Citing misuse, DG issues circular to regulate special interview for prisoners in Karnataka

In a move aimed at preventing misuse of provisions allowing special interviews for inmates, Director General of Police (Prisons and Correctional Services) Alok Kumar issued a circular on March 9 streamlining the procedure for granting such interviews in prisons across Karnataka.

The circular states that Chapter 31 of the Karnataka Prisons and Correctional Services Manual, 2021, deals with interviews and communication with prisoners, and Para-578 allows special interviews during emergencies or special circumstances with the approval of prison authorities. However, authorities have observed that these provisions were being frequently misused in prisons by inmates with influence.

The circular directs all prison heads to follow a stricter procedure before granting special interviews.

Conditions apply

According to the order, Chief Superintendents, or the Superintendent of prison, may permit special interviews on a case-to-case basis, but only after recording valid reasons in writing, and ensuring that security considerations are not compromised.

Special interviews may be allowed under specific situations, such as serious illness or immobility of a prisoner due to injury, where interviews may be allowed once a month; death or medical emergency in the family, after proper verification; humanitarian grounds, such as when visitors are pregnant women or persons with disabilities.

Safeguards introduced

The circular lays down several procedural safeguards, including:

• Prior written approval from the head of the prison
• A security assessment before granting permission
• Interviews only in a designated room within prison premises under supervision of a prison officer
• Interview duration not exceeding 30 minutes
• Maximum five visitors, subject to verification

Prison authorities have been given the power to terminate interviews at any time if security concerns arise, with reasons to be recorded in writing.

The circular further states that any special interview request not covered under the specified circumstances must receive prior written approval from the DGP of Prisons, with applications submitted at least two working days in advance.

All Chief Superintendents and Superintendents of Central, District, Open and Taluk prisons have been directed to strictly implement the guidelines. The Deputy Inspector General of Prisons of the North and South ranges have been told to monitor compliance.

“The provision regarding special visits to the prisoners was being misused by certain influential prison inmates. The present system of special visit is also in violation of Prison Karnataka Manual, 2022,” said Mr. Kumar.