COVID-19 emergency at the prisons

In light of the lockdown declared by the Government, to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the TOT programme was closed midway on the 21st March 2020. PRISM provided suggestions for decongestion and sanitisation of the prisons, all of which have been implemented. Around 1,200 inmates have been released mainly on bail from the Central Prison at Puzhal and more are being considered. There are still 42 inmates in the Saidapet Sub Jail for whom efforts are being made for release on their own bond. Masks are being produced in the prisons and being supplied to Health workers. Video calls are being arranged for prisoners with their families for them to know that they are safe. The writ petition filed by PRISM in the Madurai High Court, which was reported in the newspapers, is still pending, but all the suggestions have been considered and dealt with.