High Court Reviews Petition on Return of J-K Undertrials

The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh examines a petition by PDP president Mehbooba Mufti concerning the relocation of undertrial prisoners from J-K. The petition questions their detention outside the Union territory, arguing it violates constitutional rights and disrupts legal aid and family contact.

The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has been deliberating over a petition submitted by PDP president Mehbooba Mufti. The petition requests the return of undertrial prisoners from J-K who are currently confined in jails outside the Union territory.

During Tuesday's hearing, Chief Justice Arun Palli and Justice Rajnesh Oswal listened to arguments on whether these detentions violate constitutional rights, particularly those ensuring equality and family contact, outlined in Articles 14 and 21. Mehbooba's counsel, Aditya Gupta, addressed questions concerning the petition's maintainability and the classification of undertrials.

The PIL advocates for their return to local jails unless authorities justify otherwise with written explanations. It also proposes a bi-monthly review by an oversight committee, and actions against non-compliance, along with a submission of reports to the high court.

(With inputs from agencies.)