Section 21 in Punjab Detenus (Conditions of Detention) Order, 1981
21. Books and Periodicals.
(a)The following facilities will be made available at Government expenses :-(i)A detenu may be afforded library facilities wherever possible. The books, journals and newspapers provided in a library shall be subject to the approval of the Deputy Inspector General of Police (Criminal Investigation Department).(ii)One English or one regional language newspaper shall be made available for every ten detenus by circulation. In case where the number of detenus knowing a particular language is below ten they should also be provided with the newspaper in that language at Government expense. The detenu may make a selection of the newspapers he desires to read from a list of approved newspapers specified in the Schedule annexed to this Order.(b)The detenu may avail himself of the following facilities at his own expenses :-(i)The detenu may obtain any book, journal or newspaper without limitation, as to number by making his own arrangements.(ii)All books and newspapers shall be transmitted to and from detenus by the Superintendent of Police of the district through the Superintendent concerned. The Superintendent of Police may at his discretion withhold any newspaper or book. Translation of such books as have already been inspected and approved, shall be transmitted to detenus without withheld a report shall be made to Deputy Inspector General of Police (Criminal Investigation Department) or any other officer designated by Government in this behalf. The newspapers permitted by Government shall be handed over to the detenus without prior censorship. The names of the newspapers, periodicals and magazines, which have been approved by Government for detenus are shown in the Schedule annexed to this Order.(iii)In matters relating to withholding of any book, journal or newspaper, the detenu may, it not satisfied with the decision of the concerned authorities make representation through Superintendent to the State Government whose decision shall be final.
