UTRC reviews cases of under-trial prisoners at Udhampur

Udhampur: District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Udhampur convened the meeting of Under Trial Review Committee (UTRC) on April 15, 2025 as per the quarterly schedule of UTRC Meetings-2025 and in adherence to the directives issued by the National Legal Services Authority (NLSA) and J&K Legal Services Authority (J&K LSA).
The meeting was held in Conference Hall, DLSA to review cases of under-trial prisoners to expedite the release of eligible candidates who have undergone a lengthy waiting period without trial.
The meeting was chaired by Chairperson DLSA, Principal District & Sessions Judge Virinder Singh Bhou and was attended by Secretary DLSA Dr. Smriti Sharma; Deputy Commissioner Saloni Rai; Senior Superintendent of Police Amod Ashok Nagpure; I/C Superintendent District Jail Som Raj; Addl. Public Prosecutor, Addl. Sessions Court Hemanshu Prakash; I/C Public Prosecutor, Principal Distt. & Sessions Judge Court Viney Sharma and Chief LADC Pawan Gupta.
During the meeting, the Committee reviewed cases based on guidelines from the Supreme Court and NALSA SOPs, focusing on prisoners with no proper representation or those who have spent substantial time behind bars without trial.
The committee recommended the release of eligible prisoners, ensuring that the benefits of legal provisions reach the intended beneficiaries. The meeting also discusses action items, such as conducting regular meetings to track progress, maintaining a consolidated data sheet to monitor prisoner cases, and preparing quarterly reports.
The meeting concluded with appreciation expressed by Chairperson DLSA to all the stakeholders for their proactive participation in addressing the concerns related to under trial prisoners.