HC to take up case of Naini undertrials suffering from cancer

The Allahabad High Court on Wednesday decided to take up the issue of undertrials in Naini Central Jail,who are suffering from cancer and allegedly not being provided proper treatment and care,as a public interest litigation. It has fixed April 10 as the next date of hearing.

Taking cognisance of reports in a Hindi daily,which said that the undertrials suffering from cancer were not being provided proper treatment,a division bench of Chief Justice Shiva Kirti Singh and Justice Dilip Gupta said,“Considering the right of the prisoners to life and proper treatment,the matter is taken up as a public interest litigation at the instance of the court. Excerpts of both the news reports are taken on record.” The court has made the state of Uttar Pradesh (through Principal Secretary,Home),Inspector General of Police (Prisons) and Jail Superintendent,Naini Central Jail,as respondents.

The newspaper reports,appearing on April 2 and April 3,mentioned that there were at least 14 undertrials suffering from cancer in Naini Jail,out of which the condition of five was reported to be critical.