JAMMU: District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Jammu, under the guidance of Y.P. Bourney, Chairman DLSA Jammu and Principal District and Sessions Judge Jammu and the supervision of Smriti Sharma, Sub Judge and Secretary DLSA Jammu, conducted an inspection of Central Jail Kot Bhalwal Jammu today.

The visit began with a plantation drive aimed at promoting a greener and healthier environment within the jail premises. The drive was carried out by the Principal District and Sessions Judge Jammu along with Smriti Sharma, Secretary DLSA Jammu, Veerinder Kumar Bhat, Superintendent of Central Jail Kot Bhalwal and Anil Sharma, Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel Jammu.

Following the drive, the team inspected the jail to assess living conditions, health facilities, legal aid availability, and the overall welfare of inmates, in line with directives from the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and provisions under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.

The inspection included direct interaction with under trial, detenu and convict prisoners in the jail's ground area to get a firsthand understanding of the facilities available. Key areas inspected included the Jail Legal Aid Clinic, virtual VC rooms, interview area, prisoner calling system, hospital, kitchen and barracks.

The medical centre and hospital were thoroughly checked and the team reviewed the quality of food prepared for inmates. Inmates' concerns and grievances were heard attentively, offering them a platform to provide feedback on services extended by DLSA Jammu.

During the inspection, certain areas of the jail premises were identified as needing renovation. On-the-spot directions were issued to the Superintendent of Central Jail Kot Bhalwal to raise the matter with the appropriate authority.

As part of the initiative, the Principal District and Sessions Judge Jammu also reviewed cases related to the Under Trial Review Committee (UTRC). The next UTRC meeting is scheduled for July 15 to assess cases of undertrial prisoners eligible for release under legal provisions, including Section 436A of the CrPC and those who may benefit from legal aid or plea bargaining.

This initiative aims to reduce overcrowding in jails, promote speedy trials and ensure justice for prisoners from economically or socially disadvantaged backgrounds. The judiciary remains committed to upholding constitutional rights and ensuring fair and humane treatment of individuals in custody.