a day ago
Additional video conferencing systems to be installed in state jails to expedite trial of undertrial prisoners
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Pune: A total of 315 video conferencing systems (VCS) and 589 cubicles will be installed by the state prisons department to expedite the trial of undertrial prisoners languishing in 60 jails.
Additional director general (prison) Suhas Warke told TOI on Saturday, "There are 478 existing VCS and 314 cubicles installed in state jails linked to courts. We have proposed to install an additional 315 VCS and 579 cubicles in a phased manner. The total cost of the project is Rs 34 crore. The district planning development committee and the state home department have sanctioned funds of Rs 10.60 crore."
Principal secretary (appeals and security) Radhika Rastogi told TOI over the phone, "Installing VCS and cubicles is an ongoing project sanctioned by the state govt.
It will reduce the physical burden on police during inmate escorts by eliminating the need for physical transportation to court appearances to some extent. The project aims to save time, resources, and reduce risks associated with inmate movement from jail to courts and vice versa.
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Special inspector general (prison) Yogesh Desai said that the provision of section 530 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita expands the use of VCS and other electronic communication within the judicial system.
Now, more focus will be on conducting full-fledged trials, inquiries, and other proceedings, including examination of witnesses and recording of evidence using audio-video electronic means within the cubicle system to be installed by the state public works department to maintain the privacy of the hearing.
Desai said there are around 40,000 inmates lodged in jails. VCS are being extensively used for producing the inmates for extending their magisterial/judicial custody remand, deciding plead guilty cases, and passing conviction orders etc.
Advocate Milind Pawar, former president of Pune Bar Association, said the CBI took the initiative to start the VCS to conduct trials in the fake stamp paper case involving kingpin AKL Telgi and 64 others at the special court, Pune, in 2004. In the last 21 years, the state govt has installed VCS across the courts. VCS can do wonders if the internet connectivity system is improved and more storage space is created to install additional VCS at the district and taluka courts on the lines of virtual hearing in Bombay High Court and Supreme Court.
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