Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Oct 15: The High Court has directed the Goa government to submit clear timelines for granting financial and architectural approvals for the proposed Open Correctional Institution (OCI) in the state.

The directions were issued during the hearing of a suo motu petition registered in accordance with the Supreme Court’s directions.

The High Court observed that the architectural blueprint for the proposed facility had taken shape and appeared cost-effective compared with larger, capital-intensive open prison infrastructure in other states.

Government counsel informed the court that the architect’s plans and estimates had been submitted and were being examined by the Public Works Department (PWD) and the Prisons Department to finalise the official project cost.

The court directed the Government Advocate to address the issues raised during the hearing and place specific timelines on record for finalising the architectural plans and granting financial approval for the project.

It also asked the state government to provide deadlines for amending the existing prison rules to incorporate the statutory provisions necessary for establishing and administering open correctional institutions.

Government counsel informed the court that a high-powered committee constituted under the Supreme Court’s framework had been tasked with recommending uniform measures for states within six months.

The High Court agreed that Goa’s proposed amendments to the prison rules would be reviewed after taking into account the forthcoming national recommendations.

The matter has been adjourned for further hearing on November 4.