In alignment with the new criminal laws' emphasis on technology, Ghaziabad is set to expand its use of video conferencing (VC) for the court hearings of prisoners, particularly those deemed high-risk. The initiative aims to enhance security, reduce logistical costs and streamline the judicial process by minimising the need for physical transportation of inmates from Dasna District Jail to courts.

The Implementation Plan

While the ultimate goal is to establish VC facilities for all of the approximately 70 courts in the Ghaziabad District Court complex, the rollout will be phased.

Current System: Dasna Jail currently operates with a single VC room, which is used for hearings only upon a specific court order.

Initial Expansion: Preparations are underway to construct an initial five new VC rooms in the jail.

State-wide Initiative: This local expansion is part of a broader state government plan, which has budgeted for the construction of 346 new VC rooms in jails across Uttar Pradesh.

Addressing Logistical And Security Challenges

The move addresses the significant challenges of the current system. Every day, more than 150 inmates from Dasna Jail are transported for physical appearances in various courts. This process requires a substantial deployment of police personnel and vehicles and involves considerable security risks, especially when dealing with high-risk prisoners.

Dasna District Jail: Key Facts

The need for such technological upgrades is highlighted by the scale of operations at the jail:

Area: The complex spans 34 acres.

Official Capacity: 1,704 inmates.

Current Population: The jail currently houses approximately 4,000 inmates, indicating severe overcrowding.

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Official Statement

Sitaram Sharma, Jail Superintendent, confirmed the plans, stating: "The district jail has one VC room, through which selected inmates are presented before the court. However, this only happens on a court order. Under the new laws, VC rooms are to be set up for all courts, which will take time. Initially, the plan is to build around five additional VC rooms."

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