The rights body has called for screening for mental illnesses upon entry into prison, filling of staff vacancies and more. However, root problems of social hierarchy and extreme overcrowding are ignored.
The human rights lawyer, an accused in the Elgar Parishad case, claims that despite favourable court orders, the prison officials have blocked his access to hospitals, worsening his health condition further.
Markam, a well-known forest rights and prisoners’ rights activist, was accused by the police and the NIA of involvement in Naxal activities and arrested on March 9, 2021. She was acquitted in four cases and granted bail in the last one.
Their families have contested police's claim that the deaths were natural and have asked for a detailed inquiry into the causes of their respective deaths.Â