JUDGMENT

Prathiba M. Singh, J. (Oral)--This hearing has been done through Video Conferencing.

2. The Petitioners, who are under-trial prisoners currently locked in the Tihar Jail, Delhi, have filed the present petition seeking directions for provision of facilities for under-trial prisoners and convicts.

3. On 17th February, 2021, the issues raised by the Petitioners in respect of Physical mulaqats, VC facilities etc. were recorded in the order passed on the said date and a status report was called for from the Jail Superintendent. Tihar Jail.

4. The said status report has been placed on record, along with various annexures. The counsels for the Petitioner and the Respondents have made their respective submissions. The Petitioners have also joined the hearing through video-conferencing from Jail. At this stage, the three issues that the Petitioners highlight are as under:

(i) Physical mulaqats: In respect of physical mulaqats, the status report indicates that at least 8 physical mulaqats for 30 minutes per month were being permitted prior to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic for each under trial prisoner. Post the outbreak of the pandemic, physical mulaqats have been stop