Haryana Steps Forward with Compassionate Justice
Empowered Committees to be constituted in Every District; Relief for Needy Prisoners to be Fast-tracked
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh -
Haryana Additional Chief Secretary, Home, Jails Criminal Investigation and Administration of Justice, Dr. Sumita Misra, has issued comprehensive directions for the immediate and effective implementation of the ‘Support to Poor Prisoners Scheme’ across all districts of Haryana in order to ensure equitable access to justice and humane support for underprivileged inmates.
Acting upon the guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) laid down by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, Dr. Misra has directed the Director General of Prisons, all Deputy Commissioners, and all District Magistrates of Haryana to take proactive and time-bound measures in the letter and spirit of the scheme.
As per the instructions, an Empowered Committee will be constituted in each district, comprising the District Magistrate, Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority, Superintendent of Police, Superintendent/Deputy Superintendent of the concerned prison, and Judge incharge of the concerned Prison, as nominee of the District Judge. This committee will identify, assess, and facilitate financial assistance for poor prisoners who are unable to secure bail or pay fines.
Dr. Misra informed that in order to strengthen execution, each committee will appoint a Nodal Officer and may collaborate with civil society representative, social worker or District Probation Officer. These stakeholders will support case processing and ensure timely relief reaches eligible inmates.
The Prisons Department and all District Magistrates have been directed to hold regular meetings of the Empowered Committees, visit prisons, spread awareness about the scheme among jail staff and inmates, and prepare accurate lists of beneficiaries.
Dr. Misra emphasized that relief must not remain on paper, but must translate into tangible human impact, offering dignity, fairness, and a second chance to those imprisoned solely due to poverty. All Deputy Commissioners have been directed to send detailed compliance reports within 15 days.