Latest news with #MaharashtraPrisonManual
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Time of India
Designed for 999, holding 3,461: Arthur Road jail holds over 3 times its capacity; jail superintendent flags overcrowding crisis
MUMBAI: The Mumbai Central Prison at Arthur Road is facing an overcrowding crisis, a situation brought to light during a recent court hearing concerning the transfer request of an undertrial prisoner. The jail, designed to hold 999 inmates, currently houses 3,461, more than three times its capacity. The court rejected the application filed by Munaf Halari, accused in the 1993 blasts case, who sought a transfer to the Anda Cell, an egg-shaped cell, due to perceived threats from rival gangs and influential inmates within the general prison population. The court directed the superintendent to provide sufficient security to the accused while keeping him in a different circle. "The superintendent of jail also raises doubt regarding the subsequent conduct of the applicant if he is kept in the high security cell along with other well-known criminals. Therefore, looking to this aspect, I am of the view that if the superintendent of prison is directed to provide sufficient security to the applicant while keeping him in a different circle, then it will sub-serve the purpose," the judge said. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai The accused, arrested on Feb 29, 2020, was initially held at Sabarmati Central Prison before being transferred to the city on June 2, 2025. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trending in in 2025: Local network access control [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo The prosecution raised concerns that an extended stay in the Anda Cell might violate Maharashtra Prison Manual rules and requested a report from the jail superintendent. Opposing the plea, the jail superintendent highlighted the dire overcrowding, not only in the general prison but also within the high-security cell. The high-security cell, built for 31 prisoners, currently holds 43, including individuals involved in bomb blast cases, terror activities, and high-risk inmates like Prasad Pujari of the Pujari Gang, Uday Pathak of the Pathak gang, and members of the Rajan and Bishnoi gangs. The superintendent submitted that placing the accused in the Anda Cell alongside these high-profile and dangerous individuals could actually increase the threat to his life and security. Instead, he suggested that the accused would be safer if kept in a different circle within the prison, with sufficient security, similar to other co-accused in his case. The court, after reviewing the submissions, acknowledged the concerns regarding overcrowding and the potential risks in the high-security cell. Citing the Maharashtra Prison (Safe Custody of Prisoners) Rules, which mandate the inspector general of prisons or superintendent of jail to ensure the safe custody of prisoners, the court observed that he is best equipped to handle the internal affairs and security arrangements of the prison.
Time of India
17 hours ago
- Time of India
Designed for 999 inmates, Arthur Road jail holds 3,461
Mumbai: The Mumbai Central Prison at Arthur Road is facing an overcrowding crisis, a situation brought to light during a recent court hearing concerning the transfer request of an undertrial prisoner. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The jail, designed to hold 999 inmates, currently houses 3,461, more than three times its capacity. The court rejected the application filed by Munaf Halari, accused in the 1993 blasts case, who sought a transfer to the Anda Cell, an egg-shaped cell, due to perceived threats from rival gangs and influential inmates within the general prison population. The court directed the superintendent to provide sufficient security to the accused while keeping him in a different circle. "The superintendent of jail also raises doubt regarding the subsequent conduct of the applicant if he is kept in the high security cell along with other well-known criminals. Therefore, looking to this aspect, I am of the view that if the superintendent of prison is directed to provide sufficient security to the applicant while keeping him in a different circle, then it will sub-serve the purpose," the judge said. The accused, arrested on Feb 29, 2020, was initially held at Sabarmati Central Prison before being transferred to the city on June 2, 2025. The prosecution raised concerns that an extended stay in the Anda Cell might violate Maharashtra Prison Manual rules and requested a report from the jail superintendent. Opposing the plea, the jail superintendent highlighted the dire overcrowding, not only in the general prison but also within the high-security cell. The high-security cell, built for 31 prisoners, currently holds 43, including individuals involved in bomb blast cases, terror activities, and high-risk inmates like Prasad Pujari of the Pujari Gang, Uday Pathak of the Pathak gang, and members of the Rajan and Bishnoi gangs. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The superintendent submitted that placing the accused in the Anda Cell alongside these high-profile and dangerous individuals could actually increase the threat to his life and security. Instead, he suggested that the accused would be safer if kept in a different circle within the prison, with sufficient security, similar to other co-accused in his case. The court, after reviewing the submissions, acknowledged the concerns regarding overcrowding and the potential risks in the high-security cell. Citing the Maharashtra Prison (Safe Custody of Prisoners) Rules, which mandate the inspector general of prisons or superintendent of jail to ensure the safe custody of prisoners, the court observed that he is best equipped to handle the internal affairs and security arrangements of the prison.
Indian Express
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Salem's plea for premature release under consideration: Maha govt tells HC
A DECISION on the premature release of gangster Abu Salem, currently serving prison term for the 1993 Bombay bomb blasts, is under consideration before the state government and will be decided shortly, the Bombay High Court was informed on Wednesday. Salem was extradited from Portugal in 2005 and an assurance was given to the Portugal authorities that he will not be given the death sentence or a prison term beyond 25 years. Salem has filed a petition before the high court seeking clarity on his release date, stating that he is entitled to benefits like remission meant for early release for prisoners. The state Home department and the Maharashtra prison department on Wednesday submitted affidavits to the court in response to Salem's plea. Both the affidavits state that Salem has completed over 19 years in jail, counting his arrest from the time of his extradition to India in November 2005. 'The period of 25 years of the imprisonment of the prisoner is not completed till date. Hence, the final date of completion of 25 years of petitioner/prisoner will be decided after the reception of the decision on the premature release of the petitioner by the Home Department, state of Maharashtra,' the affidavit filed by Suhas Warke, Additional Director General of Police and Inspector General of Prisons and Correctional Services, said. The affidavit adds that Salem's history is not a 'palatable one', and that he has committed many offences in India. The affidavit filed by Sugriv Dhapate, joint secretary of the Home department, also said that Salem's actual imprisonment is over 19 years. 'It is further submitted that the proposal of premature release of the petitioner is under consideration of the government and will be decided shortly,' the affidavit states. The proposal for Salem's premature release is under consideration under Rule 25 (iii) of the Maharashtra Prison Manual. The proposal includes the opinion of the advisory board, the concerned court which had convicted Salem, a report from the police, district magistrate, along with a recommendation from the prison department. The affidavit states that Salem is recommended to be in the category of 50 years imprisonment, and if his remission is calculated in the category, his release date would be in 2046, which is beyond the 25 years' assurance. Both the affidavits have also referred to a previous Supreme Court order on an appeal filed by Salem. The Supreme Court in 2022 said that honouring the period of 25 years as assured, will arise only when the 25 years' term is completed, mentioning November 10, 2030, as the date of completion. The court had then said that such a plea on his release cannot be raised before the period lapses. Salem was sentenced to life imprisonment in two cases-in 2015 for the murder of Pradeep Jain, a builder in Mumbai, and in 2017 for the 1993 Bombay blasts case. Salem had filed a similar plea in the special court in Mumbai, seeking clarity on his release date, which the CBI had said was premature, since he is yet to complete 25 years in jail.
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Proposal for gangster Abu Salem's premature release under consideration: Maharashtra govt tells HC
The Maharashtra government has informed the Bombay High Court that the proposal for the premature release of extradited gangster Abu Salem is under consideration, and a decision will be taken on it soon. Salem has spent only 19 years in jail since his extradition from Portugal in November 2005, the government stated in its affidavit in response to the convicted gangster's plea seeking release from prison. #Operation Sindoor Live Updates| From Sindoor to showdown? Track Indo-Pak conflict as it unfolds India's biggest strike against Pakistan since 1971: 70+ terrorists, aides killed Pakistan mounts campaign of lies, deceit and disinformation The state government on Wednesday submitted two affidavits in response to Salem's petition to a bench of Justices Girish Kulkarni and Advait Sethna. In his petition filed through advocate Farhana Shah, Salem claimed he had already undergone the 25-year imprisonment term if the remission for good behaviour was included. The plea stated that when Salem was extradited from Portugal, the Government of India had assured that he would not be handed the death penalty in any case and that he would not be imprisoned for a term beyond 25 years. The state government, in its affidavit filed by Sugriv Dhapate, joint secretary of the home department, said the proposal for Salem's premature release is under consideration and will be decided soon. Live Events As per the government affidavit, Salem was extradited from Portugal in November 2005, and his actual imprisonment was 19 years, three months and 20 days as of February 28, 2025. Another affidavit filed by Suhas Warke, additional director general of police and inspector general of prisons, stated that as per provisions of the Maharashtra Prison Manual, the proposal for Salem's premature release was submitted to the state government for approval along with the opinion of the advisory board and the trial court. "The petitioner, Abu Salem, has a history which is not a palatable one at all. He has committed many offences in India. Thereafter, he absconded to a foreign country," Warke said in the affidavit. As per the affidavit, Salem has been convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in two cases, including the 1993 bomb blast case. Till March 2025, Salem has undergone imprisonment of 19 years, and hence, the period of 25 years is not completed till date, it stated. "The final date of completion of 25 years of the petitioner (Salem) will be decided only after a decision is taken on his premature release by the home department of the Maharashtra government," it said. The bench posted the matter for hearing in June.
Hindustan Times
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Proposal for gangster Abu Salem's premature release under consideration: Maharashtra govt tells HC
Mumbai, The Maharashtra government has informed the Bombay High Court that the proposal for the premature release of extradited gangster Abu Salem is under consideration, and a decision will be taken on it soon. Salem has spent only 19 years in jail since his extradition from Portugal in November 2005, the government stated in its affidavit in response to the convicted gangster's plea seeking release from prison. The state government on Wednesday submitted two affidavits in response to Salem's petition to a bench of Justices Girish Kulkarni and Advait Sethna. In his petition filed through advocate Farhana Shah, Salem claimed he had already undergone the 25-year imprisonment term if the remission for good behaviour was included. The plea stated that when Salem was extradited from Portugal, the Government of India had assured that he would not be handed the death penalty in any case and that he would not be imprisoned for a term beyond 25 years. The state government, in its affidavit filed by Sugriv Dhapate, joint secretary of the home department, said the proposal for Salem's premature release is under consideration and will be decided soon. As per the government affidavit, Salem was extradited from Portugal in November 2005, and his actual imprisonment was 19 years, three months and 20 days as of February 28, 2025. Another affidavit filed by Suhas Warke, additional director general of police and inspector general of prisons, stated that as per provisions of the Maharashtra Prison Manual, the proposal for Salem's premature release was submitted to the state government for approval along with the opinion of the advisory board and the trial court. "The petitioner, Abu Salem, has a history which is not a palatable one at all. He has committed many offences in India. Thereafter, he absconded to a foreign country," Warke said in the affidavit. As per the affidavit, Salem has been convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in two cases, including the 1993 bomb blast case. Till March 2025, Salem has undergone imprisonment of 19 years, and hence, the period of 25 years is not completed till date, it stated. "The final date of completion of 25 years of the petitioner will be decided only after a decision is taken on his premature release by the home department of the Maharashtra government," it said. The bench posted the matter for hearing in June.
