Don't deprive Pakistani prisoners of rights, dignity: Indian SC
01 March, 2012
LAHORE: The Indian Supreme Court (SC) said on Tuesday that Pakistani nationals languishing in Indian jails long after completing their jail sentences could not be deprived of their dignity and rights, and can no longer be considered prisoners, IANS reported.
Justice RM Lodha and Justice HR Gokhale observed this after the Indian government told the court that 37 Pakistani nationals who had completed their jail sentences in 2007, 2008 and 2009 were still incarcerated because "Pakistani authorities have not so far confirmed their nationality", according to IANS.
It said the court also ordered treatment of 21 Pakistani nationals who were stated to be mentally challenged.
"The 21 people who are mentally challenged have to be given proper medical and health assistance in suitable government hospital or in the hospitals or clinics run by NGOs," IANS quoted the court saying in its order.
"It will suffice to say that these 37 people must be released formally from the jails and having regard to national security, may be kept at an appropriate place with movement restricted pending their repatriation/deportation," the court ordered. Saying that whatever may be the reason for delay in their repatriation, the court said, "We don't even have a slightest doubt that their continued imprisonment is uncalled for."
Directing the government to shift these prisoners to some other place or detention centre where they can have some restricted mobility, the court in its order said, "In no way these 37 Pakistanis can be treated as prisoners once they have served their sentences."
"It is true that until their nationality is confirmed, they can't be repatriated and have to be asked to remain here. During this time they can't be deprived of their human rights and human dignity," IANS quoted Justice Lodha as saying.
The order, according to the news agency, said it was "indeed unfortunate" that these 37 Pakistani prisoners who have completed their sentences and are not required by India under its law are in jail because their nationality has not been confirmed.
The court noted that these prisoners were granted consular access to the Pakistani High Commission just a few months before their actual release, IANS reported.
The court also asked the Indian Gujarat government to make similar arrangements for 11 Pakistani fishermen in its jails against whom no offence has been registered.
The court asked the government to ensure that the exercise for the confirmation of the 37 people's nationality is completed expeditiously.
It observed, "We have no doubt that Pakistan High Commission will complete the exercise as early as possible." When it was told that there was one centre in New Delhi and another in Amritsar where these prisoners could be lodged, the court said, "What is important is not the location where these 37 people would be lodged, but we must have basic amenities and adequate provision for their stay." The court directed the listing of the matter after four weeks, IANS said.
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