Maha govt must tackle COVID-19 spread at Arthur Road Jail HC

    Mumbai, May 9 (PTI) The Bombay High Court directed the
Maharashtra government to take an appropriate policy decision
to tackle the spread of COVID-19 at Arthur Road Jail in
central Mumbai.
    At least 77 inmates and 26 personnel of Arthur Road
Jail tested positive for coronavirus early this week.
    Justice Bharati Dangre on Friday was hearing a bail
application filed by Ali Akbar Shroff, one of the inmates at
the prison, seeking temporary bail on medical grounds.
     In his order, Justice Dangre noted that the situation
was precarious and in such a contingency, the state government
and the policy makers should take a decision.
     "If it is true that more than 100 patients have
tested positive in Arthur Road Jail, then it is for the
authorities to ensure that other inmates, who are presently
lodged in the jail, are not infected by the virus on account
of overcrowding," the court said.
     The authorities must remember that inmates had the
right to a safe and healthy environment even when they were
incarcerated, Justice Dangre said.
     The court directed the state government and prison
department to take appropriate steps.
    "There is always a hope and expectation that the jail
authorities are sensitive to the prevalent situation," the
court said.
    The bench noted that there were several inmates above
the age of 60 and others who suffered from ailments.
     "Under such circumstances, it is open for the state
government and jail authorities to take appropriate policy
decision to tackle the situation to keep all inmates safe and
ensure that they contain the spread of virus in the jail," the
court said.
    Shroff's counsel Aabad Ponda argued that the inmate
suffered from diabetes, hypertension and high blood pressure,
and hence, needed to be kept safe to ensure that he does not
contract the infection.
    The court, however, rejected Shroff's plea after
noting that no imminent health impediment was reflected in his
case. PTI SP
ARU ARU

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)