No cooked food, limited clothing: Karnataka issues new prison rules

The Department of Prisons and Correctional Services on Saturday issued a circular with new regulations, partially restricting the supply of food, clothing and bedding to inmates from private sources. The order raises concerns about prison security, safety, overcrowding and the administrative feasibility of the regulations. The new regulations come against the backdrop of a series of revelations about preferential treatment of prisoners at Parappana Agrahara Central Jail, Bengaluru.

Alok Kumar, Director General of Police, Prisons and Correctional Services, has issued orders to all prisons in the state for immediate implementation of the new rules.

While Section 30 of the Karnataka Prisons Act, 1963 allows civilian and under-trial prisoners to receive food, clothing and other necessities from private sources, the new circular noted that all prisoners are already provided with everything adequate by the Department of Prisons and Correctional Services as per the existing laws and manuals. In consideration of safety and health concerns, the receipt of such items from outside the facility is now regulated and restricted.

Restrictions on food

Under the new rules, cooked food from private sources is completely banned. It will not be allowed to be brought into prison, either at the time of admission or during interviews. However, certain uncooked and packaged food items from private sources will be allowed during admission or interviews, subject to thorough investigation by the prison authorities.

The permitted foods include fresh fruits such as bananas, apples, mangoes, guavas and frogs, limited to a total of two kilograms per person. Dried fruit, including almonds, cashews, walnuts and raisins, is limited to half a kilo in total. Bakery and confectionery items such as biscuits, biscuits, namkeens and chips are also limited to half a kilogram. Other food items are not allowed.

Clothes and beds

The regulations also place restrictions on clothing brought in from outside. Detainees are only allowed to have two pairs of outer clothing and two pairs of inner clothing, apart from the clothing they wear when admitted. Excess clothing found during searches will be confiscated by prison authorities.

The circular also states that since bed linen is already provided by the prison department, normally no bed linen from private sources will be allowed. However, one additional blanket is permitted upon request, subject to thorough security checks and space availability. Any prohibited or suspicious items found will be handled in accordance with the law.

The circular instructs all prison authorities to strictly enforce the new regulations. Violations by inmates will warrant action under the Karnataka Prisons Act, 1963, the Karnataka Prison Rules, 1974, and the Karnataka Prisons and Correctional Services Manual, 2021. Prison staff have also been directed to maintain proper documentation of seizures and confiscations.

The new regulations supersede all previous circulars, instructions or orders regarding the receipt of food, clothing or bedding from private sources. Superintendents and superintendents of all central, district, open and taluk jails have been directed to ensure strict compliance.