Snehal Upadhyay-
In a notable move, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) India, asked Maharashtra’s Chief Secretary to give a guarantee for providing every possible medical treatment to FR. Stan Swamy, who is currently imprisoned in Taloja Jail, Navi Mumbai “as part of life-saving measure and protection of his basic human rights.”
Father Stan Swamy is a tribal rights activist from Ranchi. He was accused in the case of 2018 Bhima Koregaon – Elgaar Parishad. He recently moved to the High Court of Bombay challenging Section 43-D (5) of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, which mentions the grounds for granting bail, and if not granted, then it would be a violation of Articles 14, 19 and 21 of the Indian Constitution.
NHRC has issued such notice following the complaints stating about the prisoner’s serious health conditions.
The NHRC observed that “He is very old and lodged in Taloja Jail, Navi Mumbai”. Following this, the NHRC asked for a report on his allegations and his treatment records from the Chief Secretary.
An action was also taken by the NHRC on the superintendent of prisons, regarding the denial for proving medical facility to octogenarian Jesuit priest and tribal rights activist Father Stan Swamy that too during the COVID-19 period.
The petitioner stated that Father Stan Swamy had not been vaccinated yet and complained about the poor medical condition in the jail hospital.
The petitioner further argued that most of the jail staff were tested Covid positive and, several under-trial prisoners came into contact and haven’t been tested.