SHOPIAN: In a coordinated effort to strengthen access to justice and ensure timely legal relief to eligible inmates, the Legal Aid Defence Counsels (LADC) of Shopian and Pulwama on Tuesday conducted a joint inspection of Special Jail Pulwama.
The inspection was carried out to identify inmates who may qualify for early release under the categories laid down in the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) ahead of the forthcoming Under Trial Review Committee (UTRC) meeting.
The joint team from Shopian comprised Chief LADC Rafie Ahmad Ganie and Assistant LADC Aamir Ayoub. Representing Pulwama were Chief LADC Mehrajudin Wani, Assistant LADC Ashiq Ahmad and Junior Assistant of District Legal Services Authority Pulwama, Shakir Ahmad.
The team was facilitated by Jail Superintendent Dr. Aijaz Ahmad, who provided details about the inmate population and extended full cooperation during the inspection.
During the visit, the LADC teams conducted a detailed review of individual inmate cases to identify prisoners eligible for release under various SOP categories. These included undertrial prisoners who have completed half of the maximum prescribed sentence, first-time offenders booked in minor offences, elderly and infirm inmates, as well as prisoners who have been granted bail but remain in jail due to inability to furnish surety.
The officials also interacted directly with inmates in several barracks to verify legal documents, assess the status of their cases and ensure that no eligible prisoner is denied relief because of lack of awareness or legal assistance.
Officials said a consolidated list of inmates found eligible during the inspection has been prepared and will be placed before the upcoming UTRC meeting for consideration and appropriate orders.
