Jail authorities are relying on "ancient modes" of communication through "pigeons" for bail orders: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance of delay in releasing convicts by prison authorities even after being granted bail by courts and asked state governments to inform it about the availability of internet connection in the prisons in their respective territories and the time required to make jails equipped with facilities to ensure prompt release of prisoners.

In order to ensure speedy release of prisoners who have been granted bail, the court will soon develop a secure electronic transmission mechanism of its bail orders so that it reaches the jail authorities in minimum time.

This came after the Supreme Court on July 8 granted interim bail to 13 convicted prisoners, as they were declared juveniles by the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) at the time of the commission of the offence and had already served 14 years jail sentence and are currently lodged in Agra Central Jail in Uttar Pradesh, on personal bond.

But the Uttar Pradesh authorities released the prisoners after a delay of four days stating that they did not receive the certified copy of the order by post. A three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice of India NV Ramana, said that even in the internet age, jail authorities appear to be relying on "ancient modes" of communication through "pigeons".

The bench also asked its Secretary-General to consult Amicus Curiae, senior advocate Dushyant Dave and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta for setting up some immediate arrangement of secure direct electronic mode of communication from Supreme Court to jails.

"We also direct the Secretary General of this Court to submit a proposal before us within a period of two weeks from today suggesting the modalities to implement faster system", the court said.

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