Delhi High Court Directs SOP For Mobile Phone Access To Open-Prison Inmates

The Delhi High Court directed the Director General (Prisons) to frame a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) allowing open-prison inmates limited access to mobile phones. 

The order came in a petition filed by a life convict challenging his transfer from an open to a closed prison after a mobile phone and SIM cards were found in his possession.

The Court noted that under Rule 1270 of the Delhi Prison Rules, 2018, no denial of privileges or transfer can occur without judicial appraisal.

Observing the need for regulated communication, the Court held that inmates should be allowed mobile use for basic purposes during authorised hours.

[Surender Kumar v State of NCT of Delhi]