T.N. DGP flags frequent meetings of advocates with undertrials in jails
The Hindu
Tamil Nadu Director General of Police (DGP) Shankar Jiwal has raised concerns over certain advocates making frequent visits to undertrial prisoners, accused of “grave offences”, lodged in prisons across the State.
Tamil Nadu Director General of Police (DGP) Shankar Jiwal has raised concerns over certain advocates making frequent visits to undertrial prisoners, accused of serious crimes, lodged in prisons across the State.
In a circular, dated October 14, 2024, the DGP said an informal study made in prisons across Tamil Nadu revealed that as many as 396 advocates had visited 84 such undertrials 1,987 times in seven months between January 1 and July 20, 2024.
Terming this an “abnormal alarm signal”, the head of the State police force pointed out that 15 such undertrials lodged at the Madurai Central Prison had visits from advocates 546 times during the same period.
Though advocates visiting their clients for genuine and legitimate legal business is allowed, he claimed that a few of them were visitingundertrials in prisons mainly to hatch conspiracies and supply various banned goods, including mobile phones and drugs, to them.
“A few persons are misusing the designation of advocates to maintain a close relationship with offenders and indulge in various offences, especially in conducting kangaroo courts/katta panchayats in civil disputes and encroachment of properties, preparation of forged documents and selling it for a huge profit,” the DGP said.
He drew the attention of the Commissioners and Superintendents of Police to Section 541 (3) of the Tamil Nadu Prison Manual. It states that when a person desires an interview with an unconvicted criminal prisoner in the capacity of the prisoner’s legal advisor, they shall apply in writing, giving their name and address and stating to what branch of the legal profession they belong to.
They must also satisfy the Prison Superintendent that they are the bona fide legal advisor of the prisoner, with whom they seek an interview and have legitimate legal business.
The Kaveri 2.0 portal experienced performance issues in December 2024 and January 2025.
The duration of the work in Goshen library in Chintadripet is 12 months; three months have elapsed, and the work would reportedly be completed before the deadline.
Maharashtra minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said on February 16, 2025, that separate provisions have been made for each welfare scheme and none has been affected by the flagship Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana.
Perplexity AI has launched Deep Research, its AI research tool for free to compete with OpenAI and Google’s research tools.
West Bengal falls short in solar energy capacity, with only 5% of estimated potential installed, BJP criticises Mamata Banerjee.
Two more persons have been arrested and remanded in connection with the double murder case reported under Perambur police station limits in Mayiladuthurai district on February 14, 2025.
Union Minister Suresh Gopi warns officials against taking bribes, emphasizes importance of public service and growth of tourism sector.
Poongodi Mathiarasu, a puppetry enthusiast, aims to spread the art form's therapeutic benefits through workshops and performances.
Tribal healer in Odisha impresses Ayurvedic experts with traditional treatments for chronic diseases, sparking scientific curiosity and conservation efforts.
Understanding the impact of earthquake depth on damage and intensity of shaking in concise detail.
Minister Sekarbabu rededicates renovated tank at Raveeswarar temple in Vyasarpadi, with upcoming temple structure lift and kumbabhishekam.
Talisva Winery in Karnataka creates unique wines, including a betel leaf and areca nut dessert wine, with expansion plans.
4.0-magnitude earthquake strikes Delhi, causing panic as residents feel strong tremors and rush outside for safety.