Swati Maliwal writes another letter to Tihar D-G

New Delhi: Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chairperson Swati Maliwal has shot another letter to the DG (prisons) of Tihar Jail to assess the living situation of women inmates there.

This is her second letter after the one she had written earlier this month. The commission has been asking for permission to stay at Tihar Jail for three consecutive days and nights.

“As desired, we are sending the specific complaint once again. Further, we have been informed through the letter that our request for stay in Tihar Jail for 3 consecutive days and nights for the purpose of inspection has been denied, citing the provisions of the jail manual. That said, we have been allowed inspection of jails during the daytime. Simultaneously, it has been informed that the matter is being examined further at your end,” Ms Maliwal’s letter to DG Sudhir Yadav said.

Her letter added that the commission is duty bound to look into the issues of approximately 600 women and children who are Tihar’s inmates. “We are duty bound under the Delhi Commission for Women Act to look into their issues and help resolve the same. The commission once again reiterates its request for staying in Tihar Jail for three consecutive days and nights. The Delhi Commission for Women Act specifically mandates the commission to inspect jails,” the letter added.

Her letter pointed out that the DCW Act has not fixed any time for inspection by the commission and that the jail manual cannot be construed to supersede the DCW Act.

“As it is, the inspection should have been a surprise inspection, but considering the security aspects of the jail, the commission has made a prior request for inspection. The commission is of the considered view that inspection during night time is extremely important,” it said.