In commeration of the 76th Anniversary of UDHR-1948 , the Human rights day, 2024 was observed by Centre for Human rights and subaltern Studies (CHRSS) , at NUSRL,Ranchi. 

On this occasion a panel discussion on the topic "Behind Bars, Beyond Blame: The Reality of Undertrial Prisoners" was held. 

The discussion was jointly inagurated by panelists and conducted in the presence of the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Dr. Ashok R. Patil. 

The event focused on the conditions of prisoners in jails, the legal assistance provided to undertrial prisoners, and the protection of their human rights. 

Key participants in the discussion included Shri Hamid Akhtar (AIG Prisons,Jharkhand), Dr. P.M. Tony (Director, Baghicha, Namkum, Ranchi), Shri Shashi Sagar Verma (General Secretary, PUCL, Ranchi), Shri Shailesh Poddar (Advocate, Jharkhand High Court), and Ms. Apurva Vivek (Advocate, Jharkhand High Court and Founder, Hashiya, SLCW). 

NUSRL's Assistant Professor & centre Convenor Ram Chandra Oraon and Ms. Deepashi Swara also attended and coordinated the deliberations. In his opening remarks, Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Ashok R. Patil said that the university, in collaboration with governments and NGOs in states like Bengaluru and Delhi, is working towards improving the legal facilities and human rights of prisoners. 

He mentioned that efforts are ongoing in Jharkhand as well, with the Azim Premji Foundation extending support in this regard. He assured that the university will soon start working in this direction with both the state government and the Azim Premji Foundation. 

Shri Hamid Akhtar shared insights into the state of jails before the formation of Jharkhand. Referring to the Ranchi Jail, he explained how a facility meant for 10 people had to accommodate 100 prisoners, leading to overcrowding and dire conditions where inmates had to sleep in shifts. 

Though conditions have improved since then, but he stressed the need for further reform, and the importance of safeguarding the human rights of prisoners . Besides he stressed on need for inculcating empathy, human values, public sensitisation , and being good Samaritan for humans in need. Dr. P.M. 

Tony discussed his research on the condition of tribal and Dalit prisoners in the Birsa Munda Jail. He pointed out that a large number of prisoners are between the ages of 18 and 40 and belong mostly to the tribal communities, many of whom are the sole breadwinners of their families and have been alleged to be Maoists or their supporters . 

He also mentioned the overcrowding is more that 200 percent than the stipulated capacity of inmates , also there are 75 per cent pendancy in disposal of cases of undertrials, most of whom are ignorant of their basic human and legal rights, comprising the weaker sections of societies. 

Shri Shashi Sagar Verma remarked on the height of prison walls, noting that they are so tall that no one can hear the voices of those inside. He pointed out that even if a prisoner's human rights are violated, there is no one to listen to their complaints or address their issues.

Ms. Apurva Vivek shared her experiences, including her encounters with women prisoners who were pregnant when they arrived in jail. She highlighted the lack of regulations on this issue, noting that many of these women did not wish to keep their children but had no choice due to the absence of any guidelines in the jail manual. 

Shri Shailesh Poddar, sharing his experiences as a lawyer, explained how the police present certain cases in court, citing an example of a rape case where three men were arrested, but the woman later denied the incident, stating that she had run away with someone she loved. 

He raised concerns about the seriousness of such cases. The discussion largely focused on the urgent need for reforms in the jail manual, legal assistance for undertrial prisoners, and the role of NGOs in bringing about reforms in collaboration with the state government and jail administration.