Bihar Prisoners to Be Guarded on Tihar Jail Lines, Patna High Court Gives State Nine Months for Reforms

Patna: The Patna High Court has directed the Bihar government to complete the process of upgrading the state’s prison laws in line with the Central Model Prison Manual within a period of nine months. The order was passed while disposing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking comprehensive prison reforms in the state.

The directive was issued by a Division Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Sudhir Singh and Justice Rajesh Kumar Verma. A copy of the order was made public on Wednesday.

Court Orders Alignment with Model Prison Manual

The PIL, filed by advocate Abhinav Shandilya, urged the High Court to direct the state authorities to adopt the Model Prison Manual, 2016, prepared by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. The petitioner argued that the manual serves as a uniform framework for prison administration across the country and aims to ensure better security, discipline, transparency and prisoners’ rights.

The court observed that the Model Prison Manual was intended to bring consistency in prison laws nationwide and carries binding value in view of judicial directions issued by the Supreme Court.

State Assures Ongoing Reform Process

Appearing on behalf of the Bihar government, Advocate General P.K. Shahi informed the court that a committee has already been constituted to suggest necessary amendments to the Bihar Jail Manual. He assured the bench that the process of reform is underway.

Taking note of the submission, the court fixed a clear deadline of nine months for completing the exercise and disposed of the petition.

Enhanced Security and Modern Prison Management

Legal experts believe that implementation of the Model Prison Manual will significantly improve prison administration in Bihar, bringing it closer to high-security standards such as those followed at Tihar Jail. The reforms are expected to focus on better surveillance, inmate management, rehabilitation programmes and protection of prisoners’ rights.

Two New Judges to Take Oath

Meanwhile, two newly appointed judges elevated from the Patna High Court Bar — Justice Ritesh Kumar and Justice Praveen Kumar — will take oath on Thursday. Chief Justice Sangam Kumar Sahu will administer the oath at the High Court’s Centenary Hall at 10:30 am.

With their induction, the working strength of judges at the Patna High Court will rise to 37 against the sanctioned strength of 53.