting to abide by standards of behaviour, rules
and regulations and lawful instructions and orders;
(8) Failing to assist in the maintenance of prison discipline;
(9) Failing to give assistance to a prison official when called to
do so;
(10) Making false, malicious and groundless, written or verbal
complaints, using filthy words against prison officials;
(11) Committing nuisance or mischief of any sort;
(12) Quarrelling with other prisoners;
(13) Smoking in prison premises;
(14) Attacking, assaulting, and causing injuries to others;
(15) Participating in a riot or mutiny, abetting another prisoner
to do the same
(16) Escaping or attempting to escape from prison or legal
custody or failing to report to prison officials about attempted escapes;
(17) Possessing, hiding, smuggling, attempting to smuggle,
obtaining, giving or receiving and bartering contraband articles;
(18) Failing to report to prison officials about contraband
articles;
461
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(19) Stealing/damaging/destroying/disfiguring/misappropriating
any government property or another prisoners' articles and property;
(20) Failing to report at once any loss, breakage or injury, which
the prisoner may accidentally have caused, to prison property or
implements.
(21) Tampering with or defacing identity cards, records or
documents;
(22) Breach of the conditions of leave and emergency release;
(23) Refusing to eat food or going on a hunger-strike;
(24) Eating or apportioning any food not assigned to him or
taking from or adding to the portions assigned to another prisoner.
(25) Willfully or negligently destroying or spoiling food or
throwing it away without orders;
(26) Introducing into food or drink anything likely to render it
unpalatable, unwholesome or dangerous for human consumption;
(27) Cooking unauthorized;
(28) Violating rules and regulations framed for the systematic
running of the canteen.
(29) Bartering canteen articles;
(30) Being idle, careless or negligent at work, refusing to work,
malingering, disturbing other prisoners at work or in barracks;
(31) Manufacturing any article without the knowledge or
permission of a Prison Officer;
(32) Performing any portion of the task allotted to another
prisoner or obtaining unauthorized assistance of another prisoner in the
performance of one’s own task;
(33) Apportioning to any prisoner any part of the task to be
performed by him/her.
(34) Mixing or adding a foreign substance to the materials
issued for work;
(35) Willfully disabling and maligning himself from labour;
462
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(36) Converting or attempting to convert, a prisoner to a
different religious faith;
(37) Willfully hurting other's religious feelings, beliefs and
faiths;
(38) Agitating or acting on the basis of caste or religious
prejudices;
(39) Having any communication using Cellphone and other
transmission materials, in writing or by word or by signs, without
permission, with any outsider, an under trial prisoner, detunes, civil
prisoners, and approvers;
(40) Sending messages surreptitiously by writing or verbally;
(41) Participating in or organizing, unauthorized activities like
gambling and betting;
(42) Using indecent, abusive, insolent, threatening or improper
language; being disrespectful, making indecent or vulgar acts or
gestures;
(43) Soiling or befouling any place or article;
(44) Loitering or lingering, leaving the appointed area or work-
group without permission;
(45) Failing to assist or preventing another person from
assisting, prison officials in suppressing violence, assault, riot, mutiny,
attack, gross personal violence or any other emergencies.
917. Powers of Superintendent in other cases.— In respect of
offence committed by the prisoners which are punishable both under
the existing criminal laws or prison offences, it shall be the discretion
of the Superintendent either to use his own powers of punishments or
to prosecute the offender before a Court of law.
918. Punishments.— The Superintendent may award any one of
the punishments specified in the under mentioned rules to prisoners
committing prison offence:
Provided that no solitary confinement, no hard labour, no dietary
change as a painful additive, no other punishment or denial of privileges
and amenities or no transfer to other prisons with penal consequences,
shall be imposed on a prisoner without judicial appraisal of the Sessions
463
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
Judge or Judicial Magistrate. Where such intimation, on account of
emergency is difficult, such information shall be given within two days
of taking such action.
919. Imposition of separate or Solitary Confinement as per Court
order.— (1) Over the door of each cell in which a prisoner is undergoing
separate or solitary confinement shall be placed a ticket in the prescribed
form signed by the Deputy Superintendent, showing the number and
name of the prisoner, the offence for which he is being punished, the
period of confinement awarded, the date of his being placed in the cell
and the date on which he is to be removed, and the labour which he is
to perform meantime.
(2) Every prisoner before being placed in solitary or separate
confinement shall be thoroughly searched and any articles which it is
considered dangerous or inexpedient for him to retain shall be removed.
Both the cell and the person of the prisoner shall be carefully searched
daily during his continuance in solitary or separate confinement.
(3) Prisoners in solitary or separate confinement shall be
provided with suitable work and a regulated task shall be extracted from
them.
(4) They shall be permitted to take such exercise in the open
air as the Medical Officer shall consider being necessary for their health.
(5) The bedding of prisoners in solitary or separate confinement
shall be taken out of the cells during the day and exposed to the sun
and air for as long as the weather permits.
(6) The occupant of each cell shall be required to keep it
scrupulously clean.
920. Minor Punishments.— The following punishment shall be
considered as minor punishment:-
(1) Formal warning ;
(2) Fatigue drill/work for a period not exceeding one hour a day
up to seven days subject to prisoner’s physical fitness being certified
by the Medical Officer;
(3) Forfeiture of wages up to earnings of three days once in a
Month;
464
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(4) Loss of privileges given to the prisoners in detention for a
maximum of one month;
(5) Forfeiture of earned remission up to ten days.
(6) Damaging Government property, the cost of damaged
property can be recovered from the concerned inmate wages.
921. Major Punishments.— The following punishments shall be
considered as major punishments:
(i) Loss of privileges given to the prisoners in detention from
one month to three months.
(ii) Transfer to greater security prisons and consequent loss
of privileges.
(iii) Not counting period of leave towards sentence in case
of breach of conditions of leave.
(iv) Forfeiture of earned remission beyond 10 days.
(v) Postponement of privileges of leave for a period not
exceeding one year starting from the date of the inmate’s
next eligibility for release on leave.
(vi) Prisoners can be kept in Punishment Cell between
24hours to 48 hours and monitoring under watch and
security.
(vii) In case of huge damage to Government property, judicial
process can be adopted.
(vii) Interviews shall not be granted to prisoners who are on
hunger-strike.
(viii) Visits can be stopped for three month, Parole leave will
not be granted for one to six month.
(ix) Planning and committing the offence in outside from the
prison can be debt by the Judiciary.
In case of a minor offence which is committed more than twice,
the same will be treated as a major offence and punishment shall be
awarded accordingly.
465
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
922. Prohibited articles:.— The following shall be deemed to be
prohibited articles within the meaning of section 42 of and clause (12)
of section 45 of the Prisons Act, 1894 (Central Act IX of 1894), namely:-
(a) Poisons;
(b) Alcohol and spirits in any form and of every description.
(c) Tobacco or the implements for smoking, snuff and the like;
(d) Bhang, ganja, opium and other hemp drugs and intoxicants;
(e) Betal nuts and leaves and pawn parag;
(f) Unauthorized food, fruits, sweets, condiments and the like;
(g) Unauthorized clothing;
(h) Gold, silver, copper or any metal in any form;
(i) Bank notes and cash;
(j) Jewellery ornaments, currency notes, securities and articles
of value of every description, except wedding ring;
(k) Fire arms and explosive materials;
(l) All arms, weapons, knives and cutting implements of every
kind and articles which are capable of being used as weapon, of whatever
description;
(m) Tools for working wood, metal or leather;
(n) Matches and materials for producing fire;
(o) Unauthorized writing materials;
(p) Postage stamps and unauthorized letters;
(q) Books other than those approved by prison authorities;
(r) Playing cards or other gambling material;
(s) Wood, Bamboos, ladders, bricks, stones, clubs, sticks,
ropes, string, chains and any materials which can be used to assist in
the escape of a prisoner or as implements for causing hurt;
(t) Mobile phone/cellphone and any other communication
device;
466
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(u) Tape recorder, typewriter and other equipment that can be
misused;
(v) Any other article whatsoever not specially permitted by the
prison rules and articles received, possessed or transferred otherwise
than by due authority.
923. Disposal of prohibited articles.— All prohibited articles found
or seized from prisoners shall be destroyed or confiscated to Government
or disposed of as per Superintendent’s Orders.
924. Procedure for Awarding Punishment.— For award of major
punishment the prisoner should be given notice in writing, calling him
to show cause with reference to the alleged violation of the jail rule.
The order of punishment should also be communicated to the concerned
prisoner.
In respect of offence committed by the prisoners which are
punishable both under the existing criminal laws and prison offences, it
should be the discretion of the Superintendent either to use his own
powers of punishments or to prosecute the offender before a Court of
law.
No prisoner should be punished twice for the same offence.
Provided that any security measure taken such as separate confinement,
for the safe custody of a refractory and dangerous prisoner or for
preventing him from committing mischief or the stoppage of privileges
which are otherwise admissible to well behaved prisoners only, shall
not be construed as prison punishment for this purpose.
925. Medical opinion for certain punishments.— (1) The
punishment of separate confinement or change of labour shall not be
implemented unless the Medical Officer has examined the prisoner and
certified in writing in the punishment book that he is fit, to sustain it.
The same rule shall apply to any other punishment that may be
prejudicial to the physical or mental health of a prisoner.
(2) The Medical Officer or his medical subordinate shall daily
visit prisoners undergoing any such punishments and shall advise the
Superintendent if, he considers the termination or alteration of the
punishment necessary on the ground of physical or mental health.
467
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
926. Punishment yard.— (1) As far as possible, the prison shall
have completely segregated areas where punishments of solitary or
separate confinement can be effectively implemented. These areas shall
have adequate facilities for baths, exercise yards and the like.
(2) No inmates excepting those employed for sweeping,
conservancy work and barbering shall be allowed to enter the
punishment yard. Inmate workers allowed to enter the yard shall be
under the constant supervision of the guarding personnel. They shall
be thoroughly searched before entering and leaving the punishment
yard. They shall not be allowed to communicate with prisoners kept in
the punishment yard. As soon as their work is over, they shall be
withdrawn from the yard.
927. Security.— (1) Security and discipline shall be strictly
maintained in areas where prisoners undergoing punishments have been
kept. The movement and activities of prisoners shall be strictly
controlled.
(2) Every prisoner undergoing punishment and the cell where
he is kept shall be searched at least once a day. The Officer in-charge
of the punishment yard shall conduct surprise searches under his
personal supervision at least twice a week.
(3) Special care shall be taken to see that prisoners undergoing
punishment do not have any article with which they can harm themselves
or others.
928. Noting of punishment in the Punishment Book.— The
punishment awarded to prisoners shall be noted down in the punishment
book. The Deputy Superintendent shall certify that the punishments
have been carried out. The punishment book shall be placed before the
Superintendent for his perusal as soon as the punishment has been
carried out.
CHAPTER–33
AFTER-CARE AND REHABILITATION
929. Need for after-care and rehabilitation of prisoners.— (1)The
process of after-care and rehabilitation of offenders is an integral part
of institutional care and treatment. These two should never be de-linked.
The aftercare of a prisoner is an extension of the institutional treatment
468
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
programme; hence, the administrative machinery for carrying out these
programmes should be effectively integrated with the Department of
prisons.
(2) It is clear that after-care, and follow-up service is not
required by each and every inmate leaving the prison. A large number
of prisoners coming from the rural areas and agrarian and business
communities are generally accepted back into their family. They are re-
assimilated in the social milieu without much difficulty. They require only
some continued contact with their kin and some pre-release counselling
to bridge the gap between their life in the prison and that in the free
society.
(3) There are other prisoners who resist follow-up action as they
consider it a kind of surveillance on them. But, majority of the inmates
would welcome such programmes which help them settle in the society
after their release, and get themselves rehabilitated beyond the
possibility of reverting to crime.
930. Objectives.— The objectives of the after-care services are:-
(i) Extending help, guidance, counselling, support and
protection to all released prisoners, whenever necessary.
(ii) Helping a released person to overcome his/her mental, social
and economic difficulties.
(iii) Helping in the removal of any social stigma that may have
been attached to the inmate or his/her family because of his
incarceration.
(iv) Impressing upon the individual the need to adjust his/her
habits, attitudes, approaches and values to a rational appreciation of
social responsibilities and obligations and the requirements of
community living.
(v) Helping the individual in making satisfactory readjustment
with his/her family, neighbourhood, work group, and the community.
(vi) Assisting in the process of the individual’s physical,
mental, vocational, economic, social and attitudinal post-release
readjustment and ultimate rehabilitation.
469
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
931. Process.— (1) After-care services should be extended to all
needy persons released from prisons, conditionally or unconditionally
or on licence. While after-care services should be provided to all needy
prisoners, at the very least, prisoners having served a minimum of five
years of imprisonment shall necessarily be entitled to after-care services.
(2) After-care problems of an individual should be treated in
their totality and not in isolation. Not only the individual but, his/her
whole social situation must be tackled at the same time.
(3) After-care work should broadly be phased as follows:
(i) While the individual is under institutional care and
treatment
(ii) Immediately after release from the institution
(iii) Post-release period.
(4) There should be full coordination between the Correctional
Services and the after-care services.
(5) It is the responsibility of the States to devise and develop
mechanisms for rehabilitation of released convicts. For this purpose,
Discharged Prisoners' After Care and Rehabilitation Committees will be
set up at the district or State level. Such committees will inter alia
devise the mechanism for rehabilitation and after-care assistance for
released prisoners. While devising the mechanism and extending help,
special attention will be paid to the protection and post-release care and
help of children, adolescents, women, sick, old, infirm and handicapped
persons. Special emphasis should be laid on the after-care of habitual
offenders, if, they so request.
932. Planning.— (1) Planning for after-care should be initiated
immediately after an inmate’s admission in the institution.
(2) After-care should be in the interest of the individual, and
based on his needs. While planning post-release assistance, factors like
the inmate’s personality, his weaknesses and strengths, limitations and
capabilities, and his rehabilitation needs should be taken into
consideration. The inmate’s desires for post-release help should be
considered on a practical and realistic basis.
470
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(3) The inmate should be told what type of assistance would
best suit his needs. He should be encouraged to plan his post-release
life, as this would be helpful in his willing acceptance of the after-care
plan. He should be prepared for his post-release life.
(4) From the time of a prisoner’s admission into prison,
consideration should be given to his post-release needs and he should
be encouraged and assisted to maintain or establish such relations (with
persons or agencies outside the institution) as may promote the best
interests of his family and his/her own social rehabilitation. Special
attention should be paid to the maintenance and improvement of such
relations between a prisoner and his family, as are desirable in the best
interest of both.
933. Functioning of a Probation/Welfare/Rehabilitation
Officer.—(1) An Officer of appropriate rank is to be appointed as
Probation/Welfare/Rehabilitation Officer in each prison. The Probation/
Welfare/ Rehabilitation Officer should contact the inmate during his/her
admission-quarantine period. Such an early contact will be helpful in
planning over-all help for the inmate and his family. The Probation/
Welfare/Rehabilitation Officer should meet the inmate at least once a
month throughout his stay in the institution.
(2) The Probation/Welfare/Rehabilitation Officer should extend
all possible assistance in maintaining the inmate's continued relationship
with his family, employer and community. The welfare of the family
members and dependants of offenders, as well as of their victims, should
be looked after.
(3) The Probation/Welfare/Rehabilitation Officer should be
associated with the prisoner's welfare services at the headquarter level.
934. The Role of N.G.Os/Industry Associations.— (1) The
participation of approved N.G.Os. in the rehabilitation programmes
should be extensively encouraged. voluntary organisations, which wish
to help the government in rehabilitation projects, should be given
necessary financial and other help. Their services should be given due
appreciation by the Inspector-General of Prisons.
(2) The public should be educated about the need for
rehabilitation of ex-prisoners through print and audio-visual media.
471
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(3) Continuous liaison should be maintained with the agencies/
individuals which are willing to give employment to the released
prisoners.
(4) Companies that are required to spend 2% of their net profit
on CSR activities under the Companies Act, 2013 should be encouraged
to contribute funds towards rehabilitation of prisoners. Appropriate
steps may also be taken by the Government to facilitate tax-deductibility
of donations made for this purpose in terms of Section 80G of the Income
Tax Act, 1961.
935. Scope of after-care assistance.— The scope of after-care
assistance will be determined by the District Committee and may include
the following matters:
(i) Subsistence money to cover initial expenditure after release,
till such time as the released person reaches his/her family or obtains
employment.
(ii) Provision of food.
(iii) Temporary accommodations till housing arrangements are
made.
(iv) Stay in a District Shelter/After-care Hostel/State Home,
wherever available.
(v) Assistance in securing housing in urban areas.
(vi) Assistance in securing apprenticeship in a workshop/
technical institute/ industry/trade.
(vii) Supply of artisan’s tools or trade equipment.
(viii) Assistance in starting a cottage industry, any small
business trade, a small or a stall.
(ix) Assistance in getting employment.
(x) Assistance in getting land, agricultural equipment, draught
or milk cattle, and seeds for those opting to take up agriculture.
(xi) Assistance in starting a small dairy, poultry, duck or sheep
farm/piggery/vegetable gardening/seri-culture/bee-keeping.
(xii) Liaison with and assistance to prisoner’s family during the
period he/she is serving a prison sentence.
472
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(xiii) Help in maintaining continuity in relationship with family,
neighbours, employers and community.
(xiv) Preparing the family, employer and neighbours for
receiving the individual after release.
(xv) Guidance in getting married and setting up a home and
resettling in life.
(xvi) Liaison with local police so that he/she is not harassed
unnecessarily.
936. Family or Marital Adjustments.— The following adjustments
would be required:
(i) Explaining to the police the background and problems of the
individual and getting help and cooperation from the police in the
process of resettlement.
(ii) Communicating to the Panchayat/Community Development
authorities about the background, problems and needs of the released
person. Getting the cooperation and help of the Panchayat, Community
Development Officer, National Extension Service Worker, and Gram
Sevak, in the resettlement of a prisoner.
(iii) Reference to a Social Service Organization in the
neighbouring area where the prisoner is likely to settle after release.
(iv) Assistance in continuation of education and vocational
training.
(v) Creating interest in education and study. Motivating them
to acquisition and improvement of skills, healthy recreation, and
constructive use of leisure.
(vi) Encouragement in building good habits.
(vii) Help in planning and balancing his budget.
(viii) Encouraging thrift and savings. Making them leave costly
habits.
(ix) Medical treatment on long-term basis for tuberculosis,
venereal diseases, leprosy and cancer, in an outside hospital.
(x) Posting the released person under the care of a person or
family interested in his welfare and resettlement.
473
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(xi) Protection from getting associated with anti-social groups,
agencies of moral hazards (like gambling dens, drinking places and
brothels) and with demoralized and deprived persons. Help in
establishing contacts, acquaintance and friendship with reliable
neighbours, co-residents or co-workers.
937. Legal Aid and Protection.— (1) The following aid and
protection may be required:-
(i) Help in all matters relating to the resettlement and
rehabilitation of the released person.
(ii) The After-care agency should be closely associated with
the planning of the after-care programme for the inmate.
(2) The plan of after-care of a prisoner should be subject to
such changes as would be found necessary by the after-care service.
(3) The Probation/Welfare/Rehabilitation Officer should
intensify his work during the pre-release period. He should maintain all
the prescribed records under the direction of the Superintendent.
(4) After release from the institution, the case of a released
person should be followed up for a period ranging from one to five years
according to the requirements of each case.
(5) The Probation/Welfare/Rehabilitation Officer shall establish
follow-up study through interviews or correspondence. A six monthly
report evaluating the released person’s adjustments and resettlement
should be prepared by him and copies of it should be sent to the
correctional institution where the individual had undergone treatment
and to the record branch in the headquarters organization.
(6) The record branch in the headquarters should maintain all
the case files and follow-up reports according to the central indexing
system.
938. Eligibility.— Only a convict who is sentenced to five or more
years of imprisonment shall be brought under the ambit of after-care
and rehabilitation programmes.
939. Formulation of Schemes.— (1) The Industries Department of
the Government should formulate schemes for the employment of
released convicts in small scale industrial units.
474
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(2) Big industrial houses should be motivated at the level of
the Prisons Headquarters to give preference in jobs to released prisoners
in the interest of their rehabilitation and social adjustment.
CHAPTER–34
OPEN INSTITUTIONS
940. Definition.— All Open and Semi-open institutions are
intended to put into practice the contemporary ideology of reformation,
correction and rehabilitation of convicted prisoners so that they may
lead a self-disciplined and cultured life after their release. These
institutions provide the prisoners opportunities of employment and living
a life in the open. This restores dignity of the individual and develops
in him /her self-reliance, self-confidence and social responsibility, which
are necessary for his/her, rehabilitation in the society.
Government should frame detailed rules regarding the
administration of Open Work Camps, Semi-open Training Institutions,
Open Training Institutions and Open Colonies. The contents of this
chapter are of a general nature and are only illustrative. The details
regarding the administration of Open Institutions should be fixed by
each State in accordance with the local conditions.
941. Objectives of Open and Semi-open Institutions.— The
objectives of the Open Institutions are:-
(i) To put into practice the contemporary ideology of
reformation, correction and rehabilitation of convicted prisoners so that
they may lead a self-disciplined and cultured life after release;
(ii) To provide the prisoners opportunities of employment and
living a life in the open;
(iii) To restore dignity of the individual and develop in him/her
self-reliance, self-confidence and social responsibility, which are
necessary for his/her rehabilitation in the society.
942. General Provisions.— The below mentioned categories of
prisoners shall not be eligible for transfer to any of the open institutions:
(a) Offenders classified as habitual, provided they have not
earned a higher grade in the proposed progressive system.
475
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(b) Prisoners who are considered dangerous or are involved in
serious prison violence like assault, outbreak, riot, mutiny or escape or
who have been found instigating serious violation of prison discipline.
(c) Prisoners convicted for offences such as dacoity, terrorist
crimes, kidnapping, and smuggling including those convicted under
NDPS Act, foreigners, escape risks and members of organized criminal
gangs.
(d) Prisoners committed for failure to give security for
maintaining peace or good behaviour.
(e) Prisoners convicted of offences against any law relating to
matters to which the executive power of the Union Government extends,
unless approved by the Union Government.
(f) Convicts under POCSO Act.
(g) Prisoners whose transfer is likely to have repercussions
elsewhere in the country
(h) Facing trial in other cases
(i) Prisoners who have been transferred from an Open Prison
to a Closed Prison.
943. Procedure for selection.— The Selection Committee should
thoroughly screen the case of each casual prisoner on the following
points before recommending them for transfer to an open institution:
(a) Physical fitness and mental health required for living in a
semi-open or open institution.
(b) Behaviour and conduct in the prison.
(c) Number of paroles availed and his conduct during that
period.
(d) Progress in work vocational training and education.
(e) Group adjustability.
(f) Character and self-discipline.
(g) Verification of his address/relatives.
(h) Extent of institutional impact (Whether the inmate has
reached peak points of training and treatment).
476
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(i) Whether the inmate can be further helped in the institution.
Whether he will benefit by training and treatment in Semi-open or Open
Institutions.
(j) Whether the inmate is getting institutionalized.
(k) Sense of responsibility.
Note: (i) If, there is no Semi-open Training Institution or Semi-
open Institution in the State, prisoners may be transferred
directly to Open Institutions as per directions laid down
by the Government. The Government may also lay down
directions for direct admission to other institutions.
(ii) Only such prisoners, whose behaviour and progress in
the institution has been good, and who are fit for a regime
based on trust, responsibility and self-discipline, should
be considered for transfer to a semi-open or Open
Institution. Prisoners who are dangerous to society, who
are members of professional and organized criminal
gangs, who are habitual offenders or who are suffering
from mental unsoundness or physical diseases, and
those who are an escape or discipline risks, should not
be transferred to Semi-open or Open Institutions.
944. Criteria for selection of a prisoner to Semi-open or Open
Institution.— The selection of prisoner to Semi-open or Open Institution
will depend upon his response to the programme in a closed prison and
whether he is fit for a regime based on trust, confidence, responsibility
and self-discipline;
945. Grounds for transfer of prisoners to Semi-open or Open
Institutions, Work camps, Colonies.— (1) The Classification Committee
shall examine in detail the case of every convict with reference to the
specific points for transfer of prisoners to Semi-open or Open
Institutions, Work Camps, Colonies, as detailed below:-
946. Transfer to Semi-open Institutions.— On completion of two
years of actual imprisonment in case of a life convict, and six months or
one-fourth of sentence as convict, whichever is more but, subject to
not more than two years in case of a terminal convict the Selection/
Classification Committee shall examine in detail, the case of every convict
on the points.
477
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
If, the Selection/Classification Committee is of the opinion that
the inmate is fit for being transferred to a Semi-open institution, a report
in the prescribed form should be submitted to the Inspector General.
On receipt of sanction from the Inspector-General, the inmate should be
oriented to his new responsibilities in a Semi-open institution.
(iii) On admission at a Semi-open Institution, the inmate should
be kept in the reception yard for at least six months. During this period,
he should be further acquainted with the requirements of living
standards, standards of behaviour under Semi-open conditions, basic
education and work skills.
(iv) A programme suitable for the inmate’s training should be
organized at the Semi-open Institution. He should be given necessary
facilities to further improve his educational and cultural level and
vocational skills. Suitable work should be given to him so that he may
further improve his work habits and skills.
947. Transfer to an Open Training Institution/Open Work Camp.—
(1) On completion of five years of imprisonment, excluding remission,
in the case of a life convict, and one year or one-fourth of the sentence
as a convict excluding remission, whichever is more but, not more than
two years in case of a terminal convict, the Selection/Classification
Committee should study the inmate’s case for his eligibility for an open
institution. If, the Selection/Classification Committee are convinced that
the inmate is fit for treatment in an open institution, a report in the
prescribed form should be sent to the Inspector General for his transfer.
On receipt of sanction of the Inspector-General, the inmate should be
oriented for his life in the open institution. He should be made to
understand that any failure in maintaining satisfactory behaviour at the
open institution would entail his retransfer to the Semi-open or Closed
Institution.
(2) On admission to the Open Institution, the inmate should be
kept in the reception yard of the Institution for at least three months.
During this period he should be further educated to the requirements of
living under open conditions and a regime based on self-discipline.
(3) A Programme suitable for the inmate’s needs should be
organized at the open institution. He should be given necessary facilities
to further improve his educational and cultural levels and vocational
skills. Suitable work should be given to him so that he further may
improve his work habits and skills.
478
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
948. Transfer to Open Colony.— (1) On completion of seven years’
of imprisonment in case of a life convict or in the case of a convict
sentenced to seven years of imprisonment or more after the convict
having undergone half of the sentence, excluding remission as a convict,
the Selection/Classification Committee shall examine the inmate's case
for being transferred to an Open Colony. If, there is no Semi-open or
Open Institution in the State, a prisoner may be transferred directly to
an Open Colony after completion of 10 years stay in a closed Institution
with remission in case of a life convict or on completion of three-fourth
of the sentence in the case of other convicts. If the Selection/
Classification Committee are satisfied that the inmate is fit for a transfer
to an Open Colony, a report in the prescribed form, along with the
inmate’s case file, should be forwarded to the Inspector General.
On receipt of sanction from the Inspector-General of Prisons the inmate
should be transferred to an Open Colony.
(2) Inmates should initially be treated in Semi-open Institutions
and then in Open Institutions. Transfer to an Open Colony should be
made only after ensuring that the inmate has satisfactorily responded
to the treatment in Semi-open and Open Institutions. These transfers
should be done on a highly selective basis. Care should be taken to see
that selection for treatment in an Open Colony does not become reutilized
and mechanical.
(3) Before being transferred to an Open Work Camp/Semi-open
or Open Institutions/Open Colony, the inmate should be informed about
the requirements and responsibilities of living in the new institution.
On admission at these institutions, the inmate should be kept in the
reception yard under observation. During this period he should be
further oriented to institutional standards of behaviour and other
requirements of institutional life.
949. Conditions apply.— The conditions which an inmate shall
have to observe at these places should be laid down. Before being
transferred to these institutions the inmate will be required to sign a
bond prescribed by the Inspector General.
950. Prescription of standards.— Minimum standards, as
prescribed for the Closed Institutions, regarding accommodation,
equipment, sanitation, hygiene, medical services, diet and welfare
services, shall be maintained at each Semi-open Training Institution,
Open Training Institution, Open Work Camp and Open Colony. These
479
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
institutions should have good communication and transport facilities.
Emergency equipment shall be provided in accordance with the
requirements of each institution.
951. Security.— Security arrangements in these institutions shall
be established in a way that the possibility of escape gets minimized
and a sense of security prevails in the neighbouring community.
952. Planning.— The programmes at these institutions should be
very carefully planned so that the inmates remain occupied in useful
activities. Special attention should be devoted to:-
(a) Care and welfare of inmates
(b) Individual attention to inmates’ problems
(c) Education, work, vocational training and cultural activities
(d) Self-discipline and character training,
(e) Release planning, pre-release preparation, and after-care.
953. Extra concessions.— (1) Wages should be paid at the rates
as fixed by the Government from time to time. Wages at the Semi-open,
Open Training Institutions, Open Work Camps and Open Colonies
should be higher than those at the Closed Institutions.
(2) The prisoners in all Open Institutions shall be eligible for
the following additional amenities over and above those ordinarily
admissible to the ‘B’ Class prisoners under the rules, namely:-
(i) 100 grams of extra rice per day;
(ii) 30 grams gingelly oil once in 10 days;
(iii) 150 grams of washing soap per month.
(3) The prisoners in at Semi-open/Open Training Institutions,
Open Work Camps and Open Colonies shall be eligible for one day’s
remission for a day’s work and three days, for good behaviour per
month.
(4) Inmates should be encouraged to maintain their family
contacts. The Superintendent may use his discretion in granting the
facility of additional letters and interviews according to the merits of
each case.
480
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(5) While an inmate is living in open conditions in a Semi-Open
or Open Training Institution or Open Work Camp, he should be allowed
to stay with his family members for one week of every six months.
Arrangements for such stay should be made in a family hutment in a
suitable place outside the Semi-open or Open Training Institution. These
huts should be so located that the inmate and his family members get
the required privacy while at the same time the requirements of
discipline and security are also fulfilled. The period of stay in the family
hutments should be treated as leave period and should count towards
the sentence.
Note: Such a periodical stay with his family will be helpful in
keeping the inmate close to his family group. This
concession should, however, be granted on a selective
basis and after a thorough study of each inmate’s case.
Initially this concession should be tried on an
experimental basis. In due course, and after having gained
enough experience, it may be further developed to suit
local conditions in each State. The Government should
issue detailed instructions in this respect.
954. Prisoners in Semi-open Prisons to get concessions.— Inmates
working in open conditions in Semi-open Prisons will get concessions
as permissible in Open Work Camps.
955. Review of case of inmates.— The Classification Committee
should examine the case of every inmate in all Open Institutions at least
once in three months.
956. Demarcation of all open or semi-open Institutions.— All the
Open or Semi-open institutions shall have a properly demarcated area
beyond which inmates shall not be allowed to go. Standards of behaviour
and discipline in these institutions shall be maintained at a high level.
Emphasis should be laid on the development of sense of responsibility
and self- discipline.
957. Posting of personnel.— (1) Only personnel who have the
capacity for handling inmates under semi-open or open conditions and
have the requisite calibre and leadership for imparting training and
treatment in these conditions should be posted at these institutions.
(2) Unless they volunteer to do so, personnel should not be
required to remain at these institutions for more than two years at a time.
Staff members posted at these institutions shall be given all necessary
481
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
facilities for the education of their children and welfare of their families.
Medical and transport facilities should be granted according to
requirements. The staff posted at these institutions should be given an
additional allowance of about 25% of the basic salary to be fixed by the
Government.
958. Scope and Working pattern.— (1) The Semi-open or Open
Institutions, Work Camps, Colonies shall be so established as to achieve
the desired purposes. The scope and pattern of working of each of these
Institutions are broadly outlined below:-
(a) Semi-open Training Institutions:-
(i) The main criteria for selecting prisoners for these
Institutions shall be how he has responded to the
programme in a closed prison and whether he is fit for a
regime based on trust, confidence, responsibility and
self-discipline;
(ii) Prisoners should mainly be employed in suitable
industries, agriculture and allied work. Emphasis shall be
laid on programmes like literacy projects, social
education, cultural and recreational activities;
(iii) Inmates will be gradually relaxed from the condition of
closed prison in the beginning to that of an Open
Institution in the final stage.
(b) Open Work Camps or Open Training Institutions:-
(i) Open Work Camps should be started in places where
nation building activities, like digging canals, water
channels, construction of dams, roads, government
buildings and prison buildings, projects of land
reclamation, land development and bringing uncultivated
land
under
cultivation,
soil
conservation
and
afforestation, can be organized. Open Training
Institutions should be situated in place where land and
vocational training facilities are available for inmates’
training and after that for work either in collaboration of
some Industry/Organization/Department or by Prison
Department. In addition to nation building work, the
programme should consist of literacy projects, social
education, recreational and cultural activities.
482
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(ii) Temporary hutments should be provided in the Open
Work Camps or Open Training Institutions.
(iii) Prisoners who do not respond properly to the standard
of discipline in these camps should be transferred back
to Closed Institutions or Semi-open Institutions.
(c) Open Colonies:-
(i) The main emphasis should be given on work, literacy
projects, social education, training in agriculture and
allied fields and cultural activities.
(ii) Inmates should be allowed to bring their family members
to the Open Colony. Inmates and their family members
should be given opportunities to work in agriculture or
allied fields or in such cottage industries or other allied
suitable means of livelihood as can be conveniently
organized. Work programmes in the colony should be
organized on a cooperative basis. Inmates and their
family members who will be working in the colony shall
be paid wages as prescribed by the Government. These
wages shall be at par with outside wages. The inmates
should maintain themselves and their families with the
wages earned by them in the colony.
(iii) As an Open Colony shall consist of huts built on a family
unit basis, it shall have adequate land and other facilities
for agricultural and allied activities or other suitable
means of livelihood.
(2) The prisoners confined in Open Institutions/Open Colonies
shall be permitted in the open space just as agricultural laborers do in
villages. They shall stay in the dormitories during nights.
(3) Open-air camps planned and set up in urban areas should
select service and trades keeping in view their market relevance, as indicated
by demand, supply of raw material, marketability of produce, etc.
(4) In addition to basic facilities, including shelter, food,
clothing, Medicare, etc., all the inmates of Open or Semi-open Institutions
should be given literacy and educational programmes.
483
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(5) For promoting literacy and education, collaborative
arrangements may be worked out with competent authorities involved
in adult education, continuing education and such literacy campaigns
as Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan.
(6) Vocational training programmes should be organized in the
trades going on in the Open or Semi-Open Institutions, so as to help
the inmates to learn to work. Towards this, help and cooperation of such
organizations as Industrial Training Institutes and Polytechnics will also
be enlisted.
(7) The educated inmates of open institutions, may be given
orientation or training in entrepreneurship, so as to encourage and
promote self-reliance and self-employment, after their release from Open
Institutions. (8) Whether agriculture, service or manufacturing, work
programmes in Open or Semi- open Institutions should be organized or
re-organized with due regard to modern management practices.
(9) In order to improve adjustive efficiency and personality
development of the inmates of Open Institutions, they should be given
such services as social case work, counselling and guidance on a regular
basis.
(10) In the functioning of open institutions, non-government
organizations, including university departments of social work, law and
psychology, should be involved. This is likely to augment manpower
resources of open institutions, and bring about quantitative as well as
qualitative changes in correctional services.
(11) The unlockup and lockup in the Open Institution or Semi-
open Institutions shall be so arranged that the prisoners work in the
fields for atleast 8.00 hours per day. They shall not, in any case, be
unlocked before 5.30 a.m. and they shall not remain outside after 7.30 p.m.
(12) Specific guidelines shall be laid down for the administration
of Semi-open or Open Institutions in the Union Territory, which shall
inter alia include service and trades to be introduced, supply of raw
material, marketability of produce, etc.
959. Application of rules.— Except in so far as they are
inconsistent with the rules in this chapter, all the rules in these Rules
shall apply to prisoners confined in the Open or Semi- open Institutions.
484
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
960. Superintendent, Medical Officer and the subordinates to
visit Open or Semi-open Institutions.— (1) The Superintendent of the
Central Prison shall be the Superintendent of the Open or Semi-open
Institution and shall visit the Open or Semi-Open Institution as
frequently as may be necessary but, not less than twice in a week. He
shall perform all the duties of the Superintendent of the Central Prison
in respect of Open or Semi-open Institution under his control. He shall
be equally responsible for the proper administration of the Open or
Semi-open Institution. The Medical Officer nominated for the purpose
shall also visit the Open or Semi-open Institution not less than twice in
a week and also at times of necessity to attend on the sick in times of
emergency.
(2) The number of guarding and other staff employed in the
Open or Semi-open Institution shall be regulated from time to time
according to the actual requirement under the specific orders of the
Inspector-General of Prisons and the Government.
961. Assessment of yield.— (1) The Superintendent shall assess
the growth of the plants and the expected probable yield and record his
views in the Garden and Plot Register at regular intervals. If necessary,
the Superintendent shall also depute a Responsible Officer of the Central
Prison for assessment and report at frequent intervals.
(2) The Superintendent or a Responsible Officer of the Central
Prison deputed by the former shall be present at the time of harvest
until the articles are brought into stock and properly accounted for. The
quantity in the yield shall also be recorded in the Garden and Plot
Register and the reasons for variations between the earlier assessment
and the actual yield shall also be properly accounted for and recorded.
962. Disposal of produce.— The vegetables, grains and the like
grown in the lands shall be properly accounted for and disposed of as
may be ordered by the Government.
963. Development of Dairy.— (1) Dairies shall be developed on
Open Prison farms on commercial lines with proper technical guidance
from Department of Animal Husbandry and Animal Welfare.
(2) There shall be a periodical assessment of the running of the
dairy and if, such a review shows any loss and the maintenance of such
a dairy is found to be not economical, it is the responsibility of the
Superintendent to improve the dairy with the sanction of the Inspector
485
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
General. If, there are no improvements, it is always open to the
Superintendent to close down the dairy under the orders of Inspector-
General of Prisons.
(3) Scale of diet for the dairy animals shall always be regulated
in consultations with the Department of Animal Husbandry and Animal
Welfare and under the orders of the Inspector-General. If the feeding
charges are found uneconomical when compared to the yield, the matter
shall be immediately brought to the notice of the Inspector General who
shall deal with such matters expeditiously.
(4) Uneconomical cows shall always be culled out without any
loss of time under the orders of Inspector-General.
964. Conduct of auction of animals.— The Superintendent, after
obtaining the approval of the Inspector-General shall cull out particular
animals and accept the highest bid provided it is advantageous to
Government and higher than the book value of the animal. In cases,
where the highest bid for a particular animal is lower than the book value,
the Superintendent shall accept the bid amount after obtaining the
written opinion and the recommendation of the rate by the Director of
Animal Husbandry and Animal Welfare on the reasonableness of the
highest bid.
CHAPTER–35
UNDERTRIAL PRISONERS
965. Categorization of under-trial prisoners.— The undertrial
prisoners shall be categorized on the basis of security, discipline and
institutional programme. They shall be categorized as under:-
Category ‘I’ : Prisoners involved in terrorist and extremists
activities (special security Prisoners) Dentenues (limited and with the
permission of Inspector General of Prisons);
Category ‘II’ : Dangerous prisoners involved in murders,
dacoity, robbery, rape cases, habitual offenders, previous escapes and
drug peddlers, offences attracting COFEPOSA Act, POCSO Act, NDPS
Act etc.
Note: (i) Mentally sick prisoners, young offenders and women
under protective custody will not be lodged with
undertrial prisoners although classified as under trial.
486
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(ii) Courts will send intimation to prison authorities about
under trial prisoners who have turned approvers or have
made confessions.
(iii) An accused person detained under section 122 (2) of the
Criminal Procedure Code, must be treated as an undertrial
prisoner until his case has been decided by the Sessions
Court or High Court or Supreme Court.
966. Admission of Undertrial Prisoner.— An Assistant
Superintendent should be in-charge of all work pertaining to undertrial
prisoners. No person shall be admitted into a prison as an undertrial
prisoner unless accompanied by the following documents:-
(a) A remand warrant in the prescribed form, signed dated and
sealed by the competent authority. There should be separate writ,
warrant or order for every prisoner, even if, two or more prisoners have
been jointly accused;
(b) Identification roll containing at least two specific permanent
identification marks like deep scars, birth marks, moles indicating their
exact location on the body;
(c) Person courting arrest during non-violent socio political
economic agitation for declares public cause shall not be confined in
prisons alone with other prisoner, they have to keep in separate place.
967. Discrepancies in remand warrant.— The officer on duty is
authorized to refuse admission of an undertrial prisoner in whose case
the remand warrant is not sent in the appropriate form or the warrant is
found to contain.
(i) discrepancies in name or identification,
(ii) Omissions of the signature of the competent authority.
In such a case, a report should be sent in the prescribed
form to the authorities concerned;
The Personal property of an undertrial prisoner shall remain in
the Jail.
968. Children.— Children of women undertrial prisoners may be
admitted if, suitable arrangements for their care cannot be easily made
outside.
487
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
969. Food.— (1) If, an undertrial prisoner has not been in the
prison previously, it is the duty of the police or the military Escort Officer,
to see that the undertrial prisoner is given food before he is taken to
the prison, if he is likely to arrive there too late for the prison meal.
If, the police or military escort reports that the undertrial prisoner has
not been supplied with food, prison authorities should make necessary
arrangements for the issue of food to him. In case the undertrial prisoner
is admitted after the prison meals have been served or after lock-up,
food stuff like parched rice, parched gram, groundnuts, etc., should be
issued to him as per prescribed scale.
(2) It is the duty of every Prison Officer to endeavour to
ascertain whether an undertrial prisoner has been previously convicted.
Such information, as and when it is available, should be immediately
forwarded to the Superintendent of Police for necessary action.
970. Admission hours.— (a) Undertrial prisoners should be
admitted during usual working hours of the prison. If, an undertrial
prisoner admitted into to the prison after sunset he/she may be retain
in lock up near the main gate, on next day after sunrise he/she may be
after thorough check can be admitted into the prison. Before admitting
such a prisoner into the prison he/she must be produced before the
nearest Government Hospital and necessary certificate must be obtained
by the Escorting Police.
971. Classification by Court.— Undertrial prisoners shall be of two
classes, viz., special class and ordinary class, according to the
classification made by the Court, subject to approval of the District
Magistrate. The former class shall consist of those who by social status,
education and habit of life have been accustomed to a superior mode of
living.
972. Application of other rules.— The provisions apply to
unconvicted criminal prisoners equally with civil prisoners, except that
the former are not exempted from handcuffs, however, they are to be
handcuffed only in exceptional circumstances with the judicial
permission.
Provided that the provisions of Chapter-22 will also apply to
the undertrial prisoners who volunteer to work.
488
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
973. Treatment of approvers.— (1) When an undertrial prisoner
has been admitted by the Court as an approver or a confessing accused,
he shall be kept separate from others concerned in the same case. Where
there are separate cells or compartment in the undertrial ward, it shall
be utilized for the purpose. If, there is no separate compartment, such
prisoners may be kept in separate cells by day and in separate wards
by night, but, care must be taken that they are not kept in solitary
confinement.
(2) Any special direction as to the separation of an undertrial
prisoner given by the Judge or Magistrate shall be carried out. Such
separation shall be unaccompanied by any irksome condition beyond
those necessary to secure the object in view, namely, to prevent him
from communicating directly or indirectly with other prisoners concerned
in the same or other case
974. Identification for Court purposes.— (1) Undertrial prisoners
shall not be allowed to cut or shave their hair on their heads or faces or
in any way to alter their personal appearance, so as to make it difficult
to recognize them. They shall not, however, be prevented from changing
their clothes, provided that their appearance is not materially altered
when they are presented for identification in the prison or sub-prison
or when sent to Court for trial. If necessary, with the approval of Court
concerned, hair of an undertrial prisoner may be cut or altered solely on
medical grounds.
(2) The Police shall give intimation to prison authorities of
cases in which identification of under trial prisoners is to be carried out
and shall give full description of growth of hair, moustache, beard, etc.,
which the undertrial prisoners had at the time of arrest.
(3) Test identification shall be held as per the regulations framed
for this purpose.
975. Police interrogation.— Only such Police Officers as have
been authorized by the Judge or Magistrate, should be allowed to
interrogate an undertrial prisoner while in prison custody. Such
interviews should be held in the presence and within the hearing of a
Prison Officer.
489
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
976. Facilities.— The following facilities should be extended to
all undertrial prisoners:-
(a) Legal defence,
(b) Interviews with Lawyers or family members (for legal
purposes)
(c) Signing Vakalatnama,
(d) Delegation of power of attorney,
(e) Execution of Will,
(f) Essential religious necessities as per rules,
(g) Applications to Courts for legal aid at Government cost as
per provisions of law.
(h) Other applications to Courts,
(i) Application to Legal Aid Societies for free legal aid,
Note: The Superintendent of Jail may carefully select well-
behaved prisoners to avail family interview after giving
due consideration to security and other aspects.
Such facilities as are sanctioned by the Government should be
extended to undertrial prisoners.
977. Home meals (as per the Court order).— Food from outside
may be allowed subject following conditions:-
(a) A written undertaking shall be given by the undertrial
prisoner and the supplier of food that they are entirely responsible for
the wholesomeness of such food and that prison administration will not
be responsible for any mishap that may happen. Food for only one day’s
requirement of the undertrial prisoner shall be allowed at one time. Food
articles will be tasted by the person who delivers the food. The food
will be delivered at hours prescribed by the prison authorities. Food shall
be eaten in the prescribed area and during prescribed hours only. During
emergencies or epidemics or for reasons of health of the undertrial
prisoner, outside food may be disallowed. The Superintendent has the
authority to disallow or discontinue this concession at any time.
(b) Prisoners allowed to receive outside food, shall not be given
prison food.
490
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(c) Undertrial prisoners should not be allowed to cook their
food separately in the Institution;
978. Clothing.— Usual private clothing to meet reasonable
requirements should be allowed to undertrial prisoners. Such articles of
clothing as will affect the security requirements of the Institution should
not be allowed. An undertrial prisoner who has no sufficient clothing
of his own may be provided with the same at Government cost at the
prescribed scale. Such clothing may be allowed to be retained by the
undertrial prisoner even after his release. Private articles bearing marks
or symbols of political affiliations shall not be allowed to be kept or
used by undertrial prisoners.
979. Canteen.— An undertrial prisoner shall be allowed to make
purchases from the canteen up to amounts as may be fixed by the
Government.
980. Additional concessions to undertrial prisoners of category.—
All facilities given to Category-II undertrial prisoners shall be extended
to undertrial prisoners placed in category-I. The following additional
concessions may be granted to undertrial prisoners placed in category-I:-
(a) Permission to make purchases from the canteen facilities up
to ` 500 per month as per Canteen Rules;
(b) Getting clothes laundered from the prison laundry once a
week at their own cost;
(c) One additional interview per Calendar week.
981. Use of books.— (1) They shall be allowed the use of such
books as is in the prison library. They shall also be allowed to provide
at their own cost, such books as the Superintendent may approve.
(2) Undertrial prisoners shall further be permitted if they desire,
to purchase at their own cost newspapers, magazines and periodicals
approved by the Superintendent. Books (other than those from prison
library), newspapers, magazines and periodicals shall be censored by
the Superintendent before issue.
982. Work.— (1) Undertrial prisoners shall clean the yards,
barracks and cells where they are kept. Undertrial prisoners shall be
detailed for this work. Such work may be allotted on a group basis, so
that through the cumulative work of all the undertrial prisoners, the
491
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
yards, barracks, cells will get cleaned up. It will also be incumbent on
all undertrial prisoners to keep their own clothing, bedding and
equipment properly washed, cleaned, and disinfected;
(2) If, undertrial prisoner volunteer to work, suitable work, if
possible, be given to them. Wages shall be paid to them according to
schedules of standard tasks and wages, as fixed by the Government from
time to time. Employment of under trial prisoners on extramural work is
strictly prohibited. In no case, should undertrial prisoners be employed
outside their own enclosure or in work-sheds and areas where other
convicted prisoners are working.
983. Discipline.— No convicted prisoner shall be kept in the same
area in which undertrial prisoners are kept or be allowed to have contact
with undertrial prisoners. Except prisoners working in essential prison
services like conservancy, etc., no convicted prisoner shall be allowed
to enter the under trial yard or block. As soon as the work is over, these
prisoners shall be withdrawn from the yard or block. In all matters where
undertrial prisoners are concerned, no convicted prisoner shall be used
for supervision or similar purpose. All such matters shall be handled by
staff members.
984. Initiating action against erring undertrial prisoners.—
If, an undertrial prisoner commits any offence or violates the prison
rules/discipline while in custody, it shall be reported to the prosecution
agency concerned and action shall be taken against him as per the
provisions of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 or the Criminal Procedure Code,
1973 as the case may be.
985. Handcuffing.— (1) Undertrial prisoners are liable to be
handcuffed with the Magistrate’s permission, except
(a) undertrial prisoners who are seriously ill, with Doctor
prescribed.
(b) undertrial prisoners in whose case Government Orders
have been issued directing that such prisoner or group
of prisoners should not be handcuffed:
(2) Undertrial prisoners should not normally be handcuffed
except:-
(a) Prisoners involved in serious and violent offences;
(b) Prisoners having notorious or dangerous background;
492
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(c) Violent, aggressive and refractory prisoners;
(d) Prisoners who have previously escaped.
(3) No undertrial prisoner shall be handcuffed when he is
produced before the Court, except with the permission of the Court.
986. Production before Court.— (1) An undertrial prisoner shall
be produced before the Court, on the due date of hearing, in person.
The Superintendent is responsible for the production in Court, at the
appointed time, of a prisoner remanded pending a magisterial inquiry or
trial and shall make suitable arrangements with the Police for the
provision of the necessary escort. When possible, a prisoner shall be
conveyed to and from the Court in a special conveyance. However, for
extension of detention in custody, the prisoner may be produced before
the Court either in person or through electronic media like,
video-linkage. For this purpose, a Court diary shall be maintained in
which all relevant entries of production before various Courts shall be
made. These entries shall be made daily by the officials concerned and
should be daily supervised by the officer in-charge of undertrial work.
(2) A receipt shall be obtained from the senior Police Officer of
the escort whenever a prisoner, whether committed to the Sessions or
under remand, is made over to the charge of such Police Officer for
production in Court.
(3) The Police are responsible for the safe custody of any
prisoner committed to their charge under the preceding sub-rule of this
rule, till he is returned to the prison or discharged from custody in due
course of law.
(4) When an undertrial prisoner has to be brought back to the
prison even in the event of his acquittal or discharge, the Senior Police
Officer of the escort should be informed of the fact and the
receiptsubstituted.
(5) When female undertrial prisoners are taken from Courts to
prisons or vice-versa, they shall be provided with conveyance where
the distance to be traversed by them exceeds 1.6 km. Conveyances may
also be provided for shorter distances in cases in which, for reasons of
health or custom or other valid reason failure to make such provision
would cause undue hardship to them.
493
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
987. Requisition of escort.— On the basis of the Court diary,
requisition for police escort should be sent sufficiently in advance.
Information about women, adult, juvenile undertrial prisoners and as far
as possible about violent, dangerous and notorious undertrial prisoners
should be sent to the police authorities while requisitioning the escort.
988. Sick prisoners.— If an undertrial prisoner is sick and the
Medical Officer certifies the prisoner’s inability to attend the Court, he
should not be produced before the Court. In such an event, the Medical
Certificate should be forwarded to the Court.
989. Feeding.— Before undertrial prisoners are sent to the Court,
the usual morning meals should be served.
990. Articles allowed to be taken while going to the Court.—
While going to the Court, the undertrial prisoner should return all prison
articles issued to him. Excepting clothes on his person and papers
pertaining to his case, the undertrial prisoner shall not be allowed to
carry any other articles with him. In case the undertrial prisoner wants
to take his cash for legal purposes, the same should be forwarded to
the Court through the police escort. This amount may be utilized by the
undertrial prisoner under orders of the Court for purpose like legal
defence, cost of copies, etc. The disposal of this amount should be
certified by the Police and the prisoner in the appropriate column of the
register prescribed for such purpose. Under no circumstances, should
the undertrial prisoner be allowed to carry cash or valuable, if any, on
his person. The abovesaid matters should be entered in the prison
property registers.
991. Search.— Before being sent to the Court, the Police escort
party has to search thoroughly the undertrial prisoners. After having
been received back from the Court, the Prison Officials should make
thorough search.
992. Transport.— For transporting undertrial prisoners to and from
the Court and other destinations, necessary arrangements for
conveyance should be made by the police authorities. If not, a separate
conveyance, the common conveyance should at least have separate
compartments for women undertrial prisoners and young undertrial
offenders.
494
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
993. Conditions to be observed in court premises.— (1) Only on
written orders of the Court, undertrial prisoners may be granted
interviews for legal purposes by the officers in-charge of Police escort
on the Court premises. Proper record of such interviews shall be
maintained at the Courts concerned and intimation sent to prison
authorities in the prescribed form.
(2) Undertrial prisoners shall not be allowed directly to receive
any cash valuable articles while under escort or while on the Court
premises. Such cash or articles should be credited, under proper
authorization.
(3) The Police escort shall not allow any eatables or prohibited
articles to undertrial prisoners during their journey between the Court
and the Prison or on the Court premises.
(4) Undertrial prisoners shall be thoroughly searched before
being taken into the Court-room.
994. Return to the prison.— (1) As soon as the Court work is over,
such undertrial prisoners as have been remanded to prison custody
should be brought back to the prison immediately.
(2) On return of an undertrial prisoner from the Court to the
prison gate, if any unauthorized article is found or a special circumstance
or an irregularity is noted by the Prison Officer on duty, he shall
forthwith report the matter to the Senior Officer on duty and if necessary,
to the Superintendent of Police for action. Such cash as is brought by
the Police escort should be recorded in the register and deposited in
the prison office under intimation to the undertrial prisoner.
995. Production of undertrial prisoners in other States.— When
an undertrial prisoner is required to be sent to another State for trial,
the State from where the undertrial prisoner is sent should arrange for
the escort. Travel and other incidental expenses of the escort and of
the undertrial prisoner should be borne by the dispatching State.
996. Production of undertrial prisoners before Court in civil suit
proceedings.— Unless ordered by the District Judge, no undertrial
prisoner shall be produced before Court for civil suit proceedings and
summon.
495
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
997. Prevention of undue detention.— (1) An undertrial prisoner
whose case is being tried by a Magistrate shall be produced before the
Magistrate at least once in fifteen days for the purpose of further order.
Upon the expiry of each period of remand, the prisoner shall be placed
before the Magistrate;
(2) A statement in the prescribed form showing details of
undertrial prisoner whose cases have been pending for more than three
months should be sent on the fifth day of each month to the Sessions
Judge or District Magistrate with relevant extracts to the Court
concerned.
998. Pending cases against prisoners.— (a) Entries of additional
cases in red ink on the remand warrant in appropriate columns of
undertrial register and Court diary should be made;
(b) Intimation to the Court/Courts concerned about pending
cases stating whether the prisoner is on bail or not in connection with
that case or those cases should be sent;
(c) Intimation to Police escort in the prescribed form should be
sent;
(d) When an undertrial prisoner is wanted for trial in other case/
cases for which he is not on bail, the Court concerned will issue separate
remand warrants. In the event of grant of bail in the second case or
other cases, due intimation shall be sent by the Courts to the prison
authorities;
(e) When an undertrial prisoner confined in a prison or
sub-prison is required for another case/cases for which he is on bail,
the Court concerned will duly intimate the prison authorities;
(f) In the case of an undertrial prisoner having two cases
pending against him, for whom he is not on bail, an endorsement on the
nominal roll in red ink should be made each time he is sent to the Court.
999. Transfer.— During an emergency or on administrative
grounds, the Inspector-General is authorized to transfer undertrial
prisoners from one prison to another within the State, provided that if,
a prisoner is transferred to a place outside the jurisdiction of the Court
concerned, prompt intimation should be sent to the Court. The prisoner
shall be produced before the Court on the due date.
496
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
1000. Serious illness.— When an undertrial prisoner is seriously
ill, the Superintendent shall send a report, along with a medical report,
to the court concerned in order that if, the law permits and the Court
think fit, the prisoner may be released on bail.
1001. Transfer to an Outside Hospital.— When the prison Medical
Officer recommends that in the interest of the health of the undertrial
prisoner, he should be transferred to a hospital outside the prison,
immediate action should be taken and the matter reported to the Court
concerned.
1002. Death.— The death of an undertrial prisoner shall be
promptly reported to the Court and other concerned agencies as required.
1003. Conviction.— When an undertrial prisoner is convicted, the
officer in-charge of undertrial prisoners should hand over all connected
papers and records together with cash and private property if any, to
the officer in-charge of admission of convicted prisoners who will attend
to the usual routine in this respect. On conviction, an undertrial prisoner
should be transferred to the yard meant for newly admitted convicts.
1004. Release from the Court.— (1) When an undertrial prisoner
is discharged or released from the Court, he shall be brought to the prison
for completing the usual formalities in the prison, including making
entries in the appropriate columns of the undertrial register and such
formalities shall be completed quickly.
(2) If, the undertrial prisoner is released from the Court,
he should claim his personal property, if any, from the prison authorities
within three months, failing which the same shall be forwarded to the
Police for disposal.
1005. Release from prison.— (1) Release orders and bail bonds will
be sent through post or through the peon of the Court. If any, private
person brings such documents, the same should not be accepted at the
prison office;
(2) On receipt of a bail bond or release order prompt action
should be taken. In a Central or a large District prison, an undertrial
prisoner should normally be released within four hours of the receipt of
the bail bond or release order.
497
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
1006. Release Procedure.— (1) While releasing an undertrial
prisoner the officer in-charge should attend to the following points:-
(a) Scrutiny of the bail bond or release order with relevant
original papers and record,
(b) Checking whether any other case is pending against the
undertrial prisoner,
(c) Checking of the identity of the undertrial prisoner,
(d) Handing over of the cash and property of the undertrial
prisoner;
(2) The undertrial prisoner should be informed of the contents
of the bail bond prior to his release;
(3) If, the undertrial prisoner has not got sufficient money, he/
she may be given travel warrant and if, his/her journey home is likely to
take more than 12 hours; he may be given subsistence money;
(4) After release the bail bond should be duly returned to the
Court concerned along with a certificate of release.
1007. Women under trial prisoners.— (1) Women undertrial
prisoner shall normally be escorted by women Police. When there are
no women Police available, she shall be accompanied by woman Prison
Guard. As far as is practicable, separate conveyance shall be provided
for the transport of women undertrial prisoners.
(2) Women staff members shall be in-charge of women
undertrial prisoners. The female Assistant Superintendent or female
Principal Warder shall be present at the time of admission and release
of women undertrial prisoner. She shall attend to all work pertaining to
the women undertrial prisoners.
(3) As far as possible, women undertrial prisoners shall be
handed over to their relatives after release. If, this is not possible,
a woman Police or woman prison guard shall escort the released woman
undertrial prisoner to the nearest station or transport Bus Stand.
1008. Daily Routine and Programme for Undertrial Prisoners.—
The following daily routine should be adjusted to suit local conditions:
498
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(i) Early Morning
Toilet, Meditation,
Preparation for opening,
Unlocking according to conditions of visibility,
Counting,
Search,
Leaving the barrack or cell.
(ii) Morning
Toilet,
Prayers,
P.T.drill, individual and group exercise,
Morning light meal,
Cleaning of barracks cells, yards, open spaces,
Cleaning of equipment,
Work on voluntary basis,
Educational classes, Washing of clothes and bath, Meal and rest.
(iii) Afternoon
Newspapers, library books,
Educational classes,
Social education,
Toilet,
Games and reaction for one hour according to institutional facilities.
(iv) Early evening
Wash, Evening meal,
Preparation for lock-up,
Counting,
Search,
Lock-up at dusk.
499
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(v) Evening
Reading newspapers,
library books,
TV/Radio music,
Meditation,
To bed.
1009. Interviews.— (1) One interview per calendar week with family
members or relatives or close friends may be allowed. In deserving cases,
additional interviews for legal purposes may be granted at the discretion
of the Superintendent. When a legal adviser desires an interview with
an undertrial prisoner, he shall apply in writing, giving his name, address
and profession and satisfy the Superintendent as to his bona fides.
Every interview between an undertrial prisoner and his legal adviser shall
take place within the sight but, out of hearing of a prison official.
(2) Undertrial prisoners shall not be granted interviews with
convicted prisoners unless they are very close relatives.
Note : The general rules regulating interview and communications
in Chapter 15 shall apply to under trials.
1010. Letters.— (1) On the initial admission of a prisoner, a printed
card shall be sent at Government cost to his family and the card shall
contain information pertaining to the inmate's institutional number and
address, brief summary of rules regarding interviews, letters, etc.
(2) Four letters per calendar month, two at his cost, and two at
Government cost, shall be allowed to be written by an undertrial prisoner,
(3) Additional letters for legal purposes such as arranging
defence, bail, and security may be allowed normally at the prisoner’s
own cost,
(4) Undertrial prisoners may be allowed to purchase a reasonable
quantity of stationery and writing material which shall be marked and
serially numbered by the prison authorities.
500
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
CHAPTER–36
HIGH SECURITY PRISONERS AND DETENUES
1011. High risk offenders, including prisoners classified under
categories I and II (indicated below), will be lodged in separate
enclosures demarcated as high security enclosures within the existing
prisons. If possible, separate high security prisons may be constructed
in every District with the lodging capacity of 50-100 inmates. Under no
circumstances should the High risk offenders be kept with other
undertrial prisoners and convicts.
1012. Classification of High risk offenders.— All prisoners,
including undertrials and detenues, shall be classified into following
categories to determine the level of security for effective surveillance,
safe custody and prevention of escapes:
(i) Security Category - 1 (S1-Red): Fundamentalists, Naxalites,
extremists and terrorists or any other individual characteristics
warranting confinement in Security Zone-1.
(ii) Security Category - 2 (S2-Blue): Gangsters, hired Assassins,
dacoits, serial killers I rapists I violent robbers, drug offenders, habitual
grave offenders I communal fanatics and those highly prone to escapes/
previous escapees/attack on Police and other dangerous offenders/
including those prone to self harm/posing threat to public order,
warranting confinement in Security Zone-2.
(iii) Security Category - 3 (S3-Yellow): Those who do not pose
any threat to the society, upon release, like those involved in murders
on personal motives, other bodily offences, theft/property offences,
prohibition offences, other special and local laws, railway offences and
other minor offences. The above three categorization shall be done on
the basis of the inputs provided by the Police/intelligence agencies at
the time of admission.
(iv) Security Category - 4 (S4-White): Prisoners who are eligible
for Open Prisons.
(v) Security Category - 5 (S5-Green): Elders, sickly, students,
etc. The above two categorization shall be done by the prison authorities.
1013. Building Structure.— (1) High security enclosures/prisons
should have a thick outer masonry wall at least 20 feet in height, with
watch towers at all its comers and one central tower within the enclosure.
501
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
The enclosures/prisons should be provided with anti-tunneling slabs
and all spaces open to the sky should be covered with iron grill. These
enclosures can be divided into security zone Grade I and security zone
Grade II.
(2) Security zone grade I should have a cellular type of
accommodation with a minimum space of 10’ x 9’ which will have the
facility of an inbuilt WC and bath and a strong dividing wall. Front
portion of cells should be of iron grill, the flooring should be of RCC
slab, high ventilators should be provided instead of windows. The
building should have a separate entry lobby with visitors’ room on one
side, MI room, and food distribution room. The hardcore militants,
terrorists, professional killers, habitual offenders of heinous crimes,
violent and dangerous prisoners and prisoners who pose great threat
of escape will be lodged in security zone Grade I.
(3) Security zone Grade II will have a single room
accommodation (cellular and the association barracks). This
accommodation can be of 16’ x 9’ size where two or three prisoners can
be lodged at a time. The barracks should have a maximum capacity of
lodging 10 to 15 prison inmates. They should also have an inbuilt toilet
and bath. The size of one barrack can be 27’ x 10’. This security zone
can have a common kitchen. Security zone Grade II will also have
a separate entry lobby; the space open to the sky should be covered
with iron grills.
(4) The building pattern should be oval and covered with watch
towers on all sides. In this zone, first offender militants and terrorists
both convicts and under-trial prisoners, who pose lesser threat of
escape, can be lodged.
1014. Staff Pattern.— Well trained staff should be detailed for
watch and ward duty of High Security enclosures. An officer not below
the rank of Deputy Superintendent should be in charge of these
enclosures. Provisions should be made that no staff on duty comes in
direct contact with the prisoners except as a requirement of duty.
1015. Facilities (Interviews, Letters, and Communication).—
High-risk offenders will enjoy all the facilities admissible to the
under-trial prisoners or convicts, but the interviews will be held in the
presence of an officer. It will be advisable if Dose Circuit Televisions
with sound recording facilities are fitted in the interview room. Moreover,
502
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
the room should be near the entrance lobby and within the high security
enclosure. In any case, high risk offenders will not be allowed in the
main interview blocks. Interviews should be allowed with only blood
relations and authorised lawyers. All letters should be properly censored.
1016. Food, Toilet, Clothing and Bedding.— No cooked food from
outside shall be allowed for high risk offenders. No individual shall be
allowed to cook for himself. However, the high risk offenders can have
a common kitchen. No under-trial, detenue or convict should be allowed
to enter the high security enclosure. Admissibility to toilet articles,
clothing and bedding shall be the same as that given to other undertrials
and convicts.
1017. Medical Care.— Medical care shall be the same as for other
inmates, but, within the enclosures of the inbuilt MI room. In case of an
emergency, with the permission of the Inspector-General of Prison, they
can be shifted to the local hospital for treatment but under proper Police
escort and guard.
1018. Sports, Games and Recreation.— (1) Subject to prison
security and discipline, prisoners lodged in Grade I security zone can
be provided with books, newspapers and journals. Writing material can
also be provided as and when required. If possible, TV/Radio sets can
be provided outside the cells with such restrictions as found necessary
from the view point of security. Regular physical exercise and yoga can
be allowed within the cell itself. Prisoners can be allowed to stroll within
the place inside the block in the evening before being locked-up.
(2) Similarly, prisoners lodged in security zone Grade II can be
provided with radio and television in their barracks, indoor games like
carom and chess can be given to them. Books, newspapers, journals and
magazines along with stationery can be provided to them. At intervals,
seeing their behaviour, cultural programmes can also be allowed.
1019. Money.— High security prisoners shall not be allowed to
receive any money from their families or friends.
1020. Canteen Facility.— High risk offenders may be allowed to
avail of canteen facilities only if adequate security precautions are taken
to prevent untoward behaviour.
503
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
1021. Reform and Treatment Programmes.— The reform and
treatment programmes can be extended to the prisoners lodged in the
security area Grade II. Minimum technical education with primary focus
on handicraft work should be given. Basic education should form an
essential part of the programme. These activities and programmes should
be conducted within the enclosure itself. These prisoners shall not be
taken out to mix with other inmates.
1022. Security.— (1) A double ring of security shall be provided
to all security enclosures. Inner security of the enclosures should be
manned by highly trained staff of the prison, while the outer security,
including the watch towers and security wall, should be the duty of a
special armed guard.
(2) The enclosures should be equipped with walkie-talkies,
alarms and jammers and state-of-the-art electronic surveillance system
of interception and interruption.
(i) ID machines hand-held and doorframe, metal detectors
and all other electronic devices should be made available.
(ii) The armory of the prison should be well equipped with
all types of sophisticated and automatic weapons.
(iii) Every barrack and cell, especially the interview room,
should be fitted with closed circuit T.V. cameras.
(iv) The sentries guarding the watch tower should always be
alert.
(v) A no man’s area should be identified near the high
security enclosures which should not be accessed by
any prison inmate and the staff, except those who are
detailed for duties.
(vi) Proper search of barracks, cells and prisoners should be
conducted every day. The high security prisoners of
category T and ‘II’ should be searched twice a day
whereas category TH’ at least once a day.
(vii) The locking up and opening should be conducted in the
presence of the officer in charge and no barrack cell
should be opened during night hours except in the
presence of the Superintendent of the prison.
504
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(viii) Besides checking the locks, bars, grills, mess, ventilator,
floors, walls of barrack/cells, its ceiling should also be
checked.
(ix) The guards posted in the yards of the enclosure should
not hold conversation with each other more than what
may be required to perform their duty. The entrance door
of the yard should always be kept locked from inside.
(x) The keys of the locks of the cells/barracks doors shall
always be carried by the person entrusted with the duty.
They shall under no circumstances be handled by any
unauthorized person.
(xi) The cells and barracks should be well lighted to avoid
dark spots and comers inside.
(xii) The guard on duty should be thoroughly searched while
going in and coming out. He should be briefed adequately
from time to time about no acceptance of articles like
eatables, articles for smoke, even water from these
prisoners.
(xiii) The inmates of high security enclosures should be
counted at least twice in a day besides the counting done
during locking up and opening.
(xiv) Necessary gadgets such as breath analyzer, canine unit,
etc., may also be procured and utilized to check any
breach of prison discipline.
1023. Court Hearing.— Video linkage should be provided to these
high security enclosures. In any case no under-trial, convict or convict
officer or detenue should be allowed to enter these enclosures. The
regular prison staff or the paramedical staff will not have access to these
enclosures unless they are accompanied by the officer in charge of the
block.
1024. Convicts for Rigorous Imprisonment.— High risk offenders
who are undergoing rigorous imprisonment, will do all sort of work
assigned to them inside the security enclosures.
1025. Punishment.— All high risk offenders can be punished by
the Superintendent in case of breach of discipline and security of prison
in the manner set forth in Chapter-32 (Prison Discipline) of this Manual.
505
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
The Superintendent may take appropriate legal action against such
prisoners and in case a high risk offender commits an offence which is
punishable under any law in addition to being a prison offence,
appropriate criminal process may be initiated against him by moving the
local police station. In addition to the major and minor punishments
provided in Chapter-32:-
(i) If a high risk offender commits frequent breaches, the
Superintendent can recommend his shifting to any other prison to the
Inspector-General of Prisons.
(ii) Facilities like interviews/letters/canteen facilities can be
withdrawn for a limited time or otherwise.
(iii) Forfeiture of earned remission and any other punishments
as laid down by the Inspector-General may also be imposed.
1026. Provision of modern gadgets.— All necessary gadgets such
as breath analyzer, lie detector, dog squad may also be procured as per
the requirements to check any breach of prison discipline.
CHAPTER–37
WOMEN PRISONERS
1027. Establishment of separate prison for women prisoners.—
(1) Separate enclosures/ prisons within district or central prisons are
also required to be established for housing female inmates where there
are no exclusive jails for women. Till separate prisons for women are
established, both male and female inmates can be confined in the same
prison on the condition that female offenders are to be kept in a strictly
secluded female enclosure within the prison complex. The existing
enclosures for women in common prisons may be renovated to ensure
that the women inmates do not come in contact with male inmates during
their passage to and from these enclosures. Separate Yards like UT and
Convicts must be available inside the confined female complex. Such
enclosure should be, to the extent possible, independent in terms of
infrastructural set-up. These enclosures should have a double lock
system; one lock outside and the other inside. The keys of the inside
should always remain in the custody of women guard inside.
(2) The enclosures for women prisoners should have all the
requisite facilities with reference to their special needs such as
segregation, security, pregnancy, child birth and family care, health care
and rehabilitation, etc.
506
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(3) Care should be taken to ensure that women inmates are
protected against any form of exploitation. The work and treatment
programmes for female inmates should be devised giving due
consideration to their special needs. Female prisoners should be granted
equal access to work, vocational training and education as male
prisoners.
1028. Classification and Separation:- Women prisoners shall be
classified and kept separately as under:-
(i) Under-trial prisoners shall be kept completely separated from
convicted offenders, even when their number is small;
(ii) Habitual prisoners shall be separated from casual offenders;
(iii) Habitual offenders, sex workers and brothel keepers must
also be confined separately;
(iv) In no circumstances, should adolescent girls be confined
with adult women prisoners;
(v) Political and civil prisoners shall be kept separately from
convicts and under-trial prisoners;
Note: No criminal or non-criminal mentally ill prisoners will be
kept in the prison. Such prisoners shall be immediately
transferred to appropriate psychiatric hospital or
psychiatric nursing home.
1029. Register.— A register (which may be in electronic form) shall
be maintained in every place of imprisonment with numbered pages
where the following details of women prisoners shall be entered:
(i) Information concerning their identity.
(ii) The reasons for their imprisonment and the authority
ordering such imprisonment with full details of such
order.
(iii) The day and hour of their admission and release.
(iv) Details of children of the prisoner, if any, including names,
ages, location and custody status.
507
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
Details of the children of women prisoners, including names,
ages, location and custody status, shall also be recorded in the register.
Such information regarding the identity of the children shall be kept
strictly confidential and may be shared only with the mother's express
permission.
Note:- No person shall be received in an institution without a
valid commitment order.
1030. Restriction on Women Prisoners.— (1) No female prisoner
shall, on any pretext, leave or be removed from the female enclosure
except for release, transfer or attendance at Court or under the order of
the Superintendent for other legitimate purposes.
(2) Every female prisoner authorized to leave her enclosure will
ordinarily be accompanied by a matron or assistant matron, chief warder
or female warder from the time she leaves till she returns.
1031. Exclusion of males.— (1) No male shall be permitted to enter
the female ward of any prison, at any time, unless he has a legitimate
duty to attend therein. No adult male shall enter it at all by night except
in an emergency, and even then only along with the female warder or
female officer. He shall thereafter record a clear report of his visit with
the reasons for such visit, and the hour thereof, in his report book.
(2) Male warders and other male staff, acting as escort to lady
visitors and officials, shall remain outside the enclosure.
(3) If at any time a male prison officer or warder or prisoner
enters or of attempts to enter, any ward or portion of a prison reserved
for female prisoners, without proper authority, it shall be reported to
the Deputy Superintendent forthwith.
1032. Training of staff for gender-sensitivity.— (1) All staff
assigned to work with women prisoners shall receive training relating
to the gender-specific needs and human rights of women including on
sexual misconduct and discrimination. Such staff shall also be sensitized
regarding situations and instances where a woman inmate may feel
particularly distressed, so as to be sensitive to their situation and ensure
that the women are provided appropriate support.
(2) Where children are allowed to stay with their mothers in
prison, awareness-raising on child development and basic training on
the health care of children shall also be provided to prison staff, in order
for them to respond appropriately in times of need and emergencies.
508
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
1033. Locks of female enclosures.— (1) The locks of enclosure and
barracks, where women are confined shall, be different from those in
use in other parts of the prison, so that there is no possibility of keys
for locks of other enclosures being misused for opening enclosures of
women prisoners.
(2) Suitable measures may be taken (including the provision of
alarm bells) to ensure minimum delay in opening barracks in case of an
emergency.
1034. Photography and Fingerprints.— Photographs, foot-prints,
finger-prints and measurements of women prisoners shall be done in the
presence, and with the assistance of women prison officers or women
warders.
1035. Inspection.— (1) Daily visits shall be made by women prison
officers and staff in all women barracks and enclosures, and particular
attention will be paid to health and hygiene-related problems of women
prisoners.
(2) Night inspection rounds shall be made by women officers
and warders. Reports of such night inspections shall be recorded in the
report book immediately on completion of such Inspection.
1036. Prisoners Requiring Mental Health Care.— Female
prisoners needing treatment for mental diseases shall not be admitted
in prison. They shall be kept in separate enclosures for female patients
at the mental health hospital or in other mental health facilities, under
the supervision of a lady Medical Officer.
1037. Custody of the Female Enclosure.— There shall be round
the clock duty of female Principal warders and female warders in the
female enclosures.
1038. Admission of Under-Trial Prisoners.— The admission rules
for under-trial and convicted prisoners in the prison Manual shall be
applicable to under trial and convicted women prisoners also.
1039. Search of Women Prisoners on Admission.— Women
prisoner shall be searched by female warders in the presence of other
senior women personnel/women officer with due regards to
consideration of privacy and decency. Such search shall not be
conducted in the presence of any male.
509
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
1040. Quarantine on Admission to Prison and Medical Aid.—
(1) Women prisoners on admission to prison shall be medically examined
and, if the examining lady Medical Officer deems it necessary, kept
separately in the female enclosure on medical grounds for the period
prescribed by the Medical Officer.
(2) After admission to prison, all women prisoners shall be
required to wash themselves and their clothing thoroughly as soon as
possible. Their personal clothing shall be disinfected before being
stored.
(3) Part-time lady Medical Officers of the District Government
Hospital shall be engaged for medical examination of female prisoners
on admission. Only lady doctors shall look after the medical care of
women prisoners during their stay in prison.
(4) Every woman prisoner shall be examined by a lady Medical
Officer. Such examinations shall also be conducted on readmission after
bail, parole and furlough. In case a woman officer/matron/female warder
suspects a prisoner to be pregnant, the woman prisoner shall be sent to
the District Hospital for detailed examination and report.
1041. Pregnancy.— (1) When a woman prisoner is found or
suspected, to be pregnant at the time of admission or later, the lady
Medical Officer shall report the fact to the Superintendent. Arrangements
shall be made at the earliest to get her medically examined at the female
wing of the District Government Hospital for ascertaining the state of
her health, pregnancy, duration of pregnancy and the probable date of
delivery. After ascertaining all necessary particulars, a detailed report
shall be sent to the Inspector-General of prisons.
(2) Gynecological examination of the female prisoner shall be
performed in the District Government Hospital. Proper pre-natal and
ante-natal care shall be provided to the prisoner as per the advice of
qualified Medical Officer.
(3) Adequate and timely food including supplemental nutrients,
a healthy environment and opportunities for regular exercise shall be
provided to pregnant women, babies, children and breast-feeding
mothers.
510
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
1042. Child Birth in Prison.— (1) As far as possible (provided the
prisoner has a suitable option) arrangements for temporary release (or
suspension of sentence in the case of a casual offender) will be made
to enable a prisoner to deliver child in a hospital outside the prison.
Only when there is high security risk in the case of any particular woman
prisoner, the facility to deliver child outside the prison shall be denied.
(2) Births in prison shall be registered at the local birth
registration office. The fact that the child has been born in prison shall
not be recorded as the place of birth. Only the address of the locality
shall be mentioned. As far as the circumstances permit, all facilities for
performing the naming rights of the child born in a prison shall be
extended to the mother.
1043. Property of Women Prisoners.— All money, jewellery, and
articles of clothing, received with or found on the person of a woman
prisoner on her admission to the prison or sent subsequently by the
police or tendered by her relatives or friends on her behalf prior to her
release, shall be received and taken over by the Deputy Superintendent
or other officer on duty. A list of all such articles shall be entered in the
Admission Register and in the convict's warrant and read over to the
convict in the presence of the Superintendent who shall countersign
the entries in the register and in the warrant. Method of storing the
prisoner's money, etc., shall be according to the general rules laid down
in the Prison Manual of respective state.
1044. Certain Ornaments to be allowed to Women Prisoner.—
Female prisoners shall be allowed to retain, in moderation, certain
ornaments of small value such as mangal sutras and toe rings. The
Superintendent may, however, at his discretion, refuse to allow the
retention of these ornaments in any particular case for disciplinary/
security reasons.
1045. Children of Women Prisoners.— (1) A child up to six years
of age shall be admitted to prison with his mother if no other
arrangements, for keeping him with relatives or otherwise, can be made.
Children born in prison may remain with their mothers up to six years of
age, if they cannot otherwise be suitably placed. The Medical Officer
shall determine the age of children not born in prison for the purpose
of this provision.
511
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(2) No child shall be admitted into or retained in prison if he
has attained the age of six years. The Superintendent shall inform the
Directorate of Social Welfare about all children of that age for placing
them in a home run by the Social Welfare Department. Such children
shall be kept in protective custody until their mother is released or the
child attains such an age as to be able to earn his own livelihood.
(3) Children kept under protective custody in a home of the
Department of Social Welfare shall be allowed to meet their mothers at
least once a week. The Director, Social Welfare Department will ensure
that such children are brought to the prison on the dates fixed for this
purpose by the Superintendent of Jail.
1046. Welfare of the children of the Women Prisoners.— (1)Prison
administration should ensure holistic development of children of inmates
confined in the prisons. To the extent possible, prison administration
shall strive to create a suitable environment for children's upbringing
which is as close as possible to that of a child outside prison. The Board
of visitors shall inspect these facilities at regular intervals.
Education:- (1) The children of women prisoners living in the
prison shall be given proper education and recreational opportunities.
There shall be a well-equipped creche and a nursery school attached to
a prison for women where the children of women prisoners shall be
looked after while the mothers work in prison. Children below three years
of age shall be allowed in the creche and those between three and six
years shall be looked after in the nursery school. These facilities may
also be extended to the children of warders and other female prison staff.
(2) The creche and nursery school shall be run by the prison
administration preferably outside the prison with the assistance of NGOs
or state welfare services. In the event the prison administration
considers it difficult to run a creche, arrangements should be made to
send the children to a privately run creche under proper security. The
transportation charges involved in the process and creche fee shall be
borne by the prison administration. Clean drinking water shall be
provided to the children. The water shall be periodically checked.
(3) Children in prison shall be provided with adequate clothing
suiting the local climatic requirements. For this the Government shall
lay down appropriate scales. Articles, like diapers and others as required,
should be provided to women prisoners who are caring for their infant
children.
512
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
Diet/Food:- (1) Scales of diet for children shall be decided
keeping in view the calorific requirements of growing children as per
medical norms and climatic conditions. Separate utensils of suitable size
and material should also be provided to each mother prisoner for feeding
her child.
(2) In the event a woman prisoner with children falls ill,
alternative arrangements should be made by the prison staff for looking
after any children falling under her care.
Healthcare:- Adequate health facilities shall be provided to
children of women prisoners (in collaboration with community health
services). Children shall be regularly examined by a Lady Medical Officer
to monitor their physical growth who shall also be vaccinated for various
diseases including polio and small-pox at the appropriate time. Extra
clothing and diet may also be provided to such children on the written
recommendations of the Medical Officer.
1047. Diet and Food.— (1) Management of kitchens or cooking
food on caste or religious basis should be strictly banned in prisons
for women.
(2) Adequate and nutritious diet should be given to nursing
women and to children accompanying women prisoners.
(3) Food articles should be of a good quality.
(4) Pregnant and nursing women prisoners should be prescribed
a special diet.
(5) Women prisoners should get special diet on festivals and
national days, as may be specified in the rules.
(6) Medical Officer should ensure that food is cooked under
hygienic conditions and is nutritious.
(7) There should be a separate kitchen for every 100 prisoners.
(8) Special arrangements for warming food I milk shall be made
for women with children.
(9) Some women staff should be given special training in
management of diet and kitchens and such trained staff should supervise
the kitchens and cooking in prisons for women.
513
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(10) Prison officers, including the Superintendent, must
supervise every aspect of the prison diet system, i.e., issue of rations,
management of kitchens and distribution of food. There should be a
separate kitchen for women prisoners.
(11) Women prisoners should not be allowed to have their own
mini kitchens inside the prison barracks.
(12) Clean drinking water should be supplied to prisoners and
it should be tested periodically.
1048. Scale of Diet.— The Government shall lay down dietary
scales for women prisoners keeping in view their calorie requirements
as per medical norms. The diet shall be in accordance with the prevailing
dietary preferences and tastes of the local area in which the prison is
located.
1049. Prisoner to Receive Diet According to Scale.— (1) Every
prisoner shall be entitled to receive every day food at prescribed times
and according to the scale laid down.
(2) The Government may, at any time, vary either temporarily
or permanently, the scale laid down in the Prison Manual of the
respective state, provided reasons for doing that are recorded in writing
by the authorities concerned.
1050. Special Extra Diet on Medical Grounds.— (1) Where the
lady Medical Officer, for reasons of health, considers the prescribed diet
to be unsuitable or insufficient for a women prisoner or her child, she
may order in writing a special diet or extra diet, for a specific period of
time. Special consideration shall be given in this regard to pregnant/
nursing prisoners.
(2) Rules relating to diet of prisoners, those on specific medical
advice for expectant and nursing mothers, and infants and children, shall
be scrupulously observed.
1051. Clothing.— (1) Women prisoners sentenced to six months
imprisonment or below should be issued two sarees, two blouses, two
petticoats, a towel and two sets of customary undergarments.
(2) Women prisoners sentenced to more than six months of
imprisonment should be issued three sarees, three petticoats, three
blouses, two towels and three sets of customary undergarments.
514
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(3) The clothing requirements provided above may be
prescribed by each State in accordance with the prevailing climate and
cultural norms. Adequate warm clothings, according to local conditions
and change of seasons, shall also be provided.
(4) Children allowed to stay with women prisoners should be
given suitable clothing similar to what is normally used by children in
the local community.
(5) Every women prison should maintain a repair unit where
prisoner’s clothing can be repaired.
(6) Sterilised sanitary pads should be issued to women
prisoners as per their requirements.
(7) Clothing of prisoners should be sterilised at government
cost once in two months. Prisoners should be allowed to get their clothes
washed through prison laundries at their own cost.
(8) All clothing shall be cleaned and kept in a proper condition.
Underclothing shall be changed and washed as often as necessary for
maintenance of hygiene.
1052. Bedding.— (1) Every woman prisoner shall be provided with
a sleeping berth and sufficient bedding in accordance with local
standards and climatic conditions. These shall be clean when issued,
kept in good order, and changed often enough to ensure their cleanliness.
(2) Women prisoners should be given one pillow with pillow
cover and woollen blankets according to climatic conditions.
(3) Women prisoners shall be provided two cotton sheets for
every six months.
(4) All articles of prisoner’s bedding, clothing and other
equipment should be inspected by a women officer at least once a week
to ensure that proper standards are maintained.
1053. Accommodation.— (1) There should be four types of living
accommodation:
(a) Barracks with accommodation for 20 women prisoners.
(b) Dormitory accommodation for four to six women
prisoners each.
515
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(c) Single room accommodation for women prisoners needing
privacy for pursuing studies.
(d) Cells for segregation of women prisoners for the purpose
of security and punishment.
(2) All accommodation provided for women prisoners, and in
particular all sleeping accommodation, shall meet basic requirements of
health. Due regard being paid to climatic conditions, the cubic content
of air, minimum floor-space, lighting and ventilation.
(3) Prisoners kept in dormitories shall be carefully selected, so
that they are able to adjust with one another in those conditions. There
shall be regular supervision by night, in keeping with the nature of the
institution.
(4) Sleeping berths in the women’s barracks shall not be at a
height beyond the comfortable reach of women prisoners.
(5) There should be sufficient number of toilets and that should
be maintained in a clean and decent state.
(6) Where women prisoners they are required to live or work,
the windows shall be large enough to enable the prisoners to read or
work by natural light. The place should be sufficiently ventilated to allow
the entrance of fresh air.
(7) Sufficient artificial light too shall be provided for the
prisoners to read or work.
(8) Adequate number of baths and showers shall be provided
so that every prisoner may have a bath or shower at a temperature
suitable for the climate, as frequently as may be necessary, for
maintaining general hygiene according to season and climate.
All parts of the institution, regularly used by prisoners, shall
be properly maintained and kept scrupulously clean at all times.
1054. Cleanliness of Women Enclosure.— (1) All parts of the
women’s enclosure in a prison shall be properly maintained and kept
scrupulously clean at all times.
(2) No menial duties or conservancy work, connected with the
women's enclosure shall be carried out by the women prisoners. Specific
staff for this purpose shall be employed.
516
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
1055. Personal Hygiene.— (1) Women prisoners shall be required
to keep their persons dean, and to this end they shall be provided with
toilet articles, including sanitary towels, necessary for maintaining
health and cleanliness. Sufficient water shall also be made available for
the use of women prisoners and their children, and those prisoners, in
particular, who are involved in cooking and those who are pregnant,
breastfeeding or menstruating.
(2) A woman prisoner’s hair shall not be cut without her
consent. However if, on account of vermin or dirt, the lady Medical
Officer deems cutting of hair necessary on the ground of health and
cleanliness. Even then it shall not be cut any shorter than required.
1056. Amenities.— (1) All valuable ornaments should be removed
from women in custody and should be safely deposited. They should
be permitted to retain their mangal sutra and toe-rings.
(2) Clothing and linen provided to women should include
undergarments, upper and other clothes, towels and socks in cold
climates. Adequate quantity of toilet and washing soap should be
provided to them. A sachet of shampoo may be provided to women
prisoners on a weekly basis.
(3) Each adult woman prisoner shall be supplied suitable
number of sanitary napkins for use during menstruation.
(4) Women prisoners shall be provided kumkum according to
their custom, sufficient quantity of hair oil and a comb.
(5) Sufficient number of looking glasses should be fitted in their
barracks. At least one looking mirror (1.6 feet x 3.0 feet) should be
installed in the barrack.
1057. Interview.— (1) The number of interviews for convicts and
under trial prisoners should be liberalized in the case of women. Women
prisoners' contact with their families, including their children, their
children's guardians and legal representatives shall be encouraged and
facilitated by all reasonable means. Where possible, measures shall be
taken to counterbalance disadvantages faced by women detained in
institutions located far from their homes.
517
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(2) Every women prisoner shall be allowed, assisted and
encouraged to write a letter and have interview with her relatives/
neighbours once a week during her term of imprisonment. A senior female
officer in charge of interviews should be responsible for grant of
interviews as per rules. In view of women prisoners disproportionate
experience of domestic violence, they shall be properly consulted as to
whom, including which family members, is to be allowed to visit them.
(3) Visits involving children should take place in an environment
that is conducive to a positive visiting experience for the visiting
children, including with regard to staff attitudes, and should allow open
contact between mother and child. Where possible, visits involving
extended contact with children should be encouraged.
(4) The prison inmates shall be afforded opportunity as
prescribed in the rules, to have reasonable contact including visits,
telephone contact, electronic communication contact, interviews
through video-conferencing and correspondence with the family inside
the prison.
(5) There should be no limit on incoming letters for women
prisoners.
(6) Illiterate or semi-illiterate prisoners should be provided help
in writing letters.
(7) A waiting room for visitors should be provided at each
prison for women.
(8) Every newly admitted prisoner shall be allowed facilities for
seeing or communicating with her relatives/friends/legal advisors, with
a view to preparation of an appeal or revision petition or for procuring
bail. She shall be allowed to have interviews with or write letters to, her
relatives more often, if the Superintendent considers it necessary, to
enable her to arrange for the management of her property and other
family affairs.
(9) In case, close relatives of women are detained in the same
prison, interview of both shall be facilitated by the Deputy
Superintendent between the two gates in presence of Deputy
Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent, once a week.
518
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
1058. Books.— Every institution shall have a separate library and
a reading room for women with both recreational and instructional books.
Prisoners shall be encouraged to make full use of these facilities.
1059. Religious Books.— A woman prisoner shall be allowed
to keep, at a time, up to five books with her. The restriction on the
number of the books is on account of administrative convenience only
(i.e. consideration of space per prisoner) and not for any other reason.
1060. Education.— Every woman prisoner should be offered a
suitable educational programme during her stay in prison to improve her
employment prospects. Education shall be a compulsory activity in
prisons for at least one-hour every day. It shall aim to enhance their
functional capability. Every prison should organize adult education,
social, moral and health education, family welfare programmes, and
training in various skills for making women self-reliant. For interested
prisoners, appropriate facilities for formal and advanced education shall
also be provided.
1061. Recreational and Cultural Programmes.— Recreational
programmes should be organized for women prisoners which may include
simple outdoor games, bhajans, music, folk dances, drama, TV, radio and
film shows. Women prisoners shall be provided facilities for meditation
and yoga for stress management and for improving their mental and
physical health.
1062. Application of rules.— Except in so far as they are
inconsistent with the rules in this chapter, all the rules in these Rules
shall apply to women prisoners.
1063. Vocational Training.— Vocational training programme should
be designed to suit the needs of prisoners sentenced to short, medium
and long term imprisonment. As far as possible women prisoners shall
be imparted training suited to their aptitude and background, making
them economically self-reliant. The selection of vocational programmes
shall be made in accordance with the marketability and profitability of
the product, enhancing the prisoner’s ability to earn their livelihood after
release. The wages earned by the women prisoners should be deposited
in the bank account of the women inmates. Sufficient work or vocational
trades shall be provided to keep prisoners actively employed for a normal
working day. These may include:
519
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
1. Tailoring
15. Cottage industries
2. Embroidery
16. Gardening
3. Needle-craft
17. Sewing machine repair
4. Spinning
18. Typing
5. Handloom
19. Computer training
6. Weaving
20. Beautician’s work
7. Soap making
21. Telephone operation and Secretarial practice
8. Hosiery work
22. Agricultural, horticultural, diary projects
9. Cane and bamboo work
23. Poultry
10. Candle making
24. Sericulture
11. Toy making
25. Fishery
12. Pottery
26. Mushroom cultivation
13. Stationery articles
27. Fruit preservation
14. Local handicrafts
28. Local projects
1064. Labour.— (1) Prisoners shall be paid equitable remuneration
for their work and no disparity in wages shall accrue on account of
gender differences.
(2) The system should also provide that a part of the earnings
is set aside by the administration to constitute a savings fund to be
handed over to the prisoners on their release.
(3) Under the system the prisoners shall be allowed to spend
at least a part of their earnings on approved articles for their own use
and to send a part of it to their family.
(4) Unless medically advised not to work, all prisoners shall be
engaged in work and activity in the prison, for which they will be paid
proper wages.
1065. Health/Medical Facilities.— (1) Every woman prison shall
have a 10 bed hospital for women. Treatment programmes should be
properly planned and developed in every woman’s prison. At least one
520
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
and more woman gynecologist and psychiatrist shall be provided.
Modern equipments for X-ray, ECG, ultrasound and sonography should
be available.
(2) In addition to the details required to be recorded after health
screening in accordance with, the health screening of women prisoners
shall also include a comprehensive screening to determine primary health
care needs, and to determine:
(a) The presence of sexually transmitted diseases or blood-
borne diseases; and, depending on risk factors, women
prisoners may also be offered testing for HIV, with pre-
and post-test counseling;
(b) Mental health care needs, including post-traumatic stress
disorder and risk of suicide and self-harm;
(c) The reproductive health history of the woman prisoner,
including current or recent pregnancies, childbirth and
any related reproductive health issues;
(d) The existence of drug dependency;
(e) Sexual abuse and other forms of violence that may have
been suffered prior to admission.
(3) Female prisoners suffering from psychosomatic and
psychological disorders, victims of sexual abuse and those having mental
health issues, should get proper counseling and medical treatment.
(4) The right of women prisoners to medical confidentiality,
including specifically the right not to share information and not to
undergo screening in relation to their reproductive health history, shall
be respected at all times. [Rule 8 of the UN Bangkok Rules]
(5) Women prisoners shall receive education and information
about preventive healthcare measures, including on HIV, sexually
transmitted diseases and other blood borne diseases, as well as gender-
specific health conditions. [Rule 17 of the UN Bangkok Rules]
1066. Legal Aid.— (1) To ensure access to justice to all, timely
legal aid services should be provided to needy prisoners at State
expenses as prescribed by the Government. Prison Administration
should be assisted by the State/District Legal Service Authority for this
purpose through a panel of advocates earmarked for the Jails/Courts.
521
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(2) For this purpose, socio-legal counseling cell shall be set up
in each institution to be managed by volunteers from a designated law
school, school of social work or a non-governmental voluntary agency.
Work done by students while working in such a cell shall be given
academic credit and shall form a part of the student's graded curriculum.
(3) Assistance of lady members of the district legal aid
committee shall be made available to women prisoners to help them with
their procedural and legal problems.
(4) The practice of fortnightly or weekly naribandisabhas
(women prisoner’s councils) shall be utilized as a modality for orientation
of, and interaction with, prisoners and for training in participative
custodial living.
(5) In the event existence of sexual abuse or other forms of
violence before or during detention is discovered, the woman prisoner
shall be informed of her right to seek recourse from judicial authorities.
The woman prisoner should be fully informed of the procedures and
steps involved. If the woman prisoner agrees to take legal action,
appropriate staff shall be informed and the case immediately referred to
the competent authority for investigation. Prison authorities shall help
such women to access legal assistance.
(6) In such cases, regardless of whether the woman chooses
to take legal action, prison authorities shall endeavour to ensure that
she has immediate access to specialized psychological support or
counseling.
(7) In such cases, regardless of whether the woman chooses
to take legal action, prison authorities shall endeavour to ensure that
she has immediate access to specialized psychological support or
counseling.
1067. Premature Release.— In line with gender-sensitive
management policy, a liberal approach would be allowed while
determining cases of premature release of women prisoners particularly
in cases where she has been the sole breadwinner or where no surrogate
care is possible for the dependents of women prisoners. As far as
possible, expectant mothers may be release on suspended sentences or
otherwise, to avoid delivery of their child inside the prison.
522
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
1068. Probation of Offenders Act, 1958.— (1) Probation of
Offenders Act, 1958, shall be extensively used in case of women
offenders to provide suitable non-institutional corrective treatment to
them.
(2) The probation system should be strengthened in close
coordination with the judiciary. Probation Services should be brought
under the administrative control of the Directorate of Prisons and
Correctional Services only.
1069. Transfer of women convicts to women prison.— Women
prisoners sentenced for three or more months of imprisonment shall be
transferred to a women’s prison to facilitate their rehabilitation.
1070. Transfer of Women Convicts for Release.— Every woman
confined in a prison other than that of the district of her residence, shall
be transferred to such prison in the district of her residence 10 days
before her release. The sanction of Inspector-General of Prisons for such
transfers within the State shall not be required.
1071. Release of Women Prisoners.— Before a woman prisoner is
released, sufficient advance notice shall be given to her relatives or
friends to be present at the prison and receive her. If no relative appears
on the day of her release, she shall be sent to her home under the charge
of female escort. The Deputy Superintendent shall record in her report
book about arrangements made for the safe release and escort of woman
prisoner to her home.
1072. After care, Rehabilitation and Follow-up.— (1) Prison
authorities shall utilize options such as home leave, open prisons,
halfway houses and community-based programmes and services to the
maximum possible extent for women prisoners, to ease their transition
from prison to liberty, to reduce stigma and to re-establish their contact
with their families at the earliest possible stage.
(2) Prison authorities, in cooperation with probation and/or
social welfare services, local community groups and non-governmental
organizations, shall design and implement comprehensive pre- and post-
release reintegration programmes which take into account the gender-
specific needs of women. After care services/programmes should include
all kinds of help which could result in proper readjustment of the
released women prisoners in the society.
523
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(3) Women prisoners willing to get married after their release
should be rendered all necessary help.
(4) There shall be at least one designated voluntary
organization in each district to which the work of extending help to a
released prisoner could be entrusted.
(5) The approved representatives of such agencies shall have
necessary access to the institutions and to women prisoners, and shall
be taken into confidence from the start of their sentences.
(6) It is desirable that the activities of such agencies are
centrally monitored and coordinated in order to secure the best use of
their services.
(7) After-care of women prisoners, discharged from prisons and
allied institutions, should be the statutory function of the Department
of Prisons and Correctional Services.
(8) There should be women staff in the aftercare and follow-up
units in the headquarters of the Department of Prisons and Correctional
Services in each UT.
(9) Woman Probation Officers should be in charge of after-care
and follow-up work.
(10) The after-care and follow-up unit should evolve an
objective method of assessing the post -release needs of women
prisoners.
(11) Restriction on employment of women released from prisons
in government or public service undertakings should be removed by
suitable amendment of the rules.
1073. Linkages with Outside Welfare Agencies.— (1) Prison
reforms can be achieved through participation of the Government, private
enterprises and non-profit organisations who could collectively facilitate
implementation of various processes and systems to encourage prison
industries. The representatives from other districts and other prisons in
the State, representative from the industry, representative from N.G.Os
for training and skill development can be considered as members of the
Jail industry Board.
524
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(2) The Superintendent of Jail shall establish a functional
linkage and co-operational relation with a select group of social
activists/N.G.Os serving and taking up the cause of women in general
and women offenders in particular, so that the prison administration and
the N.G.Os can together wage a war against social stigma attached to
women in custody. As this is a battle to be fought more in minds than
in fields, frequent seminars/symposia shall be conducted to elaborate
on the need of after-release rehabilitation of women offenders, and to
create a favorable public opinion.
(3) Comprehensive, intensive and incessant counseling of
women offenders and members of their families shall be carried out by
these groups of social activists/ N.G.Os to pre-empt/overcome the
aversion of the society to women prisoners, which otherwise might deter
and derail proper rehabilitation of women in custody.
(4) Counselling programmes should focus on the emotional and
psychological issues of women prisoners, particularly for those who
have been victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse and substance
abuse. The counseling programmes should:
(i) help address any mental health issues that she may be
suffering from and suggest effective coping strategies;
(ii) facilitate her re-integration into society after release;
(iii) focus on removing any further damaging impact that
imprisonment could have on women inmates, and seek
to enhance self-worth, autonomy and self- efficacy.
(5) Special programmes may be initiated to address underlying
factors that lead to criminal behaviour, for instance, separate programmes
addressing substance addiction-related issues.
(6) The literacy and vocational training for women offenders
shall be conducted in such a manner that it:
(i) endows woman inmates with professional capabilities and
expertise in one or more than one, vocation, so as to
enable them to earn a living and lead a self-supporting
life after release;
(ii) eradicate the poverty-crime nexus;
525
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(iii) empower women to make positive lifestyle changes within
the context of education, support and recovery. Special
programmes should be initiated for women prisoners with
physical or mental disabilities. The programmes should
also involve imparting life skill-based education, and
disseminating information about preventive health care
measures, including prevention from HIV, sexually
transmitted diseases and other blood borne diseases, as
well as gender-specific health conditions.
(7) Arrangements for public display of the products made by
the women prisoners will boost their morale, instill confidence into them,
and rekindle the flames of hope for a normal life at large. Moreover, it
will pave the way for the much needed social awareness, supportive and
sympathetic to the women living behind the bars.
1074. Prisoners suffering from mental illnesses.— (1) Women who
are found mentally ill shall not be detained in prison. Arrangements shall
be made for the removal to mental homes/institutions for mentally ill
prisoners who happen to be admitted in prisons.
(2) When transferring a mentally ill woman prisoner to a mental
home and back to the prison, a female warder shall accompany the police
escort, provided to such prisoner, wherever possible. The families of
such prisoners shall be traced and informed of the prisoners'
whereabouts and health status.
(3) Steps shall be taken, by arrangement with the appropriate
agencies, to ensure the continuation of psychiatric treatment after
release and provisions of social psychiatric after-care, wherever it is
deemed necessary.
1075. Escort of insane women.— When transferring a insane
women prisoner to a Psychiatric Hospital or Psychiatric Nursing Home
and back to the prison, a female warder shall accompany the police
escort, provided to such prisoner, wherever possible. The families of
such prisoners shall be traced and informed of the prisoners'
whereabouts and health status.
1076. Discipline and punishment.— (1) Discipline and order shall
be maintained with firmness but with no more restriction than is
necessary for safe custody and well ordered institutional life.
526
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(2) No woman prisoner shall be punished in the prison until she
has been informed of the offence alleged against her and given proper
opportunity of presenting her defence. The competent authority shall
conduct a thorough investigation of the case before awarding
punishment.
1077. Requests and Complaints.— (1) During the weekly parades,
every woman prisoner shall have an opportunity of making requests/
complaints to the Superintendent who in turn, shall promptly deal with
such complaints/requests.
(2) A complaint box shall be fixed at a prominent place in the
woman’s enclosure which shall be opened in the presence of the
Superintendent at least twice a week. Every complaint or request found
in it shall be registered and properly dealt with and replied to without
undue delay. The prison social welfare and legal aid counseling staff or
literate prisoners, shall be utilized to assist illiterate prisoners in
recording their complaints. All such complaints shall be received and
tackled in an understanding manner without the risk of retribution to
the complainant. Women prisoners who report abuse shall be provided
immediate protection, support and counseling and their claims shall be
investigated by competent and independent authorities, with full respect
for the principle of confidentiality. Protection measures shall take into
account specifically the risks of retaliation.
(3) Appropriate guidance and assistance should be given to
women prisoners for filing complaints against sexual harassment with
the internal complaints committee constituted under the Sexual
Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and
Redressal) Act, 2013.
The Board of Visitors shall monitor the conditions of detention
and treatment of women prisoners in particular.
1078. Women Personnel.— (1) In a prison for convicted women
prisoners there shall be one post of a Assistant Superintendent of Jail.
(2) The woman’s enclosures attached to the District prisons,
and they shall be in the charge of a lady Assistant Superintendent. They
will be assisted by a female Principal Warder and female Warders.
(3) The following officials shall be posted in every prison for
women as per recruitment in accordance with the direction of State/
Government:-
527
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(i) Assistant Superintendent
(ii) Female Principal warder (Female Principal Warder)
(iii) Female Warders.
1079. Terms of Service and Training.— (1) Women warders and
all other women prison officers shall be provided, basic initial training,
in-service training and refresher courses to keep them in touch with
contemporary developments in the field of their work.
(2) Every woman member of prison staff shall be provided
training in Human Rights and various aspects of correctional work.
(3) All promotions up to the level of Deputy Superintendent
should be made subject to a pre-promotional qualifying examination. All
those who qualify in this examination should be eligible for promotion
to the next higher post.
(4) Physical fitness and psychological tests should be essential
prerequisites for direct recruitment.
(5) All new recruits should be given basic initial in-service
training. Officers and staff on deputation should be put through short
duration orientation courses.
(6) Adequate training reserve should be provided in each cadre
of the prison service.
(7) Basic initial training, in-service training, refresher courses
should be organized by the training institutions for various categories
of personnel.
1080. Other facilities for Women Staff.— (1) Study teams of senior
women officers should be deputed to visit prison institutions in various
states in the country as also those in other countries.
(2) Staff meetings and conferences should be regularly held.
(3) A welfare fund should be established in each State IUT.
(4) Proper forum should be provided at the institutional and
state levels for women prison staff to ventilate their grievances.
(5) All good work done by women prison personnel should be
given proper publicity and should be highlighted through the media.
528
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(6) Adequate leave-reserve should be provided while fixing
staffing norms.
(7) Every member of the women staff shall be allowed a day off
once a week.
(8) In case of death of a women prison staff in lawful discharge
of her duties, a lump sum of ` 2 lakh should be paid to her survivors/
family.
(9) Residential quarters should be provided to all members of
the women prison.
(10) Women prison personnel should be paid salaries and
allowances at par with those of equivalent ranks in the police department.
(11) Every direct recruit in service should have opportunities
of at least three promotions during the span of her career.
(12) Proper forum should be provided at the prisons, and the
state level, for women prison personnel to ventilate their problems
grievances common to them.
1081. Creche and Canteen Facilities to Staff.— (1) Some prison
female staff should be given special training in the management of
canteen and such officials should be put in charge of supervising the
canteen.
(2) Female staff shall be provided services of creche for proper
care of their young children while they are on duty.
(3) Canteen facilities should be made available.
(4) Female prison staff shall be allowed the option to take their
meals during duty hours with prisoners free of cost.
1082. Escorting of Women Prisoners.— (1) The matron one female
Principal warder shall escort every female prisoner leaving the women’s
enclosure, and shall remain with the prisoner until the prisoner returns
to the enclosure. She shall accompany the female prisoner under transfer.
Wherever necessary, services of women police will be utilized for escort
duty with due regard to security considerations.
(2) Separate escort vans for escorting women prisoners shall
be made available.
529
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
1083. Search of women prisoners.— The female Principal Warder
shall conduct the search of women prisoners. Such search shall not be
conducted in the presence of any male person.
1084. Matrons or Women Warders not to allow a Male to Enter
Woman Enclosure.— The matrons or women warder shall not allow any
male prison officer or male prisoner, to enter the women's enclosure
without proper authority. If, any male prison officer I warder I prisoner,
without proper authority, at any time enters or attempts to enter, any
ward or portion of the prison reserved for occupation by female
prisoners, the Matron/Warder shall make a report forthwith to the Deputy
Superintendent/ Superintendent of Jail.
1085. Matron or Female Principal warder not to Communicate
with Male Prisoners.— No matron I female Principal Warder shall at any
time, and on any pretext, hold any interview or communicate/interact in
any way, with any male prisoner or visit any part of the prison allotted,
reserved for or occupied by male prisoners, except in the discharge of
her duties.
1086. Keys of Woman’s Enclosure.— The Matron or the Woman
Warder shall have custody of the keys of the wards and enclosures in
which female prisoners are confined during the day. After the locking
up, she shall deliver the keys to the Lady Deputy/Assistant
Superintendent who shall lock them up in the key chest. The Lady
Deputy/Assistant Superintendent shall hand over the keys again to the
matron or female Principal warder in the morning at the time of
unlocking.
CHAPTER–38
YOUNG OFFENDERS
1087. Need for adopting scientific and progressive approach
towards young offenders.— A young offender of today can be a hardened
recidivist of tomorrow. Such offenders can be reclaimed as useful citizens
and can have better prospects for being re-educated to a socially useful
way of life. A scientific and progressive approach needs to be adopted
if, these offenders are to be saved from the damaging and traumatic
experiences of incarceration.
530
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
1088. Segregation of young offenders.— (1) As far as possible,
young offenders should not be kept in institutions meant for adult and
habitual offenders. In case, if it becomes necessary to keep young
offender in an institution meant for adult and habitual offenders,
measures shall be taken to enforce the requirements of section 27(2) of
the Prisons Act, 1894 both by day and night so as to prevent any
communication between him and any prisoner of another class.
(2) Institutions for young offenders should be so classified
that diverse training programmes, designed to suit each homogeneous
group, can be conveniently organized.
1089. Training and Treatment.— Special emphasis should be given
on a studied evaluation of individual offender’s personality and careful
planning of training and treatment programmes, to suit the needs of each
inmate. Training and treatment shall include education, work and
vocational training, recreational and cultural activities, discipline, case-
work approach, group work activities, group guidance, individual
guidance, counselling, character building, periodical review, release
planning, pre-release preparation, after-care on a comprehensive basis,
and follow-up study. The personal influence of the members of the prison
staff will have considerable bearing on the reformation of young
offenders.
1090. Non-Institutionalized Treatment.— (1) It is necessary to
save the young offenders from evils of incarceration. Noncustodial
treatment for young offenders should be preferred to imprisonment.
Under mentioned process should be followed for young offenders:
(A) When any young offender is found guilty and is likely to
be punished with imprisonment not exceeding one year, the Court should
take recourse to any of the following non-custodial measures:
(i) Release on admission
(ii) Release on taking a bond of good conduct, with or
without conditions from the young offenders and from
parents/guardians/approved voluntary agencies.
(iii) Release on probation under the Probation of Offenders
Act on any of the following conditions:-
(a) continuation of education/vocational training/
employment;
531
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(b) obtaining guidance from probation officer/teacher/
counsellor:
(c) getting work experience in work camps during week-
ends and on holidays;
(d) doing useful work in work centers (agricultural farms,
forestry, housing projects, road projects and
apprenticeship in work-shops.)
(e) Young offenders released on probation shall be kept
under constant supervision.Note: Suitable cases of
young offenders likely to be sentenced to periods
above one year of imprisonment should also, as far
as possible, be processed through the above-
mentioned non institutional approach. "Young
offenders should be sent to prison only as a last
resort.
(B) (i) Young offenders involved in minor violations should not
be kept in police custody. Instead, they should be kept
with their families/guardians/approved voluntary agencies
on the undertaking that they will be produced before the
police, as and when required, for investigation.
(ii) Young offenders involved in serious offences, while in
police custody, should be kept separate from adult
criminals and the police custody should be only for the
minimum period required for investigation.
(iii) The investigation of cases of young offenders must be
expeditiously completed.
(iv) Bail should be liberally granted in cases of young
offenders.
(v) When it is not possible to release a young offender on
bail, he should be kept in a Reception Centre/Kishore
Sadan/YuvaSadan during the pendency of his trial.
(vi) In case it becomes necessary to keep young offenders
in a sub-prison during investigation and trial, it should
be ensured that they do not come in contact with adult
criminals there.
532
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
1091. Reception Centres/Reception Units.— (1) There should be
separate institutions for young offenders, to be called Reception Centres
and Kishore/YuvaSadans. There should be separate Reception Centres
for young female offenders.
(2) Reception Centres should be organized at district or regional
level as per the requirements of each State/Union Territory to provide
safe custody for young offenders, who cannot be released on bail or
probation for their initial classification and subsequent placement.
Note: The period of detention in a Reception Centre should be
from two to eight weeks. It should not exceed eight weeks.
(3) Young offenders sentenced to periods of imprisonment of
six months and above should be collected at the Reception Centres/
Reception Units.
Note: States having a large number of prisoners under
admission on a regular basis should establish separate
institutions as reception centers. “When is not
practicable, to set up a reception centre part of an
institution for young offenders should be earmarked as
reception centre.
1092. Programmes in the reception center/reception unit should
consist of.— (a) Admission, quarantine and orientation
(b) Study and evaluation of individual offender’s personality.
Note: As far as possible, inmates admitted in the reception
centres should be studied by a team consisting of
Correctional Administrators, Sociologists, Psychologists
and Social-Case Workers. Whenever necessary, the
inmate may be referred to a psychiatrist.
(c) Initial classification
After initial classification is over, the inmate should be
transferred to a suitable institution. The Superintendent
in charge of the reception centre/reception unit will only
indicate the lines of training and treatment. The discretion
as to how to implement the suggestions given by the
reception center, and also to make necessary
modifications therein, rests with the Superintendent in
charge of the institution where the inmate has been
transferred.
533
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
1093. Annexes for young offenders.— Each Central/District Prison
should have an annexes for young offenders. Young offenders
sentenced to periods of imprisonment up to six months may be kept in
this annexe.
1094. Reception Center and KishoreYuvaSadan.— The Government
will make effort to setup Kishore YuvaSadansbased on necessity and
requirement and they should be categorized on the following lines:-
(a) An institution recognized as an approved Kishore
YuvaSadan by the Government.
(i) a hostel run by Government;
(ii) a hostel run by a voluntary agency;
(iii) a hostel of an Industrial Training Institute;
(iv) a hostel of an Agricultural School.
(b) Open Kishore Yuva Sadan
(c) Semi-open Kishore Yuva Sadan.
(d) Special Kishore YuvaSadan (medium security institution).
1095. The following treatment should be given to young offenders
at Reception Centre/Kishore Yuva Sadan.—
(i) Initial admission.
(ii) A system of proper custody and positive, constructive
and firm discipline.
(iii) Care and welfare of inmates.
(iv) Basic segregation according to requirements.
(v) Attending to immediate and urgent needs and problems
of inmates.
(vi) Orientation to institutional life.
(vii) Study of the individual offender-History taking, case-
recording, tests and observation.
(viii) Scientific classification.
534
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(ix) Attending to long-term needs of inmates like education
and vocational training.
(x) Inmates shall be properly assessed both at the time of
admission and regularly thereafter, with the specific
objective of looking into their criminogenic factors and
providing help to enable them to lead a law-abiding and
socially productive life after release.
(xi) Guidance, counseling and support.
(xii) Release planning.
(xiii) After-care.
(xiv) Follow-up.
(2) Use should be made of resources of the community and
outside agencies in providing such treatment. The personal influence
of prison personnel will play a very positive role in this process.
(3) Initially, all young offenders, offering good prognosis, may
be kept in institutions recognized as approved Kishore YuvaSadans or
in semi-open Kishore YuvaSadans. Later, on the basis of their responses
to training and treatment, suitable young offenders should be transferred
to Open Kishore YuvaSadans. Difficult, disciplinary and problem cases,
and escape risks, should be sent to special Kishore/ YuvaSadans. In
due course, after observing their responses to institutional programme,
these young offenders may be transferred to semi-open Kishore
YuvaSadans and later to open Kishore YuvasSadans. By adopting this
approach many young offenders can be spared the bad experience of
living with hardened criminals in closed institutions.
(4) Decisions about placement of young offenders in the
diversified Kishore YuvaSadans should be taken by the classification
committee which may comprise trained and experienced correctional
administrators.
(5) Young offenders should be sent to special Kishore
YuvaSadans as a last resort.
1096. At each institution there should be a Review Board
consisting of the following:
(i) The District Judge - Chairman
(ii) Two Members of the State Legislature
535
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(iii) The Superintendent of Police
(iv) The District Medical Officer/Civil Surgeon/Medical
Superintendent of the Government Hospital.
(v) Two Social Workers interested in the welfare of young
offenders may be providing from NGOs.
(vi) The District Education Officer
(vii) The Prison Welfare Officer
(viii) The Superintendent of the Kishore YuvaSadan Member-
Secretary.
1097. (1) The Review Board should meet once in every two months
to examine the case of each young offender. The Review Board will
review the cases from the point of view of the progress and response
of young offenders. The Review Board must decide the case of every
young offender as to whether it is necessary to continue him under
institutional treatment. In suitable cases, the question of his conditional
release on license should also be examined. The members of the Review
Board should visit the Kishore YuvaSadan to see that the care and
welfare of inmates are properly attended to. In deserving cases, even
such young offenders should be conditionally released on license.
However, a young offender, in whose case prognosis is not favourable,
should be transferred to a suitable prison. Only such young offenders,
as are intractable, violent, psychopaths and hardened or dangerous
criminals, should be transferred to prisons.
(2) The problem of young offenders, who are sentenced to
imprisonment for periods above 5 years, will have to be considered in a
different perspective. In deserving cases, even such young offenders
should be conditionally released on license. However, a young offender,
in whose case prognosis is not favorable, should be transferred to a
suitable prison. Only such young offenders, as are intractable, violent,
psychopaths and hardened or dangerous criminals, should be transferred
to prisons.
(3) Specially selected and adequately trained personnel should
be made available for implementing various programmes for young
offenders.
536
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
1098. Staff Organization.— Based on necessity and requirement
as well as availability the Department of Prisons and Correctional
Services, of qualified staff, the Government will try and setup as a
separate wing should be created under a senior officer of the rank of
Deputy Director of Correctional Services for dealing with the problems
of young offenders. In so far as the work of treatment and training of
young offenders is concerned, he shall work independently. However,
for purposes of co-ordination and integration with other wings of the
Department, he shall be under the control of the Head of the Prisons
Department.
1099. The following staff should be provided at institutions for
young offenders:
(a) Principal.
(b) Senior Vice-Principal.
(c) Vice-Principal.
(d) House Master Grade-I.
(e) House Master Grade-II.
(f) Chief Supervisor.
(g) Senior Supervisor.
(h) Supervisor.
(i) Psychologist.
(j) Psychiatric social workers/case-workers.
(k) Staff for education, physical training, vocational training,
industrial training and agricultural training.
(l) Staff for medical and psychiatric care.
(m) Ministerial, accounts, and other staff.
(n) Security Staff.
1100. House system.— There should be a House system for
institutions for young offenders. Each House should be under the
control and supervision of a House Master. Normally each House should
normally comprise of not more than 40 inmates.
537
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
Note: Suitable age groups of offenders should be organized
within the Houses. As far as possible each House should
have a mixed group.
1101. The House staff should consist of.— House Master, Assistant
House Master and Supervisors. House Master and Assistant House
Masters can be from among Teachers or Vocational Teachers or P.T. and
Game Instructors.
1102. Leaders.— Each House should elect three inmate leaders
every quarter. These leaders should help the administration in matters
like cleanliness, sanitation, distribution of food and in organizing games,
recreational and cultural activities.
Note : The system of house leaders aims at giving the inmate
an opportunity to share responsibility.
1103. House Committees.— Each House should have a House
Committee consisting of House staff members.
This Committee should meet once a week. The functions of this
Committee shall be:-
(a) To study each inmate individually and understand the
various problems presented by him.
(b) To assist and advise the Superintendent and the
Classification Committee in all matters pertaining to the
inmates.
(c) To gauge inmates’ response to training and treatment.
(d) To extend help and guidance to inmates at the individual
level.
(e) To look after the welfare and discipline of inmates.
(f) To associate the inmate leaders with House problems like
sanitation, hygiene, welfare and planning of recreational
and cultural activities.
1104. Education.— (1) Educational need of young offenders must
be adequately met. To this end, prison authorities may collaborate with
'open schools' for developing educational programmes for young
offenders. Special emphasis should be laid on the following aspects in
education of young offenders: -
538
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(a) Physical and health education.
(b) Social and moral education.
(c) Literary education.
(d) Vocational education.
(e) Arts and handicrafts education.
(2) Necessary facilities for the overall educational development
of young person’s should be provided in institutions. The educational
programmes should be so designed that young offenders of various age
groups and intelligence levels can derive benefit from them. For illiterate
and educationally backward young offenders special educational classes
should be organized.
(3) Necessary opportunities for the self-education of young
offenders should be provided in the institutions. Those who have the
requisite capacity and desire to appear at examinations conducted by
the State Education Department or by a University or by any other
recognized institution should be permitted to do so.
1105. Vocational Training.— Special emphasis should be laid on
the vocational training of young offenders in trades suitable for their
rehabilitation in the society.
1106. Cultural Activities.— Special emphasis should be given on
the cultural development of young offenders. Programmes of recreational
nature and cultural activities should be so planned as to suit the needs
of various groups of young offenders. The following activities can be
selected for organizing recreational and cultural programmes: indoor
games, outdoor games, gymnastics, athletics, films, music, community
and folk dances, dramatics arts and crafts, reading, writing, debating,
quiz programmes, sports meet, participation in local tournaments and
matches, excursions and camps, scouting, philately and gardening.
1107. Diet.— Adolescence being the age of growth and
development, proper attention shall be given to provide balanced diet
to such prisoners.
1108. Discipline.— Special emphasis shall be given on the
discipline of young offenders. As far as possible, minor offences should
be dealt with by withdrawal of concessions. When this approach fails,
recourse should be taken to other forms of punishment.
539
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
1109. Work and employment.— (1) Young offender shall be taught
such crafts, skills and vocations, as would be useful to them after
release.
(2) Young offenders may be employed, by rotation, as
assistants in running the institution's essential services like sanitation
and hygiene, kitchen and canteen, laundry and plumbing services. Such
engagements shall aim at imparting vocational training to the inmates
in these areas of work.
1110. Application of rules.— Except in so far as they are
inconsistent with the rules in this chapter, all the rules in these Rules
shall apply to young offenders. An adolescent prisoner or young
offender refusing or neglecting to learn the lessons or to perform the
tasks prescribed shall be held to have committed an offence under
section 45 of the Prisons Act, 1894 (Central Act IX of 1894). Though
section 46 of the Prisons Act, 1894 (Central Act IX of 1894) applies to
such prisoners, reduction of diet shall be avoided in their cases.
1111. Pre-release and release.— (1) Provisions of Chapter-30
(Premature release) should be applied for pre-release preparations and
release of young offenders.
(2) At least a fortnight before a young offender is due for
release, a letter shall be sent to his relatives/friends intimating the date
of his release and asking them to be present at the prison to receive
him after release. As far as possible, young offenders should be handed
over after their release to their relatives, friends or a recognized After-
care Agency. If the Principal of the Institution or Superintendent of Jail
thinks it necessary, the released young offender may be sent to his home
or after-care agency under the care of a Prison Guard or a Supervisor.
1112. Aftercare and Rehabilitation.— After-care facilities should
be extended as per provisions of Chapter 33 (After-care and
Rehabilitation). Special attention should be given to all aspects of
aftercare of young offenders.
1113. Programme and Daily Routine.— Programme and daily
routine should consist of the following:-
(a) Early morning
Preparation for opening.
Unlocking according to conditions of visibility.
540
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
Counting and searching. Leaving the barrack or cell. Toilet.
Prayers and meditation in group.
P.T., drill, individual and group exercises, light Yogasanas, etc.
Morning light meal.
Educational classes. Vocational training.
Bath.
Meal and rest.
(b) Afternoon Work.
Toilet.
Outdoor games or gymnastics.
(c) Evening
Wash.
Evening meal.
Social education.
Newspapers, books, radio, T.V.
Group music, dramatics, educational films and other cultural
activities according to weekly programme for each group.
Group prayers.
Preparation for lock-up.
Searching and counting.
Lock-up.
Note: Agricultural work should preferably be done in the
morning. Inmates engaged in agricultural work should
attend the educational and vocational training classes in
the afternoon. Details of work and education schedules
should be fixed by each institution in accordance with
available facilities.
Programme on Sundays and prison holidays
(a) Morning Toilet, Prayers in group, Morning light meal,
General cleaning of barracks, cells, open spaces, etc.
Cleaning of equipment, Washing clothes, Bath,
Inspection of equipment, Meal and rest.
541
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(b) Afternoon Education films, Group Music, Folk dances,
Dramatics, Newspapers, books, radio, games and TV.,
Toilet.
(c) Evening Wash, Evening meal, Preparation for lockup,
Searching and counting, Lock-up.
Note: (1) Subject to the approval of the Head of the Prisons
Department the Principal/Superintendent is authorised to
make necessary changes in the daily routine/programme
to suit the needs of the institution.
(2) Non-institutional approach should be the main thrust of
the programmes for the treatment of young offenders so
that they are saved from unhealthy experience of
incarceration. Where incarceration is imperative, young
offenders should be exposed for reasonable lengths of
time to programmes of re-education, vocational training,
social adjustment and positive discipline through a
diversified system of Kishore YuvaSadans.
CHAPTER–39
CIVIL PRISONERS
1114. Civil prisoners to form separate category.— Civil prisoners
shall form a separate category for purpose of confinement and they shall
be segregated from the undertrial prisoners and the convicted prisoners.
Mostly they are connected with 125 Cr.Pc.
1115. Application of rules.— No civil prisoners shall be compelled
to work against his will and nothing in Chapter-22(Vocational training
and work programme) applies to such prisoners. The provisions relating
to Dietary, Bedding and Clothing in Chapter-13 (Maintenance of
Prisoners) do not refer to any civil prisoner who is able to supply his
food, clothing and bedding and such of the provisions of Chapter-12
(Daily Prison Routine) as are incompatible with exemption from labour
and prison clothing are similarly inapplicable. With these exceptions,
all the foregoing rules in these Rules shall apply to civil prisoners.
1116. Clothing to be clean.— Civil prisoners who supply their own
clothing and bedding shall be required to dress themselves properly.
Thorough cleanliness shall also be insisted on and the Superintendent
may decline to allow any clothing or bedding to be introduced into the
prison or used until it is, in his opinion, clean.
542
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
1117. Scale of clothing and bedding.— When clothing and
bedding is not provided by a civil prisoner or by the decree-holder, so
much as may be necessary, shall be supplied at Government cost. The
scale of clothing and bedding for a civil prisoner shall be two cotton
clothes or one cotton suit consisting of Pant and coat, one cotton carpet,
one bedsheet and in the cold months, one woolen crumbly.
1118. Disposal of clothing supplied by decree-holder.—
Whenever articles of clothing and bedding are supplied for the use of a
civil prisoner at the cost of the decree holder, the latter shall be given
an opportunity of taking possession of them within one month from the
date of the civil prisoner’s release. If there be no such claim within a
month, they may be sold or destroyed.
1119. Bathing facility.— Civil prisoners shall bathe at such times
as the Superintendent may fix.
1120. Restrictions on supply of food from outside.— The supply
of food to civil prisoners from outside the prison shall be of raw rations
only and shall be subject to the following restrictions, namely:-
(i) It shall be admitted only between such hours after
examination by the Superintendent or by any officer authorized by the
Inspector-General in this behalf and shall be cooked inside the prison
at such places as the Superintendent may prescribe;
(ii) It shall be subject to such restrictions for the prevention of
unnecessary, unsuitable and unduly luxurious articles of food as the
Superintendent may impose;
(iii) No civil prisoner shall be allowed to receive, consume or
use liquor or intoxicating drug unless prescribed by the Medical Officer
on medical grounds.
1121. Supply of food on medical grounds.— If the Medical Officer
recommends on medical grounds, any food which a civil prisoner is
unable to provide, such articles shall be supplied by the Superintendent
at Government cost.
1122. Supply of food by prison.— If any civil prisoner is unable
to provide his own food, he shall receive food in accordance with the
scale laid down for criminal prisoners undergoing imprisonment and the
cost of food so supplied or of food supplied to a civil prisoner whose
subsistence allowance has not been paid and who is detained over a
543
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
Sunday or other holiday shall be debited to dietary charges. Civil
prisoners shall be permitted to cook their own food at such place as the
Superintendent may direct and to use their own cooking, eating and
drinking vessels.
1123. Utilization of charitable donations.— All charitable
donations and bequests of money or other approved articles received
inside the prison for the benefit of civil prisoners shall be distributed
by the Superintendent at his discretion provided that the specific
conditions or directions imposed by the donors shall be observed, if
not contrary to the prison rules; and that article liable to damage by
keeping shall be distributed as soon as possible after receipt.
1124. Provision of books and amenities.— (1) Civil prisoners shall
be allowed the use of books in the prison library and to provide at their
own cost such books and newspapers or to engage in such harmless
indoor games or other means of occupation as the Superintendent
considers unobjectionable.
(2) The rules contained in Chapter-15 (Contact with the Outside
world) which regulate interviews and communication shall apply to the
civil prisoners as well.
1125. Release on grounds of illness.— (1) In accordance with
section 59 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (Central Act V of 1908),
a civil prisoner may be released from prison:-
(i) by the Government on the ground of existence of any
infectious or contagious disease; or
(ii) by the committing Court or any Court to which that Court
is subordinate, on the ground of his suffering from any
serious illness.
(2) The period of imprisonment of a civil prisoner thus released
and rearrested shall not in the aggregate exceed that prescribed in
section 58 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.
(3) If it is desired to move the Government or the Court under
the preceding rule, the Superintendent shall, without delay, forward
direct to Government or to the Court as the circumstances may require,
a report from the Medical Officer showing the nature of the illness of
the civil prisoner and a nominal roll with particulars of the amount of
the decree and the name of the creditor. The orders of Government or
the Court shall then be awaited.
544
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(4) Pending receipt of orders from Government or the Court, the
civil prisoner shall, if suffering from a contagious or infectious disease,
be segregated inside the prison and if the means of segregation within
the prison are not available or the disease is of a particularly infectious
character, he shall be provided with accommodation outside the prison
and such temporary establishment as may be necessary for his custody
and treatment shall be entertained in anticipation of the sanction of the
Government.
(5) In cases of serious illness or where operative skill is
required, the Superintendent may in anticipation of the sanction of the
Civil Court remove such civil prisoners to outside hospital for treatment.
Temporary establishments as indicated in sub-rule (3) may be provided
for the safe custody of the prisoner, in anticipation of the approval of
the Government until orders are passed by the Court concerned. A brief
statement of the case and a certificate as to the necessity for the
transfer shall be furnished to the Government forthwith.
1126. Condition for detention.— No civil prisoner shall be
received into a prison unless the preliminary payment of the monthly
subsistence allowance, cost of conveyance for his journey and feeding
charges during transit from the civil prison to his usual place of residence
according to the rate mentioned in the Court's warrant of committal, has
been made, and no civil prisoner shall be detained when the time-limited
for any subsequent payment lapses without its being duly made.
1127. Transfer from one prison to another.— If for the sake of
convenience, a civil prisoner is, after commitment to the civil prison
appointed under section 55 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 for his
detention, transferred from that prison to another, he shall be released
direct from the prison in which he finds himself at the expiry of the
period of detention. As regards the subsistence allowance and journey
fare for the return journey in such cases, the amount already collected
from the decree-holder for the purpose, and which would have sufficed
had he been released at the original place of detention, shall be utilized
and the balance if any, met by the Government. The escort of the civil
prisoner from one prison to another shall be carried out by the regular
warder establishment.
1128. Scales of subsistence allowance.— (1) The monthly scales
of subsistence allowance for civil prisoners are prescribed by
Government from time to time under section 57 of the Code of Civil
Procedure, 1908.
545
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(2) On medical or other special grounds to be recorded in each
case, the Court may order such increased allowance as it may think fit
and may from time to time cancel or modify such order.
1129. First payment of subsistence allowance.— The first payment
of the monthly subsistence allowance fixed by the Court shall be for
such portion of the current month as remains unexpired when the civil
prisoner is committed to prison. The payment shall be made to the proper
officer of the committing Court and shall be transmitted to the
Superintendent.
1130. Subsequent payment of allowance.— Subsequent payments
of the monthly subsistence allowance shall be paid to the Superintendent
by the detaining creditor by monthly payments in advance before the
first day of each month and each payment shall be the full amount due
for the ensuing month or for as many days less than a month as the
civil prisoner may have to be detained to complete the full period of his
imprisonment. Payment by installments shall not be permitted.
1131. Latest date for payment.— If any monthly payment of the
subsistence allowance is not received by the Superintendent in advance
before the first day of each month and if it is afterwards tendered, it
shall be refused. Every payment shall be made during ordinary business
hours, and money tendered after lock-up or on Sundays or other prison
holidays shall not be received until the next working day.
1132. Release of civil prisoners other than on medical grounds
or by transfer.— Under section 58 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908
a civil prisoner shall be immediately discharged from prison:-
(i) on the amount mentioned in the warrant of committal
being paid to the Superintendent; or
(ii) on the detaining creditor omitting to pay the monthly
subsistence allowance in accordance with the two last
preceding rules; or
(iii) on the term of imprisonment as limited by the same section
being fulfilled; or
(iv) on an order of the Court. Provided that Superintendents
and Deputy Superintendents are not required to accept
payment of the amount mentioned in the warrant of
committal or to release civil prisoners on an order of a
546
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
Court after lock-up or on Sundays or other prison
holidays: Provided further that in the case of the
subsistence allowance paid by a detaining creditor
becoming exhausted on a Sunday or other prison holiday
and not being renewed, the civil prisoner shall not be
released on the preceding day but on the following
Monday or working day, as the case may be.
(2) In case of non-payment of the monthly subsistence
allowance in the prescribed manner, the civil prisoner shall be produced
before the Superintendent on the morning of the first working day of
the month for which the monthly subsistence allowance has not been
duly paid. The Superintendent shall satisfy himself by examining the
entries, in the Civil Prisoners’ Register, by checking those entries with
the entries relating to the civil debtors batter in the cash book and by
questioning the Deputy Superintendent that the monthly subsistence
allowance has not been duly paid and shall then release the civil
prisoner.
1133. Disposal of subsistence allowance.— Each payment of
subsistence allowance shall be entered in the Civil Prisoners' Register
together with the date of receipt. If the civil prisoner supplies his own
food, the amount of subsistence allowance shall be made over to such
persons outside the prison as he may indicate; in other cases, the
allowance shall be paid in daily installments to the civil prisoner who
shall arrange with a Prison officer, deputed for the purpose, to purchase
therewith such articles or raw rations, etc., as he may require.
1134. Disposal of money on release of civil prisoners.— (1) On
the discharge of a civil prisoner, any amount paid to the Superintendent
under clause (i) of the first provision to section 58 of the Code of Civil
Procedure, 1908 shall be forwarded to the committing Court.
(2) The unexpended balance, if any, of the first payment of
subsistence allowance forwarded by the committing Court with the civil
prisoner shall be returned to the Court, but, any balance of subsistence
allowance subsequently received at the prison from the decree-holder
in the suit shall be refunded direct to the said decree-holder.
1135. Escorting.— The duty of escorting civil prisoners to or from
any Civil Court or Family Court.
547
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
CHAPTER–40
POLITICAL PRISONERS
1136. Definition of political prisoners.— (1) Anyone who, for the
purpose of furthering any political cause or for any general public benefit
and not for his personal advantage, contravenes the law and thereby is
detained or is sentenced to imprisonment for an offence without either
instigating or abetting in the commission of any act involving using of
force or violence and without having acted either dishonestly or
fraudulently and without causing loss or damage to any property and
his speech and action have been throughout non-violent shall be called
a political prisoner and classified as a political prisoner.
Explanation:-The expression “dishonestly and fraudulently”
will have the same meaning as is given in sections 24 and 25 of the
Indian Penal Code, 1860.
(2) All such political prisoners, on their conviction, shall be
classified as “A” class prisoners and undertrial political prisoners shall
be placed in “Special Class”.
1137. Classification of convicted political prisoners.— (1) The
High Court, Sessions Judges, Additional Sessions Judges, Assistant
Session Judges, Chief Judicial Magistrates, Subdivisional Judicial
Magistrates, Judicial Magistrates of the First Class (the last two through
the Chief Judicial Magistrates) in cases tried by them originally or in
any other case, the Inspector-General of Prisons shall make the initial
recommendation for classification of convicted political prisoners in
Class ‘A’ to the Government by whom those recommendations shall be
confirmed or reviewed.
(2) Prisoners recommended by Courts for classifications “A”
shall be tentatively treated as belonging to the class recommended till
the orders of Government confirming or reviewing the recommendations
are received.
1138. Classification of undertrial political prisoners.— (1) Courts
shall make the initial recommendation for classification of undertrial
political prisoners in the special class to the Chief Judicial Magistrate
by whom the recommendation shall be approved or reviewed.
548
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(2) Such prisoners recommended for classification in the special
class shall be tentatively treated as belonging to that class until the
orders of the Chief Judicial Magistrate approving or reviewing the
recommendation is received.
(3) Political prisoners not classified on their conviction as “A”
class prisoners and the undertrial prisoners not placed in special class
shall be treated as “B” class prisoners and ordinary class undertrial
prisoners respectively.
1139. Police verification.— Notwithstanding anything contained
in the above rules, the competent authority may before making their
recommendation to Government for classification of prisoners, refer the
cases for report to the appropriate police authorities to assess whether
the prisoner's case falls within the purview of the conditions prescribed
in the rules for classification as such.
1140. Segregation of political prisoners.— The political prisoners
so classified as “A” class prisoners on their conviction and the
undertrial prisoners placed in “Special class” shall be completely
segregated from other prisoners and lodged preferably in a separate
building or in camp prison outside the main prison as a temporary
arrangement, apart from segregating the convicted political prisoners
from the under trials, subject to availability of suitable accommodation.
1141. Treatment.— Political prisoners on their classification as “A”
class prisoners shall be entitled to all privileges accorded by the
Government to that class of prisoners. “Special Class” undertrial political
prisoners shall be treated in the same way as “A” class political
prisoners subject to the rules and orders for the time being in force.
1142. Representation.— Any such prisoner, who desires to make
representation against the classification awarded to him, shall be allowed
to prefer his representation to the appropriate authority.
1143. Application of other rules.— Except in so far as they are
inconsistent with the rules in this Chapter, all the rules in these rules
shall equally apply to the political prisoners, wherever necessary.
549
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
CHAPTER–41
MENTALLY ILL PRISONERS
1144. Definition.— Unless the context otherwise refers to in the
rules under this Chapter, “Medical Officer” means, a Gazetted Medical
Officer in the service of Government and includes a medical practitioner
declared, by a general or special order of the Government under relevant
section of the Mental Health Care Act, 2017 (Central Act 10 of 2017).
1145. Classification of mentally ill prisoners.— (1) Mentally ill
prisoners shall be classified as follows:-
(i) Prisoners incapable of making their defence owing to
unsoundness of mind and detained under sections 328 and 330 of the
Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 pending transfer to psychiatric hospital
or psychiatric nursing home;
(ii) Prisoners who have been tried for a criminal offence and
found to have committed the act alleged but, who have been acquitted
on the ground of having been insane when the act was committed and
who are detained under section 335 of the Code of Criminal Procedure,
1973 either permanently or pending transfer to the psychiatric hospital
or psychiatric nursing home;
(iii) Recovered mentally ill prisoners;
(iv) Prisoners who have become mentally ill after their
conviction and admission to prison;
1146. Procedure to be followed when a prisoner becomes mentally ill.—
(1) If any, convict becomes mentally ill after admission to prison, a report
of his case shall immediately be submitted to the Inspector-General with
a view to the Government being moved to order his removal to the
psychiatric hospital or psychiatric nursing home under section 30 of the
Prisoners Act, 1900. The prisoners with mental illness may, however, be
removed to psychiatric hospital or psychiatric nursing home in
anticipation of the issue of the Government order of removal as soon as
a report as required under sub-section (2) of section of 201 the Mental
Health Care Act, 2017 has been given by the Medical Officer.
(2) The report referred in sub-section (2) of section 201 shall
be accompanied by a Medical Officer or mental health professional’s
assessment history sheet and the documents listed below:-
550
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(i) His/her original warrant or warrants duly endorsed;
(ii) A copy of the committing Court’s judgment, if available,
the order of any appellate Court and of the Government
on any petition made by the prisoner
(iii) A nominal roll;
(iv) His/Her history ticket;
(v) His/Her remission sheet, if any;
(vi) His/Her medical case sheet;
(vii) Duplicate and triplicate lists of all private property
belonging to the prisoner;
(viii) A list of clothing, bedding and other Government
property sent with the prisoner.
(3) This rule will not apply to prisoners under sentence of death
subject to confirmation by the High Court, who becomes mentally ill in
the prison.
1147. Procedure when the alleged mentally ill person is an under
trial.— If, an alleged mentally ill person is an undertrial prisoner, the
Superintendent shall follow the National Human Rights Commission's
directions and at the same time, report the circumstances to the trying
or committing Magistrate for necessary action under section 328 of Code
of Criminal Procedure, 1973. If, the Magistrate orders under section 330
of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 that the person shall be detained
in prison custody, the Superintendent shall inform the Inspector General
and forward to him the necessary documents. Thereupon, the Inspector
General shall move the Government for the issue of an order section 30
of the Prisoners Act, 1900, for the removal of the prisoner to the
Psychiatric Hospital or Psychiatric Nursing Home as soon as
accommodation is available. Pending the availability of such
accommodation in the Psychiatric Hospital or Psychiatric Nursing Home,
the Inspector General shall order the retention of the prisoner in the
prison itself with necessary precautionary measures duly taken to avoid
any untoward incident. In cases of emergency, the Inspector-General
may also order the transfer of the prisoner to the Psychiatric Gospital
or Psychiatric Nursing home in anticipation of Government orders,
provided that accommodation is previously assured by the
Superintendent of the Psychiatric Hospital or Psychiatric Nursing Home.
551
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
1148. Prisoners confined under certain provisions of the Criminal
Procedure Code, 1973.— Prisoners confined under section 330 or 335
of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 shall be dealt with in accordance
with the orders which Government or the Court as the case be, may pass
on their case.
1149. Assessment report under Mental Health Care Act to be sent
to Psychiatric Hospital.— When any prisoner confined under sections
330 and 335 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 is transferred to a
Psychiatric Hospital or Psychiatric Nursing Home, under orders of
Government or of a Court, the Medical Officer’s assessment report as
requiredunder sub-section (2) of section of 201 the Mental Health Care
Act, 2017shall be sent with him, in addition to the other documents, listed
under sub-rule (2) of rule 1146.
1150. Certificate under section 337 of the Criminal Procedure
Code, 1973.— When a prisoner confined in a prison under section 330
of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 is certified to be capable of
making his defence, the prisoner shall be sent, together with the
certificate made under section 337 of the said Code and a medical history
of the case, which shall include information as to his conduct while in
prison, to the Magistrate or Court before whom or which he is to be
tried, in view to the Magistrate or Court appointing a time for inquiry or
trial.
1151. Transfer of a recovered mentally ill prisoner to the Central
Prison.— The Superintendent, Psychiatric Hospital or Psychiatric
Nursing Home, in anticipation of orders of the Government and on prior
intimation to the Inspector General, transfer a recovered mentally ill
prisoner to the Central Prison from where he is sent, to undergo the
unexpired portion of his sentence. Where a recovered mentally ill
prisoner is so transferred from the Psychiatric Hospital or Psychiatric
Nursing Home to a prison, the Superintendent of the Psychiatric Hospital
or Psychiatric Nursing Home will forward to the Superintendent of the
Prison a copy of the recovered mentally ill person’s medical history sheet
together with a statement showing the manner in which he has been
employed in the Psychiatric Hospital or Psychiatric Nursing Home up
to the time of his transfer. The Inspector General shall thereupon move
the Government for their orders in respect of his retransfer, retention
and treatment in prison which includes premature release of such
prisoner on medical grounds on the basis of the recommendation made
by the Superintendent, Psychiatric Hospital or Psychiatric Nursing
Home.
552
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
1152. Relapse of Mental illness.— (1) Where a recovered mentally
ill prisoner undergoing imprisonment in a prison has a relapse of mental
illness, he shall be immediately retransferred to the Psychiatric Hospital
or Psychiatric Nursing Home in anticipation of the orders of the
Government. In such a case, the documents listed under sub-rule (2) of
rule 1146of this rules shall be forwarded with him.
(2) The Superintendent shall forthwith apply through the
Inspector General for the confirmation of his action by the Government.
1153. Employment to be provided on recovery.— A mentally ill
prisoner believed to have recovered shall, if possible, ordinarily be given
some employment with or without wages and with such amount of liberty
as the Superintendent may think safe, in consultation with the Medical
Officer.
1154. Special precautions in confining mentally ill persons.—
(1) Whenever a person is suffering from or is under observation for
insanity, he shall be confined in a cell, and placed under the charge of
a guard both day and night.
(2) The principal warder or Patrolling Officer, for the time being,
on duty, if within easy call or if not, the warder in actual charge shall be
provided with the key of the cell in which the mentally ill person or
person under observation is confined.
(3) On the occurrence of any incident which may lead the sentry
on duty to suspect that the person contemplates suicide or when help
is otherwise needed, such officer shall raise the alarm by blowing his
whistle.
(4) On the arrival of assistance or before if, the circumstances
call for it, the cell door shall be opened and such measures taken as
may appear to be necessary.
(5) The sentry on duty (in case there is more than one person
in his charge) shall keep on the move, visiting each prisoner at short
intervals and shall not leave his beat till properly relieved. If necessary,
from sunset to sunrise, he shall carry a lighted lantern.
(6) As far as circumstances will allow, all insane persons and
those under observation for insanity shall be kept in contiguous cells
near the hospital and under the orders of the Medical Officer, and shall
be allowed only such clothing as, while sufficient in amount for purpose
of health and decency, is least likely to be used for the commission of
suicide.
553
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
1155. Precautions on transfers.— No mentally ill person shall be
transferred to the Psychiatric Hospital or Psychiatric Nursing Home until
the Medical Officer of the prison has examined him and has certified
that he is in a fit state to travel. Every precaution shall be taken by the
Superintendent and Medical Officer to ensure that the mentally ill person
is properly cared for whilst in transit to the Psychiatric Hospital or
Psychiatric Nursing Home.
1156. Clothing on transfer.— The Medical Officer shall see that
the mentally ill person is provided before he is dispatched, with
sufficient clothing, special attention being paid to the covering of the
chest and abdomen, and that, in the cold months of the year, the mentally
ill person is also provided with a cumbly.
1157. Food.— The Superintendent shall see that sufficient food
for mentally ill person’s consumption during the journey is sent with
him or that the escort is provided with sufficient funds to purchase food
and with clear instructions as to what to purchase.
1158. Procedure in case of illness.— The escort shall be distinctly
instructed if, the mentally ill person falls ill or refuses food enroute, he
shall be taken to the nearest hospital for treatment.
1159. Female to accompany female mentally ill person.— Every
female mentally ill person, when sent to the Psychiatric Hospital or
Psychiatric Nursing Home, shall be accompanied by a female warder
attendant or relative, in addition to the usual escort.
1160. Property of mentally ill person.— When a prisoner is sent
to a Psychiatric Hospital or Psychiatric Nursing Home, all property in
the prison belonging to him shall be sent with him and a receipt for the
same obtained.
1161. Half-yearly return.— The Inspector-General of Prisons shall
submit a consolidated return to Government on the mentally ill prisoners
confined in the prisons under sections 330 and 335 of the Code of
Criminal Procedure, 1973 by 1st February and 1st August, respectively,
each year. The names of mentally ill persons dying during the half year
shall be entered in the return, the cause of death being stated. When
no mentally ill person remain in confinement on the above dates, a nil
return shall be submitted.
554
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
1162. Discipline and punishment of mentally ill prisoners.—
(1) A mentally ill prisoner cannot be punished for any act committed by
him, but, such restraints can be imposed as are necessary to prevent
him injuring himself or others or causing inconvenience.
(2) A person who is confined under observation is liable to
prison discipline.
1163. Mentally ill prisoners to be inspected.— The Inspector-General
shall, once in every month, visit a mentally ill prisoner confined in a prison,
in order to assess the state of his mind and make a report thereon to
the authority under whose order such person is confined. If, a prisoner
is confined in a Psychiatric Hospital or Psychiatric Nursing home,
Inspector General of Prisons or visitors or any three of the visitors shall
visit the prisoner at the place where he is confined, once in every three
months, and make a report to the authority under whose order such
person is confined.
CHAPTER–42
LEPERS
1164. Definition of criminal leper ward.— Criminal Leper Ward
for the purpose of these rules shall mean a place allotted in the
Government Leper Hospital or Leper Asylum for the purpose of treatment
and detention of Criminal Leper Prisoners.
1165. Submission of case to Inspector General.— On the admission
to a prison of any convict suffering from leprosy, his nominal roll shall
be submitted to the Inspector-General together with his medical case to
arrange for his transfer to the Criminal Leper Ward.
1166. Order of transfer.— If, the disease is in an advance stage or
is for other reasons it seems advisable, the Inspector-General shall order
the transfer of the convict from the Central Prison to the Criminal Leper
Ward, provided that no such transfer shall be made unless
accommodation is available in the ward.
1167. Segregation of the leper convict.— When a leper convict
received into prison is not transferred to the Criminal Leper Ward or
until he is so transferred, he shall be segregated from all other convicts,
a cell, ward or temporary shed being set apart for this purpose. The
instructions given by the National Human Rights Commission from time
to time regarding treatment of leper prisoners shall be complied with.
555
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
1168. Other precautions.— Any cell or other building occupied
by a leper prisoner shall be thoroughly disinfected and the walls scraped
and whitewashed and the floor if earth, renewed, before it is used for
any other purpose. Clothing and bedding used by a leper prisoner shall
never be re-issued to another prisoner under any circumstances but, they
shall be totally destroyed.
1169. Certain documents to accompany the leper convict.— When
a leper convict is transferred to the Criminal Leper Ward, the following
documents shall be sent with the convict transferred:-
(i) Prisoner’s original warrant or warrants duly endorsed.
(ii) Copy of the convicting Court's judgment (if available), the
order of any Appellate Court and any order of Government on any
petition made by the prisoner.
(iii) Prisoner’s History Ticket.
(iv) Prisoner’s remission sheet (if, he is under Remission
System).
(v) List of all private property belonging to the prisoner.
(vi) List of clothing, bedding and other Government property
sent with the prisoner.
(vii) The prisoner’s medical history.
CHAPTER–43
T.B. AND HIV/AIDS PATIENTS/VIRAL DISEASES
1170. Submission of case to Inspector-General.— On the
admission to a prison of any convict suffering from T.B or HIV/AIDS/
other viral disease or any convict found to be suffering from T.B or HIV/
AIDS after admission to the prison, his nominal roll shall be submitted
to the Inspector-General together with his medical case, which shall state
among other things whether the disease is in an advanced stage or not
and whether the Medical officer recommends his transfer to the T.B.
Hospital or Government General Hospital, in the case of HIV/AIDS/other
viral disease patients.
1171. Order of transfer.— The Inspector-General shall order the
transfer of the T.B. convict from the Central Prison to the T.B. Hospital
or Government General Hospital, in the case of HIV/AIDS/other viral
disease convicts.
556
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
1172. Transfer in urgent cases.— If, the disease is in an advanced
stage and the Superintendent of the Central Prison considers the transfer
of the patient immediately to the T.B Hospital or Government General
Hospital, as the case may be, he may do so, subject to ratification of
the action from the Inspector-General of Prisons.
1173. Documents to accompany the T.B or HIV/AIDS/other viral
disease convict.— When a T.B or HIV/AIDS /other viral disease convict
is transferred to the Hospital, the following documents shall be sent with
the convict transferred:-
(i) prisoner’s original warrant or warrants duly endorsed.
(ii) copy of the convicting Court’s judgment (if available), the
order of any Appellate Court and any order of Government on any
petition made by the prisoner.
(iii) prisoner’s History Ticket.
(iv) prisoner’s remission sheet (if, he is under Remission
System).
(v) list of all private property belonging to the prisoner.
(vi) list of clothing, bedding and other Government property
sent with the prisoner.
(vii) the prisoner’s medical history.
1174. Segregation of the T.B or HIV/AIDS/Other Viral Disease
convict.— When a T.B convict or HIV/AIDS/other viral disease convict
in a Central Prison is not transferred to Criminal T.B. Ward or HIV/AIDS/
other viral disease Ward, until he is so transferred, he shall be
segregated from all other convicts, a cell, ward or temporary shed being
set apart for this purpose.
1175. Other precautions.— Any cell or other building occupied
by a T.B prisoner or HIV/AIDS/other viral disease prisoner shall be
thoroughly disinfected, the walls scraped and white washed and the floor
if earth, renewed before it is used for any other purpose. Clothing and
bedding used by a T.B patient or HIV/AIDS/other viral disease patient
shall never be re-issued but, shall be destroyed.
557
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
CHAPTER–44
PROCUREMENT OF RATIONS
1176. Ration required for Prison to be raised on Prison
Ground.— As far as possible, the rations required for prisoners shall be
raised on prison ground and prepared by prison labour.
1177. Method of procuring rations from outside.— (1) Ration
articles, other than those raised on prison ground, shall be purchased
by the auction system, by calling for tenders through public
advertisement, unless it is otherwise ordered by Government.
2 (i) In all cases in which a contract is made for the supply of
articles of rations, it shall be in the prescribed form and sealed samples
showing the quality of the articles to be supplied shall be annexed to
the tender and the agreement as well.
(ii) Whenever practicable and advantageous, contracts shall
be placed only after tenders have been openly invited,
and in cases where the lowest tender is not accepted,
reasons shall be recorded.
(3) In selecting the tender to be accepted, the financial status
of the individuals and firms tendering must be taken into consideration
in addition to all other relevant factors.
(4) Even in cases where a formal written contract is not made,
no order for supplies shall be placed without at least a written agreement
as to price.
(5) The contractor shall be required to deposit a sum of money
equal to 10 per cent of the total value of the contract as security for its
due fulfillment.
(6) The security amount shall be deposited in such manner as
the Government may direct.
1178. Notice inviting tenders for dietary articles.— In the month
of February, notice will be published in the e-tenders for the supply of
articles of diet required for the prison for the ensuing financial year as
far as possible the tenders may call for through online..
1179. Recommendation of tenders.— The tenders will be opened
by the committee consisting of:-
558
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
• Inspector-General of Prisons being the chairman and to other
officers of this Administration as approved by the Chief Secretary, the
date fixed in the notice and the tender's chosen will be recommended to
the Government for acceptance.
1180. Acceptance of tenders and execution of agreement thereof.—
Those whose tenders are accepted shall be notified of the acceptance
and they shall within ten days of the notice of acceptance of the tender
make the required deposit and execute an agreement binding them to
fulfill the terms of the contract.
1181. Procedure on dealer’s default.— (1) If a dealer, whose offer
has been accepted, fails to supply the article in accordance with the
terms agreed on, the article shall be purchased in the open market at
the prevailing market rates at the risk of the defaulting dealer, who shall
be liable for any difference between the price which he offered and that
ultimately obtained. To render a defaulting dealer responsible for the
purchase of the articles which he has failed to supply, the purchase must
be made in the open market, and the sum for which he is liable shall be
the difference between the price at which he agreed to supply and that
prevailing in the open market at the time his supply should have been
made.
(2) The terms and conditions of the contract if any, shall always
be invoked to deal with a contractor in the case of his failure to execute
the contract as entered into.
1182. Resale of contract on his responsibility.— It is further open
to Inspector-General of Prisons to cancel of the unfulfilled portion of
the contract and hold the defaulter responsible for any losses which
may arise from a resale of contract either by public auction or private
arrangement at the discretion of the Superintendent of Jail. The
defaulting contractor will not, however, be entitled to any profits arising
from such resale. It is further open to Inspector General of Prisons to
cancel of the unfulfilled portion of the contract and hold the defaulter
responsible for any losses which may arise from a resale of contract
either by public auction or private arrangement at the discretion of the
Superintendent of Jail. The defaulting contractor will not, however, be
entitled to any profits arising from such resale.
559
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
1183. Allowance of wastage permitted.— Percentage of wastage
allowed for various ration articles shall be as follows:-
Sl.
Articles
Percentage of wastage (%)
No.
(1)
(2)
(3)
1
Rice
3
2
Dhall
4
3
Dhalgram
2
4
Bangalgram
2
5
Groundnut kernals
1
6
Pottukadalai
1
7
Garlic
5
8
Cumin seeds
2
9
Mustard
2
10
Pepper
2
11
Tamarind
10
12
Vegetables
10
13
Potato
10
14
Onion
7
15
Wheat
10
16
Green firewood
33 ½
17
Dry firewood
10
1184. Action if wastage is found excess.— If wastages are noticed
in cleaning and drying the articles to be in excess than the percentage
allowed in the last preceding rule, the Superintendent shall arrange to
get from the contractor the quantity of articles found and calculated to
be excess wastage or pass the bill for payment disallowing the amount
or value of articles so found and calculated to be excess wastage.
560
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
CHAPTER–45
PRISON GARDEN
1185. Raising crops in the prison land.— As far as possible, the
rations required for the prisoners shall be raised on prison grounds.
If it is not possible, reasons shall be recorded and next preference shall
be given to such of the crops grown in the surrounding area and those
crops shall be raised on the prison grounds.
1186. Garden to supply all vegetables.— In particular, vegetables
required for prisoner’s consumption shall be grown in the prison garden,
and the Deputy Superintendent or the Assistant Superintendent if, he
is in charge of the garden shall be responsible that this is done. The
aim shall be to utilize the available prison gardens to the best advantage
to grow more vegetables and to avoid purchase of vegetables from
outside. When it is not achieved, the explanation for the failure shall be
recorded by the Deputy Superintendent in his report book and submitted
to the Superintendent. An extract of it shall also be sent to the Inspector-
General of Prisons.
1187. Cultivation of garden.— The prison garden shall be kept
clean, free from weeds and under growth, and as far as possible under
cultivation. It shall be enclosed by thick hedge, preferably of aloes or a
high wall sufficient to prevent prisoners from seeing over and to hinder
escapes.
1188. Charge of garden.— An Officer not below the rank of
a Principal Warder who knows gardening shall be placed in immediate
charge of the gardens and may be specially recruited for the purpose if,
otherwise qualified.
1189. Whole land shall be brought under cultivation.— Whole
of the prison land between the outer and inner walls as well as the
outside the prison walls that may available for cultivation shall be
cultivated to the best advantage.
1190. Utilization of all prison lands.— All spare lands shall also
be utilized for growing grain, fodder for the cattle or the fuel or such
other crops suitable for cultivation. No prison lands shall be left
unutilized unless it is incapable of being put to any use.
561
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
1191. Employment of prisoners.— The number of prisoners
employed for the cultivation of vegetables and condiments for prison
use shall not exceed ten per cent of the total average strength. If, more
are employed, the Deputy Superintendent shall be required to show a
reasonable profit by the sale of vegetables in relation to the number of
prisoners employed in excess of ten percent.
1192. Water supply to garden.— All available sources of water
supply in prison gardens shall be utilized to the extent necessary. The
main irrigation channels shall be built of stone or brick and leakages
shall be promptly repaired. It is responsibility of the Deputy
Superintendent and the Superintendent to take necessary steps to install
bore wells wherever necessary. It shall be a continuous process to bring
it to the notice of the Inspector-General all such place fit for cultivation
and to submit suitable proposals to facilitate regular water supply in all
parts of the prison lands and till all such lands are brought under
cultivation.
1193. Planting of tamarind and moringa trees.— Tamarind and
moringa trees shall be planted inside the prison, if, space is available,
and on the prison grounds.
1194. Nursery.— The nursery shall be located on the best land
which is not likely to remain damp or water logged. It shall be within a
reasonable distance from the source of water and shall be hedged from
the rest of cultivation.
1195. Adoption of improved methods.— As far as possible,
improved methods of cultivation shall be adopted and the use of modern
tools and implements encouraged in all prisons.
1196. Advice of Agriculture Department to be obtained.— For
eradicating plant diseases and use of insecticide and other matters
connected with gardening and farming, the advice of the authorities of
Agriculture Department shall be obtained by the Superintendent.
1197. Maintenance of prison lands and accounting procedure for
the crops cultivated therein.— All available lands shall be laid out into
plots of convenient size which shall be serially numbered. There shall
be a Garden and Plot Register with not less than two pages duly allotted
to each plot. The details of each plot such as its area, the date of sowing,
quantity of seeds utilized, progress in the growth and total quantity
harvested shall find place in its page so as to assess the position at a
562
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
glance. Such details shall be recorded as and when the new crops are
sown in every season. Deputy Superintendent shall periodically visit
the prison gardens and an assessment shall be made on the exceeded
yield which shall be recorded in the Deputy Superintendent's report
book. The vegetables and grains which are grown in the garden shall
be properly accounted for in the Garden and Plot register before they
are handed over to the Assistant Superintendent where it shall be
brought on into Ration Stock Register for issues to prisoners. The
Deputy Superintendent shall satisfy himself that all the quantities grown
in the lands are brought into stock. Proper precautions shall always be
taken against loss or misuse and a responsible Officer shall always be
present at the time of harvest. If, there is any short fall in the output,
the Deputy Superintendent shall record the reasons for himself in his
report book and submit it to the Superintendent. The Superintendent
shall also visit the garden once in a week and record the fact in his
journal.
1198. Storage of seeds.— The Superintendent shall see that seeds
are gathered for future use from fully developed, disease free and
properly maintained plants. Before storing them in air tight in cases or
bottles, they shall be dried in the shades for three or more days as may
be necessary.
1199. Duty of the prison staff.— It is the duty of the Superintendent
and others concerned not merely to observe complete integrity in matters
specified in this chapter, but also to be constantly watchful to see that
the best possible value is obtained for all the expenditure incurred and
to guard scrupulously against every kind of wasteful expenditure.
1200. Debiting of expenditure.— Expenditure on the garden shall
be debited to other charges of the Budget Allotment for the prisons.
CHAPTER–46
MANUFACTURING DEPARTMENT
1201. Manufactory to be kept separate.— The manufacturing
department in the prison shall be distinct from the general department
and with distinct registers, accounts and returns. Neither manufactory
receipts nor charges shall be entered in the General Cash book.
563
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
1202. Separate permanent advance.— Separate permanent
advance shall be sanctioned to, by the Government for the purpose of
meeting expenditure such as purchase of raw- materials and to cover
the incidental expenditure of the manufacturing department.
1203. Drawal of advance.— Large payments which cannot be met
from the permanent advance shall be met by funds drawn on advance
bills with previous sanction of the proper authority and the vouchers
shall be submitted to the Director of Accounts and Treasuries soon after
payments are made.
1204. Officer in-charge.— The Inspector-General of Prisons shall
entrust the charge of the manufacturing department to any official. Such
official shall be under the control and supervision of the Superintendent.
1205. Duties of the official in-charge of manufacturing
department.— The official in-charge of the manufacturing department
shall be responsible for the proper maintenance of all registers and
accounts connected with the manufacturing department.
1206. Duties of store-keeper.— In every prison, the raw materials
required for manufactures, manufactured articles and all books and
accounts relating to this department shall be in the custody of the
Store-keeper in charge of stores who may have one or more Assistants
to assist him.
1207. Duties of Cashier.— An official who is performing duties of
cashier in the prison is also responsible for the cash transaction of the
manufacturing department.
1208. Separate Cash Book.— The cashier shall maintain a separate
and distinct cash book for the manufacturing department. All money and
financial transaction pertaining to manufacturing department shall be
recorded in this cash book.
1209. Purchase of stores.— (1) The Chief Superintendent of Jails
may incur expenditure in the purchase of stores including raw materials
up to the financial limits delegated to him under the rules in force from
to time, up to the budget allotment. Sanction of the Inspector General
of Prisons or the Government, as the case may be, shall be obtained
wherever the financial limits of the Chief Superintendent of Jails exceeds.
564
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
Explanation:- (i) Stocking of finished materials shall not be
criterion for the purchase of raw materials.
(ii) If, the orders for the supply of prison-made articles are
not encouraging in view of the rising competition for
such supplies, the Superintendent shall restrict the
production to the level of keeping the prisoners engaged
and imparting them intensive training with the available
technical staff. Such contingencies shall always be
reported to the Inspector-General for his orders.
(iii) The source of purchase as prescribed by the Government
or Inspector-General of Prisons shall always be adhered
to, when it is found to be economical.
(2) The Chief Superintendent of Jails shall purchase all stores,
including raw materials, machinery and equipments for the manufacturing
department. All purchases shall be made, after full inquiry, in the market
where the prices are found to be cheapest as far as practicable. In the
case of large purchases, tender shall be called for or a letter of enquiry
shall be addressed to the producing firms. Frequent petty purchases shall
as a rule be avoided. Sufficient stocks shall be purchased at the cheapest
seasons and generally the transactions shall be carried on in a business
like manner. It shall be ensured that unnecessary accumulation of stock
is avoided.
(3) The Inspector-General of Prisons shall invite tenders for the
supply of raw materials and the like required for the manufactory
sections of the Prisons by public advertisement or otherwise. Contracts
shall be made in the prescribed form and sealed samples of the articles
to be supplied shall be annexed to the agreement.
1210. Purchase Committee.— When the Chief Superintendent
could not assess the quality and standard of the materials to be
purchased; he shall act according to the advice and the
recommendations of the Stores Purchase Committee.
1211. Constitution of the Store Purchase Committee.— The
Government will constitute the Store Purchase Committee consisting of
the following:-
565
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(i) Chief Superintendent of Jails
. . Chairman
(ii) One Stores Superintendent,
. . Member
as nominated by Government
(iii) Assistant Director of Industries Department
. . Member
(iv) One local non-official of good standing,
. . Member
who has got good exposure in the materials to
be purchased, as nominated by Government
(v) Superintendent of Jail
. . Secretary
1212. Meeting of the purchase Committee.— The Chief
Superintendent of Jails shall convene the meeting of the Store Purchase
Committee as and when he requires the advice of the Committee for the
purchase of stores. The quorum for this Committee shall be three
members.
1213. Chief Superintendent of Jails to sanction purchase.—
Whenever the purchase of raw materials becomes necessary, the
Store-keeper shall obtain the sanction of the Chief Superintendent of
Jails. On receipt of such sanction, the articles shall be indented for and
passed by the Superintendent. Raw materials when received in the
manufactory shall be carefully inspected by the Deputy Superintendent
in the presence of the Store-keeper and then passed over to the
Store-keeper who will then be responsible for the stock and its issue
and maintenance of accounts.
1214. Examination of raw materials.— Raw materials received into
prison shall be examined by the Deputy Superintendent before being
handed over to the Store-keeper concerned who shall be jointly
responsible with the Deputy Superintendent that their quality and
quantity are correct.
1215. Record of raw material.— When raw materials are taken over
by the store-keeper, he shall enter it at once in the stock book of raw
materials. Before payment is made for materials received, the Chief
Superintendent shall satisfy himself that it has been brought to account
in the stock book and that the price charged corresponds with the rate
entered therein.
566
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
1216. Issue of raw material.— (1) All raw materials shall be issued
from stores on an indent signed by the Officer in-charge of the workshop
where the raw materials are required and countersigned by the Deputy
Superintendent. These indents shall be the Store-keeper’s voucher for
issue and shall be retained by him and carefully filed.
(2) The cloth for stitching garments by the Tailoring Workshops
shall be issued both in terms of length and weight.
(3) Indents for raw materials shall be made daily, if necessary,
or at short intervals as required and only materials required for the
completion of each item shall be issued from the stores.
1217. Indent form.— Indents shall be bound together in books of
a certain number, which shall be noted on the cover. Each indent and
counterfoil shall bear a serial number, and the counterfoils shall be
carefully preserved by the Officer in-charge of the workshop.
1218. Entry in stock book.— Wherever raw materials are issued,
the Store-keeper shall enter the details in the appropriate columns of
the stock-book of raw materials and shall strike the balance off the stock
remaining.
1219. Deputy Superintendent to examine articles manufactured.—
The manufactured articles completed each day shall, before they are
delivered to the Store-keeper, be examined by the Deputy Superintendent
who shall be responsible that they are of good workmanship and up to
the sample, if any, or the required standard, as the case may be. If, there
is any defect, the Deputy Superintendent shall bring it to the notice of
the Superintendent, who shall enforce responsibility against the Officer
in-charge of the workshop.
1220. Record of manufactured articles.— As manufactured articles
are received back from the workshops by the Store-keeper, he shall enter
the quantity, weight or number of articles so received from time to time
on the right hand portion of the indent, until the whole of the raw
materials issued is accounted for, and the indent fully satisfied. It may
not be possible to ensure that the manufactured articles thus entered
as a set off against raw materials issued, have been made with that
identical issue, but, if raw materials are thus regularly accounted for, it
shall be easy to check the outstanding balance in the workshops and
the number of indents not satisfied.
567
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
1221. Record of issue of manufactures.— All sales or issues of
manufactured articles shall be entered in the appropriate columns of the
stock book. They shall also be entered in day-books of realizations.
1222. Weekly check by Superintendent.— Once a week or oftener,
the Superintendent shall check all indents and their counterfoils with
the entries in the Stock-book of raw materials and shall satisfy himself
that all issues have been made only on a countersigned indent and a
corresponding counterfoil. At the same time, he shall check the entries
of manufactured articles on the right hand portion of the indents with
those in the stock book of manufactured articles and satisfy himself that
they correspond. He shall also satisfy himself that the issues of raw
materials are accounted for by the entries of manufactured articles and
shall initial the books in token of having checked them as prescribed.
1223. Superintendent’s monthly check up of materials in workshops.—
At the end of each month, the Store-keeper shall make out a list of all
indents of raw materials which have not yet been satisfied by the receipts
of manufactured articles. This list shall, after being checked by the
Deputy Superintendent to see that it is correct and complete, be
submitted to the Superintendent who shall satisfy himself by personal
verification of the stock of raw materials in the workshops that there is
sufficient material to satisfy the indents. He shall also see that no undue
delay occurs in the completion of the manufactured articles for which
raw materials have been issued.
1224. Register of orders.— The Store-keeper shall maintain a
Register of Orders for Execution in the Manufactory Department in which
shall be recorded all orders including articles to be manufactured for
stock. The Superintendent shall examine this Register once in a fortnight
and shall satisfy himself that no undue delay occurs in the execution of
orders and that they are carried out as far as possible in the order in
which they are received or booked.
1225. Agreement upon sample.— The contract for the supply of
articles to a Government Department shall be entered into only after the
approval of the samples of the articles and acceptance of the rates.
1226. Fixation of price of manufactured articles.— The cost of
the manufactured articles in prisons shall be arrived at as follows:-
(1) In the case of articles the manufacture of which requires no
elaborate machinery, the cost shall include-
568
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(a) The cost of raw materials (to be fixed at the nearest round
figure on the 1st April and only to be revised when the
replacement value varies by ten per cent) inclusive of
allowance for waste and incidental charges;
(b) Five per cent of the cost of raw materials for depreciation
on account of plant and renewals, which may be reduced
by the Inspector-General in individual cases do not less
than two and a half per cent for special reasons to be
recorded by him. Plant shall include any transport or
share of transport used for collection of raw materials;
(c) Value of convict labour per head for skilled, semi-skilled
and unskilled worked out at the rate to be fixed by the
Inspector-General of Prisons with the approval of
Government.
(2) In the case of articles manufactured by power driven
machinery, the cost shall include-
(a) Cost of raw materials issued (to be fixed at the nearest
round figure on the last April and only to be revised when
the replacement value varies by ten per cent);
(b) Cost of convict labour per head for skilled, semi-skilled
and unskilled worked out at the rate to be fixed by the
Inspector-General of Prisons with the approval of
Government;
(c) Supervision charges to cover the cost of staff directly
employed in the industry and proportionate charge of pay
and allowance of Store-keeper and any other staff who
are solely employed for the Manufactory Department;
(d) Store charges to cover running expenses, power and
office expenses;
(e) Wear and tear to cover the cost of depreciation of
machinery, shall be charged at five per cent of the cost
of raw materials in respect of all the machineries;
(f) Depreciation at two per cent on the value of buildings
which have been specially erected for the industry.
569
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(3) The price of an article originally fixed shall not be altered if,
some raw materials issued for its manufacture are returned as unused
provided that the difference between the price fixed in the first instance
and the actual price arrived at after taking into account the cost of raw
materials actually used does not exceed five per cent.
1227. Percentage on account of profit.— (1) The sale price of
prison-made articles shall be fixed by adding a percentage to the cost
of production, as defined in the preceding rule, on account of profit.
The percentage to be added to the cost of production to arrive at the
sale price shall be-
(a) Ten per cent of the cost of raw materials and labour in
the case of articles supplied to State and Central
Government Departments, including Prison Department,
Local Bodies, Boards and Corporations;
(b) Fifteen per cent of the cost of raw materials and labour
in the case of articles supplied to private parties.
(2) In the event of dispute as to the price of articles supplied
to the Departments of Government, the decision of an Expert Officer of
the Department of Industries nominated by its Director shall be final.
1228. Revision of price fixed.— If, on account of long storage or
for any other cause, it is found necessary to revise the sale price of an
article once fixed in accordance with the preceding rule, the
Superintendent shall submit a report to the Inspector-General explaining
fully the reasons for the revision and obtain his sanction for the disposal
of the articles at the revised price.
1229. Entry of receipts.— (1) All receipts shall be divided into two
classes, namely, those received in cash and those received by book
adjustment.
(2) Payments for work done or articles supplied by the Prison
for Government Department shall be credited to Prison Account by book
adjustment.
(3) Every sum received in cash on account of the Manufactory
Department shall be entered at once in the Day-book of realizations. This
amount shall be remitted into the bank through chalan with least possible
delay noting the appropriate head of account to which the money is to
be credited.
570
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
1230. Head of Account to be credited.— All receipts shall be
credited under budget head “Miscellaneous Jail receipts”.
1231. Payments to be receipted.— On the payment of any sum due
to the manufactory, receipt signed by the Superintendent or Deputy
Superintendent shall be given or sent to the person making payment.
This form shall be bound in books of 50 forms each, in triplicate one
below the other and machine numbered.
1232. Pass for articles removed from prison.— No manufactured
articles shall be sold or removed from the prison except on a pass
(printed and serially numbered) initialed by the Superintendent and
Deputy Superintendent. In urgent cases, the Deputy Superintendent's
initials alone suffice, but, the pass shall be subsequently submitted to
the Superintendent for his initials at the first opportunity. The pass shall
be presented at the gate to the Gate-keeper who shall thereupon permit
the articles in question to be taken out and shall retain the pass as a
voucher. The Store-keeper shall prepare the pass to accompany all
articles issuing from the Manufacturing Department which are to leave
the prison and shall post the entries at the same time in the Day Book
of Realizations. These entries shall be daily verified by the
Superintendent by comparison with the gate passes, and the initials of
the verifying officer appended in token of the correctness of the entries.
1233. Stock verification.— (1) At the close of each year, the
Superintendent shall check the stock of manufacturing plant and raw
materials and shall satisfy himself that the stock and cash accounts are
correct in every respect.
(2) Before stock staking, all issues of raw materials shall be
stopped and the materials already in the workshops shall be worked up
and the manufactured articles brought into store for inclusion in the
stock taking. Any materials remaining in the works sheds at the end of
the year shall be brought into store and accounted for in the stock-books
before the annual accounts are closed.
(3) After stock-taking, any depreciation in the value of raw
materials of manufactured articles or loss from any cause, shall be
reported to Inspector-General with particulars of the circumstances and
the value of the articles.
571
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(4) After stock-taking, a statement of return shall be submitted
to the Inspector-General showing all old stores of raw materials and
manufactured articles remaining in stock for over a year with their
quantities, numbers, values, dates of purchase or manufacture and
reasons for accumulation. A copy of this statement together with the
orders passed by the Inspector-General shall be produced before the
auditors for scrutiny.
1234. Stock book of Manufactory Plant.— A stock book of
Manufacturing Plants shall be maintained and an annual return of the
Manufacturing Plants shall be submitted to the Government.
CHAPTER–47
ARMS AND AMMUNITION
1235. Executive force to be provided with arms and ammunitions.—
All the members of the executive force from the rank of warder shall be
provided with sufficient numbers of arms and ammunitions according
to the scales to be fixed by the Inspector-General of Prisons.
1236. Type of arms to be provided.— The Deputy Superintendent
and Assistant Superintendents shall be provided with 0.9 mm. Pistol or
380 Revolvers and all other members of the executive force below the
rank of Assistant Superintendent shall be provided with self loading
Riffle.
1237. Indent for arms and ammunition.— (1) A consolidated indent
for arms, ammunition, accoutrements, component parts, lubricant
materials, etc., required for the Prison Department shall be placed with
the Inspector-General of Police, Puducherry.
(2) The Inspector-General of Police shall arrange to supply the
required quantities of arms and ammunition either from the Police
Magazine or by indenting separately.
1238. Expenditure.— The cost of arms and ammunitions so
supplied by the Police Department shall be met out of the budget
allocation of the Prison Department through book adjustment.
1239. Defects to be reported.— Any defects noted in the arms and
ammunitions supplied or stored at the time of receipt or subsequently,
shall be immediately brought to the notice of the Inspector-General of
Police, who shall arrange to depute a Police Officer to rectify or remedy
the defects or make arrangements for the withdrawal and replacement
of the defective arms and ammunitions.
572
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
1240. Inspection of arms and ammunitions.— (1) The Inspector-General
of Police shall arrange to depute a Police Officer periodically for the
inspection of the arms and ammunitions of the Prison Department for
every 2 years.
(2) The inspecting Police Officer shall examine all the arms and
ammunitions and shall submit his observations and recommendations
to the Inspector-General of Police and the Superintendent of Jail.
1241. Custody of Arms.— The concerned Assistant Superintendent
will be responsible to make sure that arms are never left within the reach
of prisoners. All necessary arms when not in use will be kept in the Bell
of Arms. The approach to the guard room / Bell of Arms will be from
outside the main gate.
1242. Custody and charge of Arms.— (1) All arms and ammunitions
shall be under the custody of the Assistant Superintendent or Deputy
Superintendent.
(2) He shall be responsible for the proper maintenance, storage
and issues of all arms and ammunitions. He shall maintain a register of
ammunition.
(3) He shall once a week verify and examine all the arms and
ammunitions and report to the Superintendent of Jail.
1243. Storage of arms and ammunitions.— (1) Where no proper
storehouse is available, small arm cartridges may be stored in any
substantially constructed building or in any room, cupboard or other
compartment in such a building, provided that the following conditions
are fulfilled:-
(i) The ‘lock-up’ must be free from easily inflammable
material, and must be subject to no undue risk of fire:
Provided that these conditions are fulfilled, it is not
necessary that the ‘lock-up’ should be detached from
other buildings.
(ii) The building must be weather-proof and be kept dry;
(iii) The ‘lock-up’ must be in-charge of a responsible person,
be kept scrupulously clean and devoted exclusively to
such storage;
573
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(iv) The safe custody of the ammunition must be provided
for at all times and Superintendent of Jail will be
responsible that the places selected are suitable in all the
above respects.
(2) Boxes containing ammunition will be raised atleast 6 inches
from the floor by means of battens or other suitable supports.
(3) The boxes should be arranged according to date of
manufacture and stacked headers and stretchers; each stack to be a few
inches away from the neighbouring stack. Boxes must be stored away
from the wall.
(4) To prevent deterioration of ammunition, care must be taken
to exclude damp from the place of storage and the minimum number of
boxes only opened at one time; loose ammunition must be kept at a
minimum.
(5) The oldest date of ammunition in the store must always be
used first for expenditure. Where ammunition must be held loose, ready
for use, it should, as far as possible, be of the latest date of manufacture
available. This means that ammunition for practice, etc., should always
be taken from that held loose and replaced by new ammunition from the
Central Store.
(6) Loose ammunition referred to above should be turned over
at least once annually and replaced by new ammunition from sealed box,
with the old ammunition being expended at the earliest opportunity
1244. Securing self-loading riffles.— All self-loading riffles
belonging to Guarding/Warder Establishment will be secured to the arms
rack by means of chain running through the trigger guards and fastened
on to the stand by staples and pad-locks.
1245. Custody of articles facilitating escape.— The Deputy
Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent and guards shall be
responsible to ensure that no ladders, planks, bamboos and ropes, which
are likely to facilitate escape, are left lying about. If, such materials are
to be taken inside for use, these will be properly escorted and will be
sent out of the prison after use. Every warder in-charge of a workshop
will be responsible to see that all such articles are properly secured and
put away when work ceases and give a certificate to that effect in the
lock-up register.
574
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
1246. Transport of Arms and ammunition.— (1) All consignments
of arms and ammunition sent by any means of transport shall be put in
sealed boxes and escorted by an appropriate armed guard. It shall be
the duty of the escort to guard the arms and ammunition against any
contingency.
(2) When the arms of the Prison Department are to be
dispatched to stations outside the Union Territory for repairs, they shall
be entrusted to the Police Department. A police party shall escort these
arms along with the arms of the Police Department, if any. When there
are no arms of the Police Department to be escorted and a Police party
has to be provided exclusively for escorting the arms of the Prison
Department, the expenditure incurred in connection with the journey of
the escort shall be borne by the Prison Department.
1247. Security of Locks and Bars.— (1) All locks and bars and
other fastenings must be regularly checked by the warder in-charge and
a report to the effect must be given to the Assistant Superintendent or
Deputy Superintendent.
(2) All duplicate keys for the locks must be kept in a sealed
box under the custody of the concerned Deputy Superintendent. No keys
should be left behind unaccounted for and no prisoner will have any
access to the prison keys. All the block keys when not in use must be
kept in an almirah or key box at the gate or at the tower in the custody
of the Gate-keeper or Principal Warder, as the case may be.
(3) Every prison shall be equipped with a generator with an
automatic switch so that if power fails, the generator automatically
switches on and all security gadgets will function without any
interruption.
1248. Dynamic Security.— Prisons shall be run on the basis of
dynamic security. Dynamic security depends on the use of alternative
methods for which interaction with prisoners will be a pre-requisite to
make them aware of what is going on and to ensure them that they are
being kept in safe and humane environment. It is not only means of
preventing escape but, also maintaining constructive relations with
prisoners. The staff will also be made to understand that security not
merely implies guarding the wall and fence and electronic surveillance,
but, also action engendering a sense of protection and mutual trust.
575
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
1249. Use of Weapons against Prisoners.— (1) Any Officer or
Member of the guarding staff, of a prison may use bayonet or any other
weapon, against any prisoner when he is found to be:-
(a) Escaping or attempting to escape if, the officer or member
of the guarding staff has responsible ground to believe
that he cannot otherwise prevent the escape;
(b) Engaged in any outbreak or attempt to force or break
open the outer gate or enclosure wall of the prison
individually or collectively, provided that he may use the
weapon only if such an outbreak or attempt continues;
(c) Using violence against officers of the prison or other
persons, provided that there is reasonable ground to
believe that the officer of the prison or any other person
is in danger of loss of life or limb or that serious injury
is likely to be caused to such officer/person.
(2) Before using firearms against prisoner, the officer or the
member of the guarding staff, shall give a loud and clear warning to the
prisoner that he is about to fire on him.
(3) No officer of the prison shall use arms of any sort against
a prisoner in the presence of his Superior Officer, except under the orders
of such a Superior Officer or if it is in self-defence.
(4) In all cases requiring the use of force only minimum force,
in the given circumstance, shall be used.
CHAPTER–48
REGISTERS AND RECORDS
1250. Registers and forms.— The important registers and forms
required to be maintained in the Prison under the Act and Rules are:-
(1) Register of convicted prisoners
(2) Register of under trial prisoners
(3) Register of civil prisoners
(4) Visitors Book
(5) Superintendents Journal
576
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(6) Medical Officers Journal
(7) Report Book
(8) Superintendents Order book
(9) Prisoners property register
(10) Prisoners cash property Register
(11) Prisoners entry and exit Register
(12) Prisoners punishment book
(13) Fetters Register
(14) Lock up Register
(15) History ticket
(16) Remission card
(17) Nominal roll of under trial prisoners
(18) Registers of prisoners to be released/produced before Court
(19) Nominal roll of convicts
(20) General ration indent
(21) Hospital ration indent
(22) Prescription book
(23) Vaccination Register
(24) Register of in-patients
(25) Register of out-patient
(26) Register of Initial verification and recommendations
(27) Medical history sheet
(28) Temperature chart
(29) Proforma for health screening of prisoners on admission to
prison
(30) Gate Register
(31) Admission Register
(32) Vehicle Register
577
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(33) Court Register
(34) Rounds Register
(35) In and Out Register
(36) Case sheet
(37) Register of petitions from prisoners
(38) Incident Register
(39) Daily Report of prisoner on hunger strike
40) Stock book of civil stores and dead stock/Manufacturing
plant implements
(41) Wages Register
(42) Parole Leave Register (Ordinary/Emergency)
(43) Medical Case Form for Lepers/T.B and HIV/AIDS patients
(44) Stock Book of Rations/Raw Materials/Manufactured Articles
(45) Prisoner Movement Register
(46) Ammunition Register
(47) Inspection Register
1251. Prescribed forms.— The registers and forms shall be
maintained in the format as given in Appendix.
1252. Additional forms and registers.— (1) In addition to the forms
and registers specified under the rules, the Inspector-General of Prisons
may, with the approval of the Government prescribe such other forms,
registers, etc., under the Puducherry Prison rules to be maintained for
the proper and effective implementation of the Prisons Act and the rules
made thereunder. Subject to the requirement of the rules, the
Inspector-General may also, with the approval of the Government, amend
or modify the forms and registers prescribed in these rules.
(2) Apart from the forms and registers prescribed in these rules,
all prison officers shall maintain other forms and registers connected
with accounts, financial transactions, establishment, etc., as prescribed
under the relevant rules by the Government from time to time.
578
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
1253. Maintenance of registers and files.— Every officer shall
maintain an up-to-date list of all accounts, registers and files entrusted
to his custody or assigned to him for maintenance by the
Superintendent.
1254. Prohibitions of erasure.— Erasures in prison registers are
prohibited. If, a correction is necessary, the original entry shall be scored
through and the correct entry made in red ink and initialed and dated
by the officer responsible for the maintenance of the register. Pencil
entries and signatures or initials impressed by a stamp are prohibited.
1255. Initials to be dated.— In every case in which the Superintendent,
Deputy Superintendent or any other Prison Officer is required to initial
any register or book, the initials shall invariably be accompanied by the
date on which it was actually entered.
CHAPTER–49
INSPECTION OF PRISONS
1256. Inspections play an important role in improving the working
conditions of prison inmates and prison staff. Inspections are an
important tool to ensure that the prison staff is operating strictly in
accordance with applicable rules and regulations and that all records
pertaining to matters related to prison inmates are maintained and
updated as per the relevant rules. Inspections are of two types:-
(a) Informal Inspection: Informal inspections are to be
conducted by every officer of the Prisons Department of the rank of
CSJ (Prisons) and above, as and when they visit a prison while
discharging their official duties. The Visiting Officer shall prepare an
informal inspection report containing the following:-
(i) Security and lighting arrangements;
(ii) Mess and canteen facilities;
(iii) Vacancy position of staff;
(iv) Medical facilities;
(v) Prisoners strength;
(vi) All Jail buildings;
(vii) Interview with prisoners;
579
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(viii) Grievances of prison staff;
(ix) Pending references with the prison headquarters;
(x) Female prisoners and infants;
(xi) Prisoner Management Software/Video Conferencing
facility;
(xii) Any other administrative issues.
(b) Formal Inspection: Formal inspection shall be carried out
in detail by an Inspecting Officer (as may be designated by the
Government). The Inspecting Officer should spent minimum of two
nights and two days at the prison, while carrying out the inspection.
The Inspecting Officer should draw a detailed inspection report
covering the following:-
(i) Comments on the compliance of the observations made/
directions issued by the Director-General of Prisons on
the previous inspection note;
(ii) Authorized prison population and actual prison population;
(iii) Vacancy position of staff;
(iv) Security and lighting arrangements during day time and
night/generator sets;
(v) Jail alarm system;
(vi) Mess and Canteen Facilities;
(vii) Interview facilities for prisoners;
(viii) Stores;
(ix) Jail record to be maintained for the prison inmates;
(x) Record relating to parole, furlough, remission and
pre-mature release etc.;
(xi) Women prisoners and infants;
(xii) Medical facilities;
(xiii) Work opportunities in jail;
(xiv) Remission system;
580
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(xv) Wages to prisoners;
(xvi) Library;
(xvii) Hygienic condition in barrack including water and
sewerage facilities;
(xviii) Recreation facilities/Sports/Religious activities/Spiritual
activities;
(xix) Jail farms;
(xx) Jail Factory/Workshop;
(xxi) Prison Panchayat;
(xxii) High security ward;
(xxiii) High risk prisoners;
(xxiv) Computerization/Video Conferencing facility/CCTVs etc.;
(xxv) Prison staff colony/Wardens Hostel etc.;
(xxvi) Interviews with prison staff;
(xxvii) Other administrative matters related to prisons, prisoners
and staff.
Action Taken Report (ATR) on
(i) Grievances Redressal Meeting, if any;
(ii) Canteen Management.
1257. Every Central Prison, district prison and sub-prison/other
prison (Women) shall be inspected by the Chief Superintendent of Jails
at atleast twice in a month. At least one such inspection shall be carried
out by the officer of the rank of Jail Superintendent on weekly basis.
The Inspector-General of Prisons shall appoint Inspecting-Officers for
different prisons, in advance, by 15th January every year and all the
Inspecting-Officers shall maintain details of their inpection conducted
in a register and also submit inpection reports to the Inspector-General
of Prisons on monthly or weekly basis, as the care may be.
581
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
1258. The Inspector-General of Prisons shall issue directions to
the Superintendent of the prison concerned for complying with the
observations made by him on the inspection report. The compliance
report on the directions issued on the inspection note shall be submitted
by the Superintendent Jail concerned before the next inspection is due.
The Inspecting-Officer shall write a paragraph in his report about the
compliance by/response of the Jail Superintendent on the points raised/
observations made in the previous inspection report.
1259. The Inspector-General of Prisons or any other officer of the
rank of CSJ from the Prisons Headquarters shall inspect minimum of 50%
of the prisons in the Union Territory every year.
CHAPTER–50
STAFF DEVELOPMENT
1260. A concerted approach towards staff development should be
made an integral part of the legal framework that regulates prisons.
Correctional work being a specialized field, and a social service of great
importance, all posts in the Department of Prisons and Correctional
Services, except where supporting staff is required, should be manned
by persons belonging to the Prison Department.
1261. Prison Cadre.— (1) The prison personnel should comprise
of following staff cadres:
(i) Executive.
(ii) Custodial/Guarding.
(iii) Technical: Technical Supervisors and Instructors borne
on prison establishment.
(iv) Ministerial: From Administrative Officer down to the
Lower Division Clerk.
(v) Class IV Government Servant: As per the nomenclature
in each State.
582
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(2) Cadre strength of various categories of personnel should
be fixed in accordance with the needs of the department. While fixing
the strength of each cadre, care should be taken to see that enough
openings for promotions become available to the personnel. With this
in view the following ratio for determining cadre strength of various
posts should be laid down:
Provided that these provisions if, require creation of new posts
or cadre restructuring and would require concurrence of/consultation
with Administrative Reforms Department/Services Department/Finance
Department/Planning Department for the said purpose then these provision
will be implemented only after such concurrence of/consultation with
the Concerned Department.
1262. Recruitment and Selections.— (1) There should be an inbuilt
mechanism in the Prison Department for continuous and systematic
study of manpower needs, so that there should be a regular intake of
new recruits in order to maintain a continuous flow of qualified and
trained personnel in the Department
(2) In order to maintain the necessary level of morale, discipline
and efficiency of the prison staff, only those persons possessing
requisite aptitude and attributes should be appointed on various posts
in the Prison Department.
(3) The recruitment of personnel of both Gazetted and
Non-Gazetted ranks will be done through the Department of Personnel
and Administrative ReformsBoards (DP & AR), Puducherry.
(4) The fundamental requirements for recruitment of the
correctional personnel shall be as under:
(a) Physical fitness.
(b) Capacity for endurance and hard work.
(c) Courage, leadership and trust-worthiness.
(d) Balanced personality.
(e) Capacity for man management.
583
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(f) Capacity for maintaining and developing constructive and
firm discipline.
(g) Interest in human welfare, desire to help and guide
inmates; belief in the philosophy of correctional
treatment.
(5) Physical fitness should be made essential pre-requisite for
direct recruitment at each of the three levels mentioned above.
(6) The posts of Assistant Superintendents and Superintendents
shall be filled by promotion failing which direct recruitment.
(7) A directly recruited warder/officer should not be placed on
job until he successfully completes the prescribed basic initial training.
(8) Psychologist, social workers/case-workers and correctional
staff should also be recruited directly.
Note (i) The recommendations with regard to direct recruitment
and promotion quota have been made to ensure that
deserving persons, with requisite qualification training,
experience, and professional competence, are available in
the service at all levels and that they get at least three
promotions during the entire span of their service.
(ii) Promotion to the post of Assistant Superintendent will
be done on the basis of the following criteria:
(a) 100% of promotion quota posts will be filled from
among Principal Warders on merit-cum-seniority basis.
(iii) Similarly, the recruitment for the post of Superintendent
of Jail will be made both by direct recruitment and by
promotion.
(iv) Educational qualifications for various categories of posts
will be prescribed keeping in view job requirements for
each post.
584
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(v) Basic initial training, in-service training and refresher
courses, prescribed with a view to keep personnel in
touch with contemporary development in the field of their
work, shall be given weightage.
(vi) The general policy as laid down by the Government
regarding the relaxation of the upper age limit in case of
deserving departmental candidates should be followed.
1263. Service Conditions.— (1) Personnel assume paramount
importance in an effective system of correctional administration. The
conditions of service in the Prison Department shall be such that they
attract and retain the best suited persons.
(2) Secondly, the effectiveness and utility of correctional
institutions will largely depend upon the level of satisfaction that prevails
in the service. A contended staff will be able to implement correctional
policies in the proper spirit. Better service conditions will produce better
personnel which, in turn, will develop better institutions.
1264. Salary and allowances.— (a) Salaries and other employment
benefits should not be arbitrarily fixed but, should be related to the work
to be performed in a modem correctional system, which is complex and
arduous and is in the nature of an important social service. The
correctional staff should be paid salaries and allowances at par with
those of equivalent ranks in the Police Department.
(b) Risk Allowance should be given to all Officers and Staff
members at the rate of ` 300 per month.
(c) Washing Allowance also be given to all officers and staff
members equivalent to Police Department.
1265. Uniform.— Uniform should be prescribed for all custodial
and executive staff, including the Inspector General of Prison. Badges
of rank for all uniformed cadres in the prison service should be similar
to that in the police service.
585
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
1266. Service Board.— Each State should set up a Service Board
under the Chairmanship of the Principal Secretary, Prison Department,
for a periodic review of all matters pertaining to the service conditions
of prison staff.
1267. Probation period.— (1) Persons directly appointed to any
post in the prison service shall be on probation for two years. Wherever
necessary the Appointing Authority may extend the probation period.
(2) On selection, each incumbent shall sign the oath of
allegiance in the prescribed form.
(3) Probation period will include the period of institutional and
practical training and the period during which the probationer will be
given an opportunity to display his capacity for wielding responsibility
and exercise judgment.
(4) During, and at the end of the probation period, the
probationer should be evaluated on the following points
(a) Physical fitness and capacity for physical endurance and
hard-work.
(b) Courage and leadership.
(c) Interest evinced in work.
(d) Efficiency.
(e) Attitude towards the public, senior personnel, colleagues,
subordinates and inmates.
(f) Capacity for correctional work.
(g) Character and integrity.
Note : The question of extending the period of probation or of
confirming, reverting or discharging an incumbent, should
be decided invariably before the expiry of the period of
probation.
586
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
1268. Appointment.— (1) On the successful completion of training,
and after the probationer has been tried and tested through a phased
programme of assigning responsibilities, his initial appointment and
posting orders should be issued.
(2) As and when appointments are made on purely temporary
basis, they should be made under specific orders.
1269. Confirmation.— (1) There should be a system of departmental
examinations for various categories staff categories for the purpose of
confirmation. These examinations should be organized to suit each cadre.
(2) For being confirmed in service, the probationer should fulfill
the following conditions:
(a) Passing various tests and examinations during the
training period.
(b) Successful completion of the probationary period.
(c) Passing the departmental examinations.
1270. Seniority.— Seniority should be fixed on the basis of the
date of appointment in the cadre, and date of promotion to a higher cadre
in accordance with guidelines issued by the Government. Cadre-wise
seniority and gradation lists of the prison personnel should be
published annually.
1271. Promotions.— Special care should be taken in giving timely
promotion to eligible personnel. Efficiency merit, integrity and
trustworthiness of every incumbent should be evaluated and reflected
in his annual confidential report. The mechanism indicated under the
caption ‘Recruitment and Selections’ in this chapter should be followed
while giving promotions to the personnel in the respective cadre.
Incumbents who qualify for higher jobs should be listed in accordance
with merit in the eligibility lists for promotions. Promotions to higher
cadres should be based on seniority-cum-merit.
587
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
1272. Transfer.— The minimum tenure of Non-Gazetted and Gazetted
Staff, at one station, should be five years and three years, respectively.
While deciding on transfers, factors like:
(i) needs of the department and the institution,
(ii) suitability of the incumbent to the post to which he is
being transferred, and
(iii) reasonable needs of the Government Servant such as
availability of educational facilities for his children,
domestic difficulties of a special nature, etc., should be
considered.
1273. Hours of Work.— (1) There should be a well-planned and
properly regulated timetable of work hours for every category of
personnel. Normally no staff member, including guarding personnel, shall
be required to work for more than eight hours a day. There should be a
schedule of institutional duty, day duty, night duty, sectional duty,
premises duty, off duty, etc. Responsibilities pertaining to premises duty,
duty-on holidays, etc., should be clearly defined. Every incumbent
should get 24 hours off-duty once a week.
(2) Guarding personnel should be allowed at least four night’s
rest each week. As far as possible, duty on consecutive nights should
be avoided. Night patrol duty should not exceed two hours at one time.
After every such duty, the guard should be given at least two hours of
rest. In one night a guard should not be given more than three patrol
duties.
Note (i) The Superintendent of Jail is authorized to make all
reasonable adjustments in hours of work.
Note (ii) In times of emergencies like escapes, riots, assaults, fire,
etc., all personnel on the premises, whether off-duty or
otherwise, will instantaneously report for duty.
1274. Additional Staff during Emergencies.— In the event of
sudden influx of inmates or epidemics, additional staff, according to
recruitment rules should be appointed on purely temporary basis.
588
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
1275. Facilities While on Duty.— The following facilities should
be extended to the personnel on duty:
(i) Rest rooms with beds for the use of staff members who are
required to wait in the institution between their duty periods.
(ii) Staff canteen.
(iii) Bathrooms, lavatories and western commodes.
(iv) Lockers.
(v) First-aid boxes including necessary equipment for
snakebites, at remote duty points/prison farms/outposts, etc.
(vi) Torches and boots for night duty personnel.
(vii) Raincoats, umbrellas, overcoats, gumboots, etc.
1276. Holidays.— (a) Holidays will be observed in accordance with
the local custom in each State as specified by the Government.
(b) Those who work on holidays should be allowed additional
off days with the approval of the Competent Authority or extra pay
in lieu of work on holidays.
1277. Housing.— (1) Rent free residential accommodation for all
prison personnel should be provided in the prison campus.
(2) Housing for prison staff should be developed on modern
lines with adequate community services and facilities.
(3) Each institution should have provisions for lodging officials,
guests, and other visitors, visiting the institutions.
(4) Prison personnel who are entitled to rent free
accommodation, but, are not provided with such accommodation, should
be paid house-rent allowance at par with government employees in other
Departments.
589
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(5) The following facilities should also be extended to staff
quarters and premises:
(a) Periodical disinfection.
(b) Conservancy and sanitation services in staff quarters.
(c) Maintenance of parks and other utilities on the premises.
(6) In case an institution is located at a distance from the city
or town, the administration shall make necessary arrangements for the
housing of staff members within the prison premises.
1278. Transport facilities.— In case an institution is located at a
distance from the city or town, the administration shall make necessary
arrangements for the transportation of staff members for to and fro
official journey purpose.
1279. Medical Facilities.— The following medical facilities should
be extended to the staff and their families:
(i) A properly equipped hospital and maternity ward, with
ambulance facilities.
(ii) Free medical attendance and treatment at the institutional
hospital, at the Civil Hospital and at special institutions like T.B.
sanatoria, Infirmaries, etc.
(iii) Special medical facilities to prison personnel suffering from
tuberculosis, leprosy, cancer, heart disease, etc., at par with other
Government Servants.
(iv) Facilities during convalescence period such as leave,
medical aid and concession in hours of work.
(v) Anti-rabies treatment
1280. Educational Facilities.— The following educational facilities
for the benefit of children of prison personnel should be extended:
(i) Schools near the institutional premises.
(ii) A school bus for children of the staff in institutions situated
at a distance from the duty.
590
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(iii) Transport at government cost for educational needs of
children of the staff or an alternative suitable Transport Allowance for
School/College-going children of the staff.
(iv) Hostel accommodation for children of transferred and other
staff members, in institutional premises.
1281. Miscellaneous Facilities.— (1) In case an institution is
located at a distance from the city or town, the administration shall make
necessary arrangements for the housing of staff members within the
prison premises.
(2) Medical facilities should be provided in cases of medical
emergencies and sickness.
(3) Mess for unmarried staff members.
(4) Use of institutional transport on payment at the time of
transfer.
(5) Leave travel concession to all categories of prison personnel
to their home town or village once in two years, along with their family
members. Such concession should also be given to all staff members to
travel anywhere in India once in four years.
(6) Sports facilities, annual sports meets, and travelling
allowance incidental to the above.
1282. Rewards.— (1) The Government of India should institute
medals for rewarding prison personnel in recognition of acts of gallantry
and meritorious and distinguished services. All good work done by
prison personnel should be given proper publicity and highlighted
through the media.
(2) The Inspector-General/Chief Superintendent of Jails should
have powers to sanction suitable cash rewards to deserving staff
members in appreciation of outstanding work and special services such
as capture of escaped prisoners, exhibition of high degree of courage,
loyalty and trustworthiness, devotion to duty and initiative and
resourcefulness during times of emergency, and other meritorious
services. For this purpose adequate funds should be made in the annual
budget of the Department.
591
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
1283. Financial Assistance and Compensation.— (1) In the event
of prison personnel suffering serious injury and accident in the discharge
of their duties, the Inspector-General of Prisons should have powers to
sanction immediate financial assistance up to ` 10,000. In deserving
cases, where assistance beyond this limit is necessary, the Inspector-General
of Prisons should refer the matter to the Government.
(2) In case of death of prison personnel in lawful discharge of
his duties, appropriate compensation should be paid to survivors in his
family apart from other compensation by the Government as per the
policies/rules.
1284. Protection from Threats and Damages.— (a) While bona fide
discharge of duties by the prison personnel, if, any threat has been
received from the prisoner or from any corner then the matter be reported
to the Inspector General of Prisons who shall make the arrangements
for protection of the said prison personnel along with their family and
shall take the requisite action in the matter.
(b) Necessary facilities at Government cost should be extended
to staff members to defend themselves in the event of criminal
prosecution/civil proceedings arising out of bona fide discharge of
official duties. Legitimate protection should be extended to personnel
in matters related with recovery of damages for bona fide delays, errors
of judgment and false allegations
1285. Pension.— All pension formalities should be completed fairly
in advance of the date superannuation of a Prison Officer. Delays in
completion of pension papers should be avoided in all cases.
1286. Staff meetings.— The Superintendent will convene a
monthly meeting of the institutional staff members. The objectives of
this meeting should be:
(a) Coordination in institutional activities.
(b) To improve methods of work.
(c) To interpret Governmental policies to staff members.
592
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(d) To explain new procedures, rules and regulation and policies
regarding inmate discipline, treatment of prisoners and institutional
management.
(e) To explain policies relating to personnel management, staff
discipline and morale in the staff lines.
(f) To explain welfare programmes chalked out by the Staff
Welfare Committee.
(g) To give opportunities to staff members to discuss their
common problems.
(h) To communicate appreciation of good work as and when
necessary.
(i) To reward staff members as and when necessary.
Minutes of the proceedings of the meeting should be recorded
and a copy of it should be forwarded to the Inspector General/Chief
Superintendent of Jails with the remarks of the Superintendent.
1287. Conference.— (1) Conferences of Departmental personnel
should be held annually. The objective of such conferences should be:
(a) To take stock of achievements.
(b) To evaluate current procedures, practices and methods
of the organization.
(c) To plan for future development of the department.
(d) To understand staff problems and staff aspirations.
(e) To promote best practices in custodial management.
(2) Minutes of the conferences should be recorded and the
Inspector-General should forward the same to the Government, along
with his suggestions and appropriate proposals. Action taken on these
minutes and a proposal will be communicated to the institutional
personnel by the Prison Headquarter.
593
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
1288. Staff Welfare Committee.— (1) There will be a Welfare
Committee at each Institution consisting representatives of executive,
technical, ministerial and guarding/custodial personnel. The Chief
Superintendent of Jails will be the ex-officio Chairman of the Committee.
The Welfare Committee will meet at least once a month. Minutes of its
meetings will be recorded.
(2) There will also be a Central Welfare Committee in the
Inspector-General’s Office with the Inspector-General of Prisons as its
President and the following as its members:
(i) Chief Superintendent of Jails (Headquarters) - Vice-
President.
(ii) Superintendent of Jail.
(iii) Deputy Superintendent of Jail.
(iv) Medical Officer.
1289. Functions.— The functions of the Welfare Committee shall be:
(i) To chalk out a programme for staff welfare.
(ii) To build a welfare fund.
(iii) To prepare an annual budget for the utilization of the
welfare fund.
(iv) To run a staff canteen
(v) To organize a Cooperative Credit Society and a multipurpose
cooperative shop for the institutional staff.
(vi) To impress upon the staff members the necessity of
programmes of postal savings, small saving schemes, postal insurance,
Janata Insurance policy, etc.
(vii) To supervise the maintenance of the welfare fund, its
accounts, and to get them audited annually.
(viii) To prepare an annual report about welfare work.
594
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(ix) To advice the Central Committee regarding the utilization
of the fund.
(x) Cultural programme and Sports competition.
1290. Welfare Fund.— A welfare fund will be created at each
institution for providing amenities to staff members and their families.
The fund will be developed from the following sources:
(i) Monthly subscriptions from staff members.
(ii) Voluntary donations subject to rules framed by the
Government.
(iii) Interest accruing from investments.
(iv) Benefit performances by artists, theatrical parties, cinema, etc.
(v) Donations from a Co-operative Credit Society.
(vi) Profits from of the Co-operative shop.
(vii) Subsidies from the Government.
1291. Welfare Unit.— In large institutions there will be a separate
staff unit which will attend to all aspects of welfare work such as staff
canteen, cooperative society, etc.
1292. Welfare benefits.— (1) The following benefits will be provided
to the personnel out of the welfare fund:
(i) Relief in the case of sudden illness.
(ii) Medical aid where more than ordinary medical help is
required and which is beyond the economic capacity of
the staff member.
(iii) Aid for the education of children of the staff.
(iv) Facilities to family members of the staff for running
cottage industries and handicrafts like sewing, spinning,
manufacture of matches, etc.
(v) Reservation of seats in hostels and educational
institutions for children of staff members.
595
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(vi) Staff canteen.
(vii) Recreational and cultural activities.
(viii) Staff club,
(ix) Staff libraries.
(x) Staff sports, institutional and inter-institutional fixtures,
etc.
(2) A proper forum should be provided at the institutional and
the State level for prison personnel to ventilate their grievances common
to the entire service/cadre and to hold meaningful discussions for their
redressal.
Note:- Detailed rules for the collection and operation of this fund
should be embodied in the prison manual of each
Government.
TRAINING OF PERSONNEL
1293. Staff Training.— Correctional Administration shall
constantly seek to awaken and maintain in the minds of the personnel
the conviction that correctional work is a social service of great
importance, and to this end all appropriate means should be used.
1294. Correctional work is a specialised field.— (1) The principle
job of the correctional personnel is social re-education of offenders. The
effectiveness of correctional administration, institutional discipline and
the impact of treatment mainly depend on the quality of the correctional
staff. Untrained and uninstructed personnel are not only ineffective, but
quite often become detrimental to the proper implementation of
correctional policies. The training of correctional personnel is, therefore,
of paramount importance in any system of Correctional Administration.
Training programmes will aim at:
(i) Acquainting correctional personnel with scientific and
progressive methods of Correctional Administration.
(ii) Making them conscious of their responsibilities, and the role
they have to play in a Welfare State.
596
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(iii) Broadening their cultural and professional interests, expanding
their experience, refining their abilities and skills, improving their
performance of administrative duties and providing them with experience
to meet future needs of the department in positions of higher
responsibility.
(iv) Inculcating an esprit-de-corps amongst the correctional
personnel.
(2) Correctional personnel should be properly trained in the
theory and practice of correctional work. After entering the service and
during their career, the personnel shall maintain and improve their
knowledge and professional capacity by attending various training
programmes, and through their own individual efforts.
(3) Correctional personnel shall be given special training (in
P.T., drill, unarmed combat, cane drill and mob-dispersal drill) to enable
them to restrain aggressive prisoners by the means prescribed by the
authorities in accordance with the relevant rules and regulations.
Personnel who are provided with arms shall be trained in their use and
instructed in the regulations governing their use.
(4) Training is a continuous process. The initial basic training
imparted at the training school shall be continued at the correctional
institutions. Suitable training programmes should be organized so that
the institutional personnel are in constant touch with current
development in the field of corrections.
(5) Training of correctional personnel will not only be helpful
in creating a proper cultural atmosphere in the department but, will go a
long way in establishing good traditions and practices of institutional
management and correctional processes. A properly trained staff will be
an asset for the proper implementation of prison reforms. With the impact
of training, the attitudes and abilities of the personnel will improve. The
expenditure incurred for staff training will ultimately result not only in
departmental gains but, also in social gains in terms of better
institutional impact and ultimate rehabilitation of offenders.
597
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(6) All new recruits to the Prison Department, whether inducted
as security, custodial, executive, treatment or supervisory staff should
be imparted basic training of sufficient duration appropriate to their job
requirements. All officers and staff taken on deputation from other
departments should be given a short orientation course for one week
with regard to the functioning of the prison department.
(7) No Prison personnel shall discharge any official duty
without completion of basic training. Adequate training reserve should
be provided in each cadre of the Prison and correctional service so that
in-service training can be organized for them. The number of such staff
can be assessed in each State/Union Territory as per local requirement.
1295. Training Institutes.— (1) Training of staff should be taken
up at three levels: State, Regional, and National.
(i) For training of security and ministerial staff, a training school
should be set up in each State by the Government. Smaller States and
Union Territories can avail the training facilities of the training schools
of neighbouring States
(ii) For training of executive staff Regional Institutes of
correctional administration should be set up.
(iii) A National Academy of correctional administration should
be established by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India
under the control of BPR&D to cater to the training needs of supervisory
staff and other senior officers concerned with planning and policy
formulation. When the Indian Prisons and correctional service is
constituted, this academy would meet the training needs of the members
of that service.
1296. Functions.— The functions of a Training School will be:
(a) Training,
(b) Research,
(c) Studies on Organization and methods, and
(d) Publication of pamphlets, papers, hand books, Correctional
Services Journals.
598
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
• Only qualified persons with an aptitude for training and
teaching should be posted at these institutions.
• Experts invited to deliver lectures at the training institutes
should be provided with a set of guidelines about the content of
training. Permanent academic staff of the training institutes should also
be oriented to the training requirements of various aspects of
correctional work. Teaching facilities and faculty at the training schools
of other States, Universities and Schools of Social Sciences should also
be utilized for training purposes. The visiting Lecturers should be paid
suitable honorarium and travelling allowances.
• Details of syllabi, course content, methods of examination and
the mode of awarding certificates/diplomas on successful completion of
training, should be evolved by the training institutions at various levels.
These matters should be reviewed once every three years.
• Proper literature should be prepared for meeting the training
needs of various categories of personnel of the Department of Prisons
and correctional services.
1297. Training courses.— (1)Training courses for correctional
services should be organized on the basis of Training Needs Analysis
to be conducted by the experts in this field. The following training
courses should be organized at the training institutes:
(i) On recruitment all correctional officers i.e., Superintendent
Grade-II, Assistant Superintendent and warder shall undergo an initial
basic training course which will be phased as shown below:
(a) Initial basic training at the Training School/Institute for
one year.
(b) After the successful completion of basic in training the
trainee officers should be posted for duration of six
months for practical training in various branches of
institutional management at a Central Prison in their
respective States/Union Territories.
599
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(c) On completion of practical training, the trainee officers
should be given independent charge of the post for which
they have been recruited, for a period of six months.
(ii) Serving officers, who have had no opportunity to get the
initial training as stated in sub-rule (a), shall undergo a training course
for three months. For such officers, placement for practical training and
holding of independent charge as stated in sub-rules (b) and (c) will
not be necessary.
(iii) Serving Superintendents, Deputy Superintendent, Assistant
Superintendent, and other correctional officers of all grades will undergo
refresher courses of one month duration once in every three years.
(iv) Vertical Interaction Courses (thematic) for prison officers.
(v) Short-term courses on various aspects of Correctional
Administration and Treatment of Offenders.
(vi) All newly recruited and untrained serving warders shall
undergo an initial basic training course for six months. During this period
they will be given practical training in every aspect of institutional
management.
(vii) Refresher courses of two months duration for custodial/
security personnel. It should be obligatory for them to undergo such
training once in every five years.
(viii) The Inspector-General of Prisons and Director of
correctional services should prepare a panel of officers having special
merit and capabilities for attending conferences and special training
courses, within the country and abroad.
(ix) The Bureau of Police Research and Development should
organize regional meetings/conferences of Inspectors-General of Prisons
and other senior officers of the Department of Prisons and correctional
services at regular intervals at the national level.
600
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(x) Study teams of senior officers should be deputed to visit
other States in the country. Such teams may also visit countries where
innovative correctional programmes and practices have been
successfully introduced. Officers with outstanding performance in the
department should be given preference for such visits.
(xi) The Retired Prison Officers with law knowledgeable person
can be engaged for conducting the Law classes for the Prison Officials
whenever necessary.
1298. Facilities during training.— The following facilities should
be extended to personnel undergoing training:
(i) Full pay for newly recruited personnel.
(ii) Usual emoluments for in-service personnel.
(iii) Training allowance for in-service personnel.
(iv) Rent-free quarters.
(v) Mess arrangements.
(vi) Free medical aid.
(vii) T.A. and D.A. facilities for travel incidental to training.
(viii) Grant for purchase of books.
(ix) Study leave for going abroad or to another State, for
training.
(x) Periods of training should be counted as on duty for all
purposes
1299. Discipline.— (a) The Inspector General of Prisons in
consultation with head of training institution will frame necessary rules
regarding discipline and will be authorized to take disciplinary action in
the event of breach of discipline.
(b) The trainees will wear the prescribed uniform during the
training period.
601
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
1300. Tests and Examinations.— The Head of training institution
will fix details about examinations and tests. Trainees for all cadres shall
be required to pass the prescribed examinations and tests. In case a
trainee fails to reach the required standards during a training course,
the head of training institution will forward a report to the
Inspector-General for suitable action. Failure to pass the examination
and to complete the training courses satisfactorily will make the trainee
liable for such disciplinary action as the Inspector General may think
fit. In case of newly recruited personnel, such failure may result in
discharge from service. The evaluation of a trainee should be made on
the basis of his total performance in all the tests and examinations. The
trainees will be evaluated in respect of the following, amongst other
points:
(a) Turn-out and discipline.
(b) Capacity for hard work and physical endurance.
(c) Performance in each test and examination.
(d) Special capacities shown during the training course.
(e) Leadership.
(f) Conduct, integrity and trustworthiness.
1301. Library-journal-recreational facilities.— (a) Training
schools will have a good library and reading room facilities. Provision
for purchase of books and periodicals, should be made in the annual
budget of the institution.
(b) A Correctional Services Journal should be published by the
training schools.
(c) Recreational facilities will be organized.
(d) A museum showing the historical development of Prison
Administration and other aspects of institutional management should
be set-up at the training schools.
1302. Continuation of training at the place of work.— (1) The
following training facilities should be organized at the institutions:
602
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(i) Interpretation of policy by senior officers from the
Headquarters during visits.
(ii) Library and reading room facilities for staff members.
(iii) Lectures by Professors from the Universities and Schools
of social work on subjects related to correctional work.
(iv) Fortnightly talk on correctional methods by the
Superintendent or any other officer.
(v) Reading of papers, case histories, etc., by institutional
staff members.
(vi) Monthly discussions on improvement in administrative
procedures, methods and organization, etc.
(2) In order to keep the officers and men in good shape, the
training given at the training school in drill, parades, musketry, unarmed
combat, cane-drill and mob dispersal drill should be continued at the
institution also. Particular attention should be paid to games. Efforts
should be made to instill interest and enthusiasm in the personnel by
the introduction of new items and methods of training. Opportunities
should be provided to stimulate initiative, intelligence, independent
judgment and resourcefulness among the personnel.
(3) Subject to general or specific orders, which may be issued
in this behalf by the Inspector-General of Prisons, the training programme
will consist of physical exercises, squad drill, weapon training, bayonet
fighting, ceremonial parade, unarmed combat, baton and cane drill, mob-
dispersal, obstacle course, inspection of guard and sentry duties,
saluting, kit inspection and emergency drill.
(4) Musketry practice for officers and guarding personnel shall
be held once every six months. All security measures shall be adopted
on such occasions. An officer well versed in all these matters shall be
made in-charge of such training. Wherever required, necessary assistance
may be obtained from the local police authorities.
603
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(5) Assistant Superintendents will do physical training and drill
at least twice a week. They shall participate in the weekly parades.
(6) The following training programmes will be conducted for the
guarding personnel:
(a) Physical training and drill for 45 minutes a day, four days
a week.
(b) Instruction in rules, procedures, etc., once a week to be
given by an Assistant Superintendent or a senior member
of the guarding personnel.
(c) Practice in preventing and controlling emergency
situations once a month.
(d) Games like cricket, hockey, volleyball, basketball, may be
organized in accordance with available facilities at each
institution.
(7) The Superintendent will send the following reports to the
Inspector-General of Prisons:
(a) Monthly report about training in P.T. drill, lectures,
discussions, emergency practice, etc.
(b) Six monthly report on musketry practice.
CHAPTER–51
PRISONS DEVELOPMENT
1303. Prisons development board.— (1) A high powered prison
development board may be set up inUnion Territory of Puducherry, if
needed to have an institutional arrangement conducive to speedy
decision making and to take full advantage of modern technology and
managerial practices, in order to improve and modernize the
infrastructural facilities in prisons.
604
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(2) The Board may consist of the following Members:
(a)
Minister In-charge of Prison
. . Chairman
(b)
Chief District Judge
. . Ex-officio
Director
(c)
Secretary to Government (Home)
. . Ex-officio
Director
(d)
Secretary to Government (Finance)
. . Ex-officio
Managing
Director
(e)
Secretary to Government (Revenue)
. . Ex-officio
Managing
Director
(f)
Secretary to Government (Law)
. . Ex-officio
Managing
Director
(g)
Director-General of Police
. . Ex-officio
Managing
Director
(h)
Two persons to be nominated by the . . Members
Government, out of whom one shall
be a woman, from among non-officials,
who have distinguished themselves in
the field of prison administration or
prison reforms or services to prisoners
or human rights
(k)
Inspector-General of Prisons
. . Ex-officio
Managing
Director
605
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(3) The functions of the Board shall be:
(a) to examine the living conditions of prisoners in all the
prisons, with specific reference to their basic needs and
provision of facilities compatible with the dignity of
human life.
(b) to build new prisons where the existing prisons are not
in a satisfactory condition or are beyond repairs.
(c) to review and suggest measures for the development of
programmes for the treatment of prisoners, including
research, education, vocational training and skill
development, with a view to developing prisons as
correctional centres.
(d) to efficiently manage prisons by inducting modern
technology, methods and apparatus.
(e) to collaborate with corporate houses for Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR) funding for above purposes.
(4) The Board shall have, and maintain, its own fund as the
Prisons Development Fund to which shall be credited:
(a) all money received by the Board from the State and
Central Government by way of grants, loans, advances,
etc.
(b) all money borrowed by the Board by way of loans or
debentures.
(c) all money generated by the agricultural, horticultural,
industrial or manufacturing activities undertaken by
prisoners.
(d) all fees, charges and profits received by the Board.
(e) all money received by the Board from the disposal of
lands, buildings and other properties (movable or
immovable), and
606
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
(f) all money received by the Board by way of rents or
profits or in any other manner or from any other source.
The concerned Government shall frame detailed rules for
the functioning of the Board.
1304. Publication of Annual Report.— An annual report on the
functioning and progresses achieved by the Department of Prisons and
Correctional Services shall be laid, as soon as may be after it made,
before the State legislature.
1305. Exchange of Expertise.— The exchange of technical know-
how and professional expertise with other States to be able to adopt
the best practices in the administration of prisons and correctional
services in various parts of the country, either on its own initiative or
with the assistance of the Central Government shall be promoted.
1306. Inclusion of prisons in development plans.— Prison
administration has a direct bearing on the improvement of the quality
of life of those who deviate from the accepted social norms and keeping
this in view, the development of prisons shall be pursued as an integral
part of the National Development Plans. Investment on prisons shall lead
not only to the reformation and rehabilitation of offenders as law-abiding
citizens, but, also to safeguarding the life of those adversely affected
by crime. Taking a larger perspective of the aforesaid aspects, steps shall
be taken to formulate schemes for development of prisons in their
entirety in the Central and State Plans. Such schemes shall not only
relate to the correctional content of prison programmes, but, also to
improvement in the quality of prison staff, which is the main tool of
correctional administration.
1307. Planning, Research And Development Mechanism.— Each
State shall evolve a mechanism for providing the necessary feedback
on the efficacy of prisons and correctional services in achieving their
objectives and goals through monitoring, study, analysis and research,
and to keep the system abreast of the new trends and developments in
the field. Such a mechanism should clearly spell out the specific
objectives and goals not only for the organization, but, also for
individual institutions, in terms of functional renovation and
607
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
reconstruction of prison buildings, diversification of correctional
institutions, classification of prisoners, rehabilitative reorientation of
prisons industries, correctional content of prison programmes,
recruitment and training of prison personnel and modalities of
coordination with other branches of the Criminal Justice System. It
should set quantitative targets for the correctional system such as:
number of criminals rehabilitated; number of ex-offenders; number of
prisoners educated; increase in productivity of prisons; sale proceeds
of prison manufacture; amount of loan extended to inmates/ex-inmates
under innovative banking schemes and other sources, etc., there shall
be an established procedure for reviewing the organizational and
institutional goal by the department at least once a year.
CHAPTER–52
PRISON COMPUTERISATION
1308. The entire prison administration needs to be computerized
so that databases can be accessed easily and managed more efficiently.
This is also part of the mandate of the Integrated Criminal Justice System
(ICJS) which seeks to interlink prisons, Courts and the Police Stations
as a triad. This would enable integrated data sharing with the police
and the Courts enabling efficient and comprehensive tracking of
criminals and faster law enforcement responses. There are several
stakeholders involved in processes of prisons, including the Police,
Courts and external agencies like hospitals, medical authorities etc., and
it is extremely important to develop suitable interfaces that can help in
seamless sharing of information amongst different agencies.
1309. The major challenges faced by prisons' administration
presently in performing their mandated activities effectively and
efficiently are:
ü Unavailability of real time information at central level;
ü Non-centralized information repository of prisoners; §
Improper tracking of prisoner activities; § Inadequate interaction with
various stakeholder agencies;
608
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
ü Improper data analysis;
ü Multiple stand alone IT systems available at majority of
prisons;
ü Inadequate tracking of prisoner out on parole/ furlough;
ü Lack of efficient alarm system in case of under-trials
detention under 436/ 436A;
ü Inadequate information pertaining to release of prisoner once
completion of sentence.
1310. Computerization seeks to enable prisons to have the
following core facilities and have a unified data sharing platform:
(a) A comprehensive web based prison software with
interlinkages with Courts and police stations;
(b) Integrated data sharing with Courts and police as per a
tentative matrix.
(c) Comprehensive video conference facilities;
(d) Biometric access for in and out movement of inmates;
(e) State level training labs for induction and refresher training
courses;
(f) Touch screen kiosks at the prisons for inmates to access
their case details.
1311. The following outcomes are expected after successful
implementation of prison computerization:
ü Seamless and integrated flow of information across all the
prisons and police department, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) thereby
enabling real time availability of information that is easy to search and
quick retrieval of prisoner information from a centralized database of
prisoners.
609
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
ü Availability of Dashboards/Statistical reports/ MIS reports
for senior level officers with information such as Probable Date of
Release (PDR), Prison occupancy, Prisoner availing Parole/Furlough, etc.
ü Complete record of prisoners’ activities such as bail, escape,
fine payment, incident punishment, prisoner income, Court appeals, Court
production, remission, remand, wages, work allocation, release and
transfer, etc.
ü Workflow based solution for approval processes like parole/
furlough and real time reflection of the same in the system.
ü Automatic PDR (Probable Date of Release) calculation thus
ensuring no delays in release of prisoners without the need for manual
validation.
ü Better visitor management procedure thus helps officials in
managing visitors, keeping a track of the number of visitors for a
particular prisoner, frequency of visit, etc.
Creation of a Centralized Prisoner Registry that can be accessed
by Police Departments and other key Law Enforcement Agencies for
verification and validation purposes of individuals through Data
Digitization of records.
1312. Implementation of ICJS is a key component that has to be
achieved in the revamped Crime and Criminal Tracking Network System
(CCTNS) project. It comprises the following components:-
(a) Roll out of prisons software in all the States/UTs;
(b) Assessment based provisioning hardware and network
for prisons;
(c) Provisioning of hardware for prosecution offices and
forensic labs;
(d) Development of Modules for Forensic laboratories and
Prosecution offices;
(e) Integration of CCTNS with all these applications.
610
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
For successful implementation of centralized prisons
management system, provisioning of office hardware and adequate
network connectivity at each prison is required. The roll out of software
application and its sustainability is dependent on the availability of
requisite office hardware and network connectivity at each state prison.
All the States/UTs are being engaged by the Government of India for
assistance in these matters in a time bound manner to complete the
process in a year.
1313. As part of the ICJS implementation all components of ICJS
i.e., Prisons, Courts, Police Stations, prosecution offices and forensic
laboratories need to share data as per the data sharing matrix given in
the Annexure. This data sharing matrix has been approved by Committee
headed by Justice Mr. Madan B. Lokur of the Supreme Court of India.
CHAPTER–53
REPEAL AND SAVINGS
1314. Repeal and savings.— (1) The following rules are hereby
repealed:-
(i) The Puducherry Prison Rules, 1969.
(ii) The Puducherry Suspension of Sentence Rules, 1987.
(2) Notwithstanding such repeal, anything done or any action
taken under any of the rules so repealed shall, in so far as such thing
or action is not inconsistent with the provision of these rules, be deemed
to have been done or taken under the corresponding provisions of these
rules and shall continue in force until superseded by anything done or
any action taken under these rules.
(By order of the Lieutenant-Governor)
M.V. HIRAN,
Under Secretary to Government (Home).
611
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
APPENDIX – 1
PUDUCHERRY PRISON RULES, 2021
612
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
613
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
614
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
615
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
616
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
617
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
618
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
619
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
620
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
621
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
622
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
623
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
624
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
625
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
626
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
627
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
628
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
629
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
630
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
631
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
632
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
633
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
634
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
635
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
636
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
637
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
638
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
639
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
Form–29
PROFORMA
For Health Screening of Prisoners on Admission to Prison
Case No:
Name:
Age:
Sex:
Thumb impression:
Father’s/Husband’s Name:
Occupation:
Date and Time of admission in the prison:
Identification marks:
Previous History of illness
Are you suffering from any disease?
Yes/No
If so, the name of the disease:
Are you now taking medicines for the same?
Are you suffering from cough that has lasted for
Yes/No
3 weeks or more?
History of drug abuse, if any:
Any information the prisoner may volunteer:
Physical examination
Height......cms. weight...... kg
Last menstruation period .........
1. Paller : Yes/No
2. Lymph mode enlargement: Yes/No
3. Clubbing: Yes/No
4. Cyanosis: Yes/No
5. lcteures: Yes/No
6. Injury, if any .......................
640
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
[PART–II
7. Blood test for Hepatitis/STD including HIV, (with the informed
consent of the prisoner whenever required by law)
8. Any other .............................................
Systemic Examination
1. Nervous system
2. Cardio Vascular system
3. Respiratory system
4. Eye, ENT
5. Castro Intestinal system abdomen
6. Teeth and Gum
7. Urinal system
The Medical examination and investigations were conducted with
the consent of the prisoner after explaining to him/her that it was
necessary for diagnosis and treatment of the disease from which he/
she may be suffering.
Date of commencement of medical investigation
Date of completion of medical investigation
MEDICAL OFFICER
641
PART–II]
LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
online publication at “https://styandptg.py.gov.in”
Published by the Director, Government Press, Puducherry.