With Eid to be celebrated on Saturday, land grab accused Siddique alias Suleman Khan -- lodged at Central Jail, Colvale, moved the North Goa Additional Sessions Court seeking permission to receive religious articles and special clothes. The plea was however declined as the Court directed him to approach the Inspector General of Prisons.
Khan sought permission to obtain two sets of kurta-pyjamas, prayer caps, prayer beads and sandals. The plea stated that the items were essential for observing his religious beliefs with dignity and were permissible under the Goa Prisons Rules 2021.
Through his counsel, Khan proposed that the articles would be supplied by relatives or his advocate and routed through jail authorities for inspection before being handed over to him.
The jail authorities, objected to the plea in their submission, stating that inmates are allowed to observe all religious festivals within the prison premises but additional clothes are not permitted. "...participation of inmates is encouraged and sweets as requisitioned are approved," it said.
The Superintendent stated Muslim inmates were allowed to fast for Ramzan which began on Feb 20 and ending with Eid on March 21 in their respective blocks. Moreover, the arrangement of food is made through prisoners' mess.
The Superintendent further clarified that there is no specific provision under the prison rules permitting additional religious clothes.
In its order, the court observed that the authority to allow such requests lies with the Inspector General of Prisons. Dismissing the plea, the court held that it does not have the power to direct jail authorities to provide or permit additional clothing to inmates.
“This Court has no power to direct the Superintendent of Jail or the Inspector General of Prisons to give clothes to the accused,” the order stated, adding that the applicant is at liberty to approach the Inspector General of Prisons for appropriate permission to celebrate the festival of Eid.
"In so far as the articles are concerned, the Inspector General of Prisons has to decide whether the same can be permitted to be given to the accused who is an undertrial prisoner."
