Shopian : In a coordinated effort to strengthen access to justice and ensure timely relief to eligible inmates, the Legal Aid Defence Counsels (LADC) of Shopian and Pulwama conducted a joint inspection of the Special Jail, Pulwama.
The visit was undertaken with the primary objective of identifying cases suitable for early release in accordance with the categories outlined in the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the forthcoming Under Trial Review Committee meeting.
The joint inspection team included Chief LADC Shopian, Rafie Ahmad Ganie, along with Assistant LADC Shopian, Aamir Ayoub.
Representing Pulwama were Chief LADC Mehrajudin Wani, Assistant LADC Ashiq Ahmad, and Junior Assistant DLSA Pulwama, Shakir Ahmad.
The team was facilitated by the Jail Superintendent, Dr. Aijaz Ahmad, who provided comprehensive insights into the inmate population and extended full cooperation during the inspection process.
During the visit, the LADC teams conducted a detailed and systematic review of individual inmate cases.
The assessment focused on identifying prisoners eligible for consideration under various SOP categories, including undertrials who have completed half of the maximum prescribed sentence, first-time offenders involved in minor offences, elderly or infirm inmates, prisoners granted bail but unable to furnish surety, and other relevant categories specified under UTRC guidelines.
The teams also interacted directly with inmates across multiple barracks to verify legal documentation, assess case status, and ensure that no eligible individual is deprived of relief due to lack of awareness or legal assistance.
Following the inspection, a consolidated list of eligible cases has been prepared and will be presented before the upcoming UTRC meeting for necessary consideration and orders.
