Case No.62/3/2006-2007/UC NOTICE
To
THE INSEPCTOR GENERAL OF PRISONS
All State & Uts

WHEREAS the complaint/intimation dated 7.8.2006 received from LEGAL ASSITANCE FORUM in respect of MINORS LODGED IN JAILS was placed before the Commission on 24.8.2006.

AND WHEREAS upon perusing the complaint the Commission has passed the following order.

Legal Assistance Forum (Registered) has, vide its letter dated 7.8.2006 informed the Commission that it came across some cases of minors being lodged in the jails in Assam alongwith hardened criminals. The names of such children/juveniles were immediately brought to the notice of the respective District and Sessions Judge who were present in the Lok Adalat being conducted by the forum from 19-24 June, 2006. Learned District and Sessions Judges took appropriate action to ascertain the correct age of the Juveniles and many such inmates have been sent to Juvenile Observation Homes and were subsequently produced before Juvenile Court. However, the Forum has expressed its apprehension that there may be many children/juveniles lodged in the Central Jail of Jorhat, Tezpur and Naogaon in the State of Assam.

It is prayed that the Commission may take cognizance of the matter and issue appropriate directions for a through survey in all the jails of the country under the supervision of Judicial Officers so that no person below the age of 18 years is detained in any jail. If and child/juvenile is found in the jail, such person may be immediately sent to the juvenile Observation Home under the supervision of Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000.

Issue notice to the Inspector General of Prisons of all the States/Union Territories to carry out necessary survey to ascertain whether any persons below the age of 18 years is detained in any of the jails within their respective jurisdiction and submit detailed report. If any juvenile is found in any jail, remedial action may also be taken and reported to the Commission.

Response within 8 weeks.

NOW THEREFORE TAKE NOTICE that you are required to submit the requisite information/Report within 8 weeks from the date of receipt of this notice.

TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that in default the Commission may proceed to take such action as it deems proper.

Given under my hand and seal of the Commission, this day of 24 August 2006. (BY ORDER)

ASSISTANT REGISTRAR (LAW)
Encl: Copy of complaint.

Note- 1. The information/report shall be furnished only by the authority which is called upon to do           so.
           2. Please quote the Case No. referred above in al future correspondence /reports.

CC to:
Legal Assistance Forum
P4/A First Floor, Jangpura Extension
New Delhi.
Sd/-
ASSISTANT REGISTERED (LAW)