HC seeks details of mentally challenged people in jail

The Gujarat High Court sought details of mentally-challenged people in various jails as well as details of similar people who roam the streets as vagrants, responding to a public interest litigation (PIL) here today.
A division bench comprising acting Chief Justice V M Sahai and Justice R P Dholaria directed Gujarat government to furnish details of mentally-challenged people who are not being taken care of in a proper manner, on or before April 15.
The High Court took up a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the wake of the Supreme Court's order of November, 2014, which said that such mentally challenged people are the responsibility of the particular state government.

"While examining rights of such unfortunate members of society who suffer from any disability, the high court may also examine whether any directions are required to be issued in relation to people who suffer from such illness but are not involved in any crime and yet suffer harassment, neglect or deprivation at the hands of their family or are seen roaming about in public places without anyone taking responsibility for their care, protection or maintenance," the Supreme Court said in its order last year.
Meanwhile, today the state government submitted details of women prisoners and their children inside jails.
"There are 535 female prisoners and 43 children below six living inside various jails in the state. These prisoners and their children are given all facilities which they are entitled to," an affidavit by Gujarat home department said.

The state government also takes special care of undertrial women prisoners who are pregnant, it said.
Earlier, the High Court had sought details from Gujarat government about women prisoners and their children living in jails.