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Kerala prison reforms soon, webcams to be used
Party violence in prisons; court orders strict monitoring.
BY CORRESPONDENT
November 7, 2006
With the goings on in Kerala’s prisons touching embarrassing levels, the state government has lined up plans to introduce web -based monitoring of the jails.
The plans come following the Kerala High Court directive the government to take immediate steps, including online surveillance, to keep track of what is going on within the walls of prisons in the state.
When Kerala's prison reform plans are finally implemented, prisons will be equipped with web cameras along with motion sensors and wireless technology. Small-size cameras would be installed in common places where surveillance is needed.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice, V K Bali and Justice P R Raman, while accepting the recommendations made by Amicus Curiae, lawyer P B Sahasranamam, appointed by the court pronounced this directive.
Web-based monitoring of prisons is expected to help authorities to keep a check on abuse of prisoners belonging to political parties by those belonging to rival outfits in connivance with jail authorities.
The Division Bench’s directive was issued while disposing suo motu proceedings initiated on the basis of a complaint made by a Kannur central jail inmate that certain prisoners were allegedly being harmed by co-prisoners owing allegiance to another political party with the help of jail staff.
It was felt that as a surprise check was not possible inside the jails, a continuous monitoring of prisons is the only way out to control abuse of prisoners.
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