Why video conference facility not allowed for foreign inmates?: Delhi High Court inquired Tihar Jail authorities

The Delhi High Court on Friday questioned the Tihar Jail authorities to explain why foreign inmates were not allowed to contact their families through video conferencing.

Court was hearing a petition filed by activists Natasha Narwal and Devangana Kalita in February 2021, who were being held in connection with the 2020 Northeast Delhi riots case.

The two moved before the court, alleging a lack of facilities for under-trial inmates, and sought reforms.

While hearing the petition, Justice Rekha Palli inquired the authorities, “Why is video conferencing for families abroad not done? You were permitting calls. You have to upgrade.”

Advocate Gautam Narayan, appearing for Director General, Prisons submitted that further assistance on this aspect and the reasons behind the policy could be best explained by the officer concerned.

Narayan further submitted that a competent officer is asked to remain present for the same.

Taking note of this, Court ordered that an office conversant with the facts of the case be present on behalf of the respondent on the next date of hearing i.e. September 10.

Advocate Adit S Pujari, appearing for Narwal and Kalita submitted that while several grievances raised in the matter have been addressed by the authorities, certain issues still needed to be looked into.

To this, the Court inquired, “They have done a lot of things. What remains?”

Pujari further submitted that foreign inmates are still barred from video conferencing, physical mulaqaat (meetings), and permanent solutions to dietary issues.

Accordingly, Court granted time for Pujari to file a short response on the surviving issues.

Narwal and Kalita were arrested last year in May in connection with the northeast Delhi riots case.

On June 15, the High Court granted bail to the duo in the Delhi riots case under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

[Inputs: ET]