Jammu UTRC Meeting 2026: District Legal Services Authority Reviews Under-Trial Prisoner Cases Under BNSS Guidelines
JAMMU, JULY 15, 2026 — In a significant step toward judicial reform and prison decongestion, the third Under Trial Review Committee (UTRC) meeting of the year was convened today at the Office Chamber of the Principal District & Sessions Judge and Chairman of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Jammu. The high-level meeting, which commenced at 3:00 PM, was chaired by R.N. Watal, Principal District & Sessions Judge / Chairman DLSA Jammu. The primary objective of the session was to comprehensively evaluate the status of various under-trial prisoners (UTPs) currently lodged in Jammu districts’ correctional facilities, ensuring that the legal rights of inmates are upheld in alignment with modern judicial standards.
During the extensive deliberations, the Committee meticulously reviewed the cases of under-trial prisoners falling under the distinct categories mandated by the UTRC framework. A primary focus of the meeting was the evaluation of inmates eligible for release under Section 479 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhitâ (BNSS), alongside other specific categories outlined by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) guidelines. The members engaged in detailed discussions regarding individual case pendency, the feasibility of granting bail, and strategies for the expeditious disposal of long-standing trials. Furthermore, Chairman R.N. Watal issued strict directives to the concerned officers to foster seamless inter-departmental coordination to accelerate pending legal proceedings and guarantee the seamless provision of free legal aid to all eligible inmates.
The meeting saw the active participation of key stakeholders from the judiciary, administration, and law enforcement sectors. Notable attendees included Maleeka Sharma, Secretary DLSA Jammu (Civil Judge Senior Division); Ansuya Jamwal, Additional Deputy Commissioner Jammu; and Joginder Singh, Senior Superintendent of Police Jammu. Representing the correctional facilities were Chhabil Singh, Superintendent of Central Jail Kot Bhalwal, and Dharminder Singh, Superintendent of District Jail Amphalla, both of whom provided critical inputs regarding inmate demographics and facility capacities. Adv Anil Sharma, Chief Legal Aid Defence Counsel Jammu, was also present to represent the legal aid wing, reinforcing the committee’s commitment to ensuring robust legal representation for marginalized under-trials.