The Delhi High Court has ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to carry out a preliminary enquiry into serious allegations of an extortion racket operating within the Tihar Jail. The direction was issued on May 2 by a division bench of Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela.
The Court was hearing a plea highlighting several illegalities and misconducts not just by the jail officials, but also by inmates. During the proceedings, the Court had earlier directed the inspecting judge of Tihar Jail to submit a detailed report. On Friday, the bench reviewed the report, which was submitted in a sealed cover.
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“The report reveals disturbing facts about irregularities and criminal activities taking place inside Tihar Jail,” the Court stated.
In view of the gravity of the findings, the Court observed that a detailed investigation was necessary. As the report included allegations of criminal behavior, the Court found it appropriate to involve the CBI.
“For thoroughly conducting an inquiry into the matter, since the report contained allegations of criminal activities, we deem it appropriate to require the CBI to conduct a preliminary enquiry into the matter,” the bench said.
The Court further directed the Principal Secretary (Home) of the Delhi Government to carry out a fact-finding enquiry to determine which officials were responsible for the lapses that allowed such activities to occur.
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“The inquiry shall reflect on the various administrative lapses/supervisory lapses and shall clearly indicate officials in jail responsible for such lapses,” the Court stated.
It also directed the Director General (DG) of Prisons to fully cooperate with the investigation.
“The DG Prisons shall extend all cooperation in the matter,” the bench emphasized.
This step has been taken to ensure accountability and transparency within the jail system, especially in light of the serious allegations raised in the inspection report.
The case has now been listed for the next hearing on August 11.
