Law College Dehradun organized an educational visit on 13th April 2023, to the District Jail, Suddhowala, Dehradun, in collaboration with Pro Bono Club. The event was initiated in the presence of Dean, Law College Dehradun, Nodal Officer of Pro Bono Club, Prof. (Dr.) Rajesh Bahuguna. HOD, Law College Dehradun, Presiding Officer of Pro Bono Club, Prof. Dr. Poonam Rawat, and Faculty in charge of Pro Bono club, Mr. Abhiranjan Dixit.
Firstly, the infrastructure of the Prison was explained to the students by the jailor, and it was found out that even though the capacity of the jail being around 558, there are 1500 prisoners. This data includes the undertrial as well as convict prisoner. It was also informed that out of the total population in the jail, 70% are undertrial. The reason for the overcrowding was also linked with it, as there are 70% undertrial prisoners out of which the convictions are only 20-25%. Several programs for training the prisoners in different skill, have been in effect. The members of Pro Bono Club also had the opportunity to interact with the Jailor of the prison, Mr. Kothari to know the practicality of the Jail administration. Queries like: The security measures taken to ensure safety, the children of the women convicts being kept in jail till an age of 6 and its impact influence, and the relaxation provided to the Muslim prisoners during the month of Ramzan were put up for clarification. The trip proved to be educational for the young solicitors.
