Indian Jails Release Prisoners Due to COVID-19
The coronavirus outbreak has pushed prisons across India to reduce crowding by releasing Inmates on bail or parole.
Earlier on March 16, the Supreme Court noted that the social distancing cannot be followed in overcrowded prisons.It had asked states about the measures they intend to adopt to prevent an outbreak among prisoners. The coronavirus outbreak has pushed prisons across India to reduce crowding.Inmates are being granted bail or parole. This is a precautionary measure since India's overcrowded jail facilities could easily spread COVID-19.
Madhya Pradesh announced the release of 5,000 convicts. Another 3,000 will be released bail for 45 days in the next two days. Punjab has decided to release 6,000 prisoners.In Maharashtra, 601 prisoners were released in 3 days.
Authorities of Asia's largest prison facility, Delhi's Tihar Jail, said they will release 3,000 prisoners. None of those released would be hardened criminals. In Uttar Pradesh, 11,000 inmates were released from 71 jails.
These prisoners have been released on Bail or Parole. They will be supervised by authorities and may have to return to jail at some point.
