NHRC issues advisory to states, UTS on prevention of suicides in prisons

CONCERNED with suicides in prisons, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Friday issued an advisory to all the state governments and Union Territories to immediately implement its recommendations in 11 key areas and sought an action taken report within three months in this regard.

- HARPREET BAJWA

The commission has emphasized that the barracks as well as the toilets, where most number of suicides take place, should be kept free of objects that can be used for hanging. This includes iron rods, grills, fans, hooks and similar objects, besides abrasive and corrosive chemicals such as phenyls and acids used for cleaning toilets. Encouraging visits by the family members of prisoners and their telephonic communication was another important recommendation.