Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala high court prison monitoring committee became the focus of an important court order after the Kerala High Court directed the Kerala government to form the committee within two weeks. The court said the committee is necessary to ensure that the Supreme Court’s directions on improving prison conditions are properly followed across Kerala.
Details of Kerala High Court Prison Monitoring Committee
The Kerala High Court ordered the Kerala Government to establish a State Level Monitoring Committee within a fortnight.
The committee will supervise the implementation of the Supreme Court’s guidelines related to prison conditions and prison reforms in the state.
Kerala High Court Prison Monitoring Committee: Why Did the Court Pass This Order
The order was passed by a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar V.M. The Bench was hearing a suo motu writ petition related to prison issues in Kerala, following recent directions issued by the Supreme Court.
Retired Judge Withdrew Consent
During the hearing, the Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KeLSA) informed the court that Justice R. Narayana Pisharadi (Retd.) had earlier agreed to serve as the Chairperson of the proposed committee.
However, he later withdrew his consent because the State Government did not constitute the committee within a reasonable time.
Kerala High Court Prison Monitoring Committee: Court Expresses Concern Over Delay
The High Court observed that the absence of the monitoring committee made it difficult to implement the Supreme Court’s directions issued in W.P.(C) No. 1082 of 2020, including the order dated February 26, 2026. The Bench directed the Additional Chief Secretary, Home (B) Department, to ensure the committee is formed within two weeks.
Court Requests Retired Judge to Reconsider
The Bench also requested Justice R. Narayana Pisharadi (Retd.) to reconsider his decision to withdraw consent. The judges expressed hope that the Kerala Government would complete the committee’s formation within the time given by the court.
Overcrowding in Kerala Prisons
The High Court also asked the State Government to submit its response to a report prepared by KeLSA regarding overcrowding in correctional homes across Kerala. The next hearing in the matter has been scheduled for July 13, 2026.
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