Visiting Irom Sharmila for interview may require Rs 1 Lakh security deposit
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, November 07 2015 : There will now be restrictions on allowing visitor(s) to meet activists in prisons like Irom Chanu Sharmila for the purpose of conducting interview, making documentary or engaging in research works.

Sharmila is lodged in the security wards of Jawaharal Nehru Institute of Medical Science (JNIMS) Imphal for her protest against the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) .

Based on guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (HHA) on July 24 last, anyone including members of NGOs, companies, media and academics who intends to visit a prison for the purpose of undertaking research, making documentary or interviewing the inmates or any other similar research activity may be required to submit a security deposit of Rs 1 Lakh by way of a demand draft/local bankers' cheque in the name of Jail Superintendent.

However, the State Governments and Union Territory (UT) Administrations may dispense with or modify this requirement in case of research studies undertaken by students.

The guidelines issued were issued under advisory No V-11018/3/2010-PR and says that the visitor(s) may submit an application to the Jail Superintendent of the State/UT Government at least 30 days before the date of visit.

Foreigners must submit such application 60 days before.

In the case of article by print media, the application may be submitted 7 days before.

For foreigners, the State/UT Government is advised to consult the local units of Intelligence Bureau (IB) and/or may also consult Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) or Foreigners Division of MHA.

On receiving the application, the guidelines said the Jail Superintendent should send the application to Home or Prison Department of the State along with "his comments" for seeking permission and the competent authority to grant such permission.

However, the guidelines also says in case of visitors of Indian nationality, the state/UT government may delegate this function to the head of prison department that is DG, ADG/IG etc specifically but not to any other lower level.

If the permission is granted in case of newspapers, magazines, web-based articles, the visitor shall follow the journalistic conduct and prescribed norms of Press Council of India before preparing the material for publication.

Beside this, for those who wish to make documentaries or conduct interview, they may be allowed to carry Handy Cam/Camera/Tape Recorder or equipment directly connected with the purpose of the visit but tripod, stand mounted cameras or equipments should not be allowed, including mobile phone, papers, book or pen.

However, the final version of the documentary, film, research paper, articles or book to be released or published should be submitted to the State Government or head of the prison department for final "No Objection Certificate" .

And in case of violations of guidelines issued by the MHA, the Jail Superintendent shall forfeit the security deposits and initiate suitable legal action.

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