IHC orders to release prisoners accused of minor crimes on bail
Last updated on: 24 March,2020 03:22 pm
IHC orders to release prisoners accused of minor crimes on bail.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has on Friday ordered to release prisoners accused of minor crimes on bail from the Adiala Jail in the wake of the coronavirus epidemic.
The IHC conducted hearing on case pertaining to release of 1,362 prisoners as Islamabad deputy commissioner, deputy inspector general police, NHS secretary and health director general were present in the court.
The court remarked that 5,001 prisoners are present in the Adiala Jail while its capacity is of 2,174 inmates. Furthermore, trials of 1,362 detainees are pending in courts of Islamabad West and East, it said while asking why not these captives should be released.
The IHC directed the deputy commissioner to appoint an officer to oversee the matters pertaining to surety bonds of the detainees. It furthered ordered the government to submit surety bonds on behalf of those prisoners who cannot afford them.
IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah said, “Our nation will not panic but steps must be taken. SHOs can release those prisoners who are in police stations against surety bonds. We shall issue a verdict in this regard.”
The deputy commissioner told the court that the authorities will figure out that which prisoners can be released in the light of the IHC order and a compliance report will be submitted in the court on Saturday.