The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed Punjab Chief Secretary KAP Sinha to submit fresh timelines for the ongoing jail infrastructure upgrade across the state. The directive was issued by a bench led by Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal, noting that the previously proposed timelines would only commence following administrative approvals.
“We direct that the chief secretary, Punjab, file the affidavit stating therein the stage of the process and the approvals… fresh timelines shall be set out in the affidavit which shall be filed by the next date of hearing,” the court stated. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on May 28.
The proceedings stem from a suo motu case initiated in 2023 after gangster Lawrence Bishnoi was interviewed while in police custody. The court took cognisance of the issue, raising concerns about the potential glorification of crime and its negative influence on the public, especially the youth. The bench subsequently began monitoring improvements to jail infrastructure in Punjab.
In an earlier affidavit, the Punjab government detailed measures underway, including the installation of AI-based CCTV surveillance systems at 14 prisons and the procurement of x-ray baggage scanners (16 small tunnel size and three large tunnel size units). Additionally, 295 CCTV cameras, 90 body-worn cameras, and 16 under-vehicle inspection mirrors are being deployed.
The government also outlined plans for live wire fencing at 23 jails and the creation of high-security zones in four prisons. Other upgrades include procurement of 110 anti-riot kits, 16 e-carts, and 57 e-bikes.
Significantly, the Punjab Cabinet granted approval on May 9 for the installation of jammers in prisons and provided in-principle approval for the recruitment of nearly 500 additional jail staff to enhance security and operational efficiency.
The high court is expected to review the detailed status and revised timelines in the next hearing.
