Jailhouse Shock – Tihar won’t change unless some authority is made directly responsible for running it

Source: The post is based on the article “Jailhouse Shock – Tihar won’t change unless some authority is made directly responsible for running it” published in The Times of India on 10th May 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2 – Mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of vulnerable sections.

Relevance: About managing Tihar Jail.

News: Recently, a gangster has been murdered in his prison cell in Tihar jail.

About the present incident in Tihar and Delhi High Court’s observation

No prison guard apparently saw the assailants as they reached their victim, nor were any present at the victim’s cell. Another CCTV clip shows police standing by as a second attack began.

This murder came weeks after the death of another gangster in a gang war inside Tihar. The Delhi high court said that the incident was ‘Totally unacceptable’.

About the previous court observations on Tihar jail and its authorities

The Supreme Court in the past has pulled up Tihar authorities for collusion with inmates in flouting the jail manual and obfuscating investigation. Courts have criticised GoI and the Delhi government for “passing the buck” on security at the jail.

The present one should prompt all stakeholders to revisit the multiplicity of authority.

What are the challenges in managing Tihar Jail?

-Prisons are a state subject. Tihar is run by the Delhi government. But, the DG (Prisons) is an officer on deputation from Delhi police, which reports to the government of India.

-Delhi police are in charge of custodial duties while patrolling, perimeter security, search etc are undertaken by Tamil Nadu Special Police, ITBP and CRPF.

Tihar is a place where some of India’s most dangerous criminals reside and are in great danger. So, until some authority is made directly responsible for running it the condition won’t change.