Nagaland DLSAs identify prisoners eligible for release in UTRC meetings

DIMAPUR — As part of the National Legal Services Authority’s (NLSA) Under Trial Review Committee (UTRC) special campaign 2023, the district legal services authorities (DLSAs) under the aegis of Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) held UTRC meetings on Wednesday.

According to a press release, the special campaign, which commenced on September 18, will conclude on November 20.

The meetings were held to expedite the identification and review of prisoners who are eligible to be considered for release, as well as to accelerate the regular functioning of UTRCs and review all eligible under-trial prisoners (UTPs).

Wokha: Wokha DLSA held its third UTRC meeting at the chamber of the secretary of Wokha DLSA. The committee reviewed the cases recommended at the previous meeting, discussed the case statuses of four UTPs, and referred four to legal aid to represent their cases.

The committee also recommended three UTPs and directed the concerned legal aid counsel to take further steps to modify the bail surety. According to the jailor’s report, there are currently 37 UTPs and five convicts lodged.

Mokokchung: Mokokchung DLSA held its second weekly UTRC meeting on Wednesday, during which the committee identified two UTPs who were eligible for default bail and one UTP who was already on bail but could not provide surety.

The committee directed an investigation officer to file a charge sheet as soon as possible and the front office to contact family members for surety.

Dimapur: The Dimapur DLSA held its weekly meeting at the district court complex, where the committee reviewed cases recommended at the previous meeting.

Three UTPs were granted bail, and bail petitions were filed for the rest.

Zunheboto: Zunheboto DLSA held the UTRC meeting at the district jail, Zunheboto, and interacted with the UTPs. The committee identified and recommended three UTPs and directed the panel lawyers and concerned advocates to take the necessary steps.

At the moment, there are 15 UTPs and five convicts.

Phek: Phek DLSA held the UTRC meeting at the district judge chamber. During the meeting, a UTP was released on bail under Section 167 CrPC, and another was released on bail based on the previous UTRC recommendation. Legal aid counsel was provided to another UTP.

Mon: Mon DLSA held its third UTRC meeting at the district and session court. At district jail Mon, there are currently 31 UTPs and 32 convicts.

After reviewing the status report, the committee recommended seven UTPs who are eligible to go on default bail.

The committee also had a brief discussion about how to set up a skill development programme for the prisoners, and the jail authority reported that some of the jail warders are undergoing first aid and nursing training in Dimapur. 

The committee also stated that it will approach the district hospital authority in Mon to set up a separate room for UTPs and convicts with a toilet attachment and the necessary facilities for the prisoner.

Kohima: In continuation of the UTRC special campaign, the Kohima DLSA held its third meeting on Wednesday at the district court complex, and four cases were recommended for bail by the committee.

There are currently 94 UTPs: four females and 90 males.

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