480. Search of prisoner before and after interview.
- Every convicted prisoner and every unconvicted criminal prisoner shall be carefully searched before and after an interview.Interviews with Prisoners. - Jail Authorities allowing two persons to interview an undertrial prisoner. Court cannot fix or enlarge the number of interviewers. This is the domain of Jail authorities.Visits by family and friends. - Visits to prisoners by family and friends are a solace in insulation; and only a dehumanised system can derive vicarious delight in depriving prison inmates of this humane amenity. Subject, of course, to search and discipline and other security criteria, the right to society of fellowmen, parents and other family members cannot be denied in the light of Article 19 and its sweep. Moreover, the whole habilitative purpose of sentencing is to soften, not to harden and this will be promoted by more such meetings. A sullen, forlorn prisoner is a dangerous criminal in the making and the prison is the factory. There is no reason why the right to be visited under reasonable restrictions, should not claim current constitutional status. Subject to considerations of security and discipline, liberal visits by family members, close friends and legitimate callers, are part of the prisoners' kit of rights and shall be respected.
