Granted bail but still behind bars: 19 undertrials catch attention of Goa rights body

The Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) has expressed concern over the continued detention of undertrial prisoners in Goa's Colvale jail, despite them being granted bail. During a visit to Modern Central Jail on October 13, the Commission assessed living conditions, infrastructure and welfare measures for inmates. In a report dated October 23, the Commission revealed that 19 undertrial prisoners were still in judicial custody following their bail, primarily due to their inability to pay the required surety amount.

The GHRC urged the principal district and sessions judges of both North and South Goa to review these cases with compassion. The inspection report highlighted overcrowding in some cells, with cells designed for two prisoners often accommodating three. This overcrowding jeopardizes inmates' sleeping arrangements, ventilation, sanitation, personal space and other essential facilities.

The Commission recommended providing adequate accommodation to undertrial inmates, ensuring cells are not overcrowded and meet their needs for sleep, ventilation, sanitation and overall humane living conditions.

Additionally, the Commission noted that mosquito nets in cells were either damaged or unavailable. This lack of functional mosquito nets causes discomfort and disturbs inmates' sleep while exposing them to mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and malaria, raising health and hygiene concerns. The Commission emphasized that all undertrial prisoners must receive timely medical care and prescribed medications to safeguard their health and well-being.