As part of the Undertrial Review Committee Special Campaign 2023 being conducted from 18th 18 September to 20th November by National Legal Services Authority with the all the State Legal Services Authorities, District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) under the aegis of Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) held UTRC meetings with the on 18th October 2023 with the aim to accelerate regular functioning of UTRCs and review all eligible undertrial prisoners (UTPs), NSLA informed in a press release.

The meetings across the districts were held to expedite the identification and review of prisoners who are eligible to be considered for release. In the weekly meetings, the district level committee is headed by the District & Sessions Judge, with District Magistrate; Superintendent of Police; Secretary, District Legal Services Authority and Officer in-charge of Prisons as members. It discussed progress, review additional cases, and discuss further action in cases where the bail applications have been rejected and updates details of Individual Cases.

Wokha DLSA conducted the 3rd UTRC Special Campaign at the chamber of Wokha DLSA Secretary on 18th October. The committee reviewed the cases recommended on the last meeting and discussed the case status of 4 (four) UTPs and referred 4 for Legal Aid to represent their cases. The committee further recommended 3 UTPs and directed the concerned Legal Aid counsel to take further steps for modification of bail surety.

As per report from the jailor, there were 37 UTPs and 5 Convicts presently lodged at District Wokha.

Mokokchung DLSA conducted 2nd weekly UTRC meeting in regard to UTRC special campaign. The committee identified 2 UTPs who were eligible for default bail and 1UTP who is already on bail but cannot provide surety.

The committee instructed an Investigation officer to file chargesheet at the earliest and also instructed the front office to contact family members for surety.

Dimapur DLSA conducted the weekly Under Trial Review Committee Special Campaign 2023 at District Court Complex on the 18th October. The committee reviewed cases recommended on the previous meeting and three UTPs were granted bail and for the rest bail petition were filed accordingly.

Zunheboto DLSA, on 18th October conducted the UTRC meeting at District Jail, Zunheboto and visited and interacted with the UTPs. The committee identified and recommended 3 UTPs and directed the Panel Lawyers and concerned Advocates to take necessary steps. At present there are 15 UTPs and 5 convicts.

Phek DLSA held the UTRC meeting on 18th October at District Judge Chamber. During the meeting, a UTP to be released on bail under section 167 Cr.P.C and one released on bail today basing on the previous UTRC recommendation. Another UTP was provided legal aid counsel.

Mon DLSA conducted 3rd UTRC Meeting on 18th October at District and Session Court Mon headed by Shri. There were 31 UTPs and 32 convicts at District Jail Mon. The committee also after examining the status report recommended 7 UTPs who are eligible to go on default bail. The committee also had a brief discussion on how to set up Skill development program for the prisoners, and the jail authority reported that some of the jail warders are undergoing first aid/nursing at Dimapur as required by the jail authority. The committee also highlighted to approach the District Hospital Authority Mon to set up separate room for UTPs/ convicts with Toilet attachment and proper facility required for the prisoner.

Kohima DLSA in continuation of the UTRC Special Campaign, conducted 3rd UTRC Meeting on October 18 at the district court complex. At present, there were 94 UTPs (4 Female and 90 Male). The committee members reviewed the steps taken in the last UTRC meeting minutes. Further, 4 cases were recommended for bail by the committee.