HC directs prison authorities to strictly enforce rules

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has directed the Prison authorities to ensure the strict implementation of rules with regard to the prohibition on use, possession, and circulation of tobacco products in all central and district prisons.

A Division Bench of Justices G. Jayachandran and K.K. Ramakrishnan issued the direction while disposing of the public interest litigation petition filed by A. Syed Ali of Tirunelveli district. The petitioner sought a direction to the authorities to immediately take action for the strict implementation of the prohibition on use, possession, and circulation of beedi and tobacco products in all central and district prisons.

He said that as per the government orders and the Prison Manual, beedi, cigarettes, tobacco, and all intoxicating substances are completely prohibited inside prisons. However, these substances were being illegally permitted inside prisons, he said and sought a direction to the authorities to ensure strict compliance with the rules.