Srinagar, April 20: In a coordinated initiative aimed at strengthening access to justice and ensuring timely relief to deserving inmates, the Legal Aid Defence Counsels (LADC) of Shopian and Pulwama carried out a joint inspection of Central Jail Srinagar today.

The inspection was undertaken to identify cases eligible for early release in accordance with the categories defined under the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the forthcoming Under Trial Review Committee (UTRC) meeting.
The joint team was led by Secretary DLSA Shopian/Pulwama, Mr. Mudasar Farooq, and comprised Chief LADC Shopian, Mr. Rafie Ahmad Ganie,Chief LADC Pulwama, Mr. Mehrajudin Wani, and Junior Assistant DLSA Pulwama, Mr. Shakir Ahmad.
The team was facilitated by Senior Superintendent of Jail, Ms. Saba Shawl, who extended full cooperation and provided detailed insights into the inmate population and administrative framework of the jail.
During the visit, the LADC teams conducted a thorough and systematic review of individual inmate cases.
The assessment focused on identifying prisoners eligible for release under various SOP categories, including undertrials who have completed half of the maximum prescribed sentence, first-time offenders involved in minor offences, elderly or infirm inmates, and those granted bail but unable to furnish surety, among others as specified under UTRC guidelines.
The team also interacted with inmates across different barracks to verify legal records, assess the status of cases, and ensure that no eligible individual is deprived of legal aid or relief due to lack of awareness or assistance.
Following the inspection, a consolidated list of eligible cases has been prepared and will be placed before the upcoming UTRC meeting for appropriate consideration and necessary orders.