New initiative helps jailbirds get out of legal maze swiftly in Chhattisgarh

Lok Adalats at prisons have brought relief to inmates, especially undertrials languishing without access to legal advice

Over 450 prisoners have walked free in Chhattisgarh after Lok Adalats – a first of its kind initiative anywhere in the country according to authorities – were set up in jails across the State on October 15.

These courts are held every working Saturday and provide relief to undertrials, and in some cases convicted prisoners, by explaining their rights and legal options such as plea bargaining and settlement.

Justice Goutam Bhaduri of Chhattisgarh High Court, who is also the executive chairman of the State Legal Services Authority (SLSA), visited the Central Jail in Raipur and launched these Lok Adalats at all prison complexes simultaneously through the virtual mode.

According to Praveen Mishra, Secretary, Raipur District Legal Services Authority or DLSA, the objective of the exercise is swift disposal of cases and also to reduce the congestion in various jails.

There are over 20,000 prisoners lodged in various jails in Chhattisgarh, against a sanctioned capacity of 14,000, says Director General (Prisons) Sanjay Pillay. Of these, nearly 12,500 are undertrials, he adds.

Mr. Mishra says that while hearing a suo motu writ petition in the case of Sonadhar Vs State of Chhattisgarh, the Supreme Court sought suggestions to reduce overcrowding in Indian jails. “Earlier this year, the Hon’ble SLSA of Chhattisgarh came up with the suggestion of Lok Adalats. The suggestion was accepted by the Hon'ble Supreme Court and it issued directions in this regard,” he says.

All undertrials, who have been named in offences in the Criminal Procedure Code (Cr.PC) that are heard by a judicial magistrate – such as petty theft, house trespass, and cheating, are eligible for hearing in these Adalats. Additionally, those who have been arrested under preventive provisions for offences such as brawl or violation of special laws such as Excise Act or Railways Act are also eligible.