Journos, filmmakers entry into jails banned

New Delhi/Hyderabad, July 25: The Union government has banned the entry of journalists, NGO activists and filmmakers into jails for writing articles or taking interviews of prisoners. But under special requests, inmates can be met. This decision was in response to a series of incidents of journalists interviewing inmates including the British film maker Leslee Udwin. She made a documentary after interviewing the convicts of December 16 gang rape case. Joint Secretary of Home Ministry Kumar Alok sent an advisory to all states and UTs stating that no private individual, press, NGO, company should, under ordinary conditions, should be allowed into the jail for interviews, writing articles or making documentaries. But, he also mentioned, the prison authorities can allow visitors or journalists if they think their output could bring a positive social impact. The visitor who was granted permission to entry into the prison should deposit Rs one lakh as security amount. People, who want to interview or make documentaries on the inmates, will be allowed to carry handy-cam, camera or tape recorder. Mobile phones, books, papers and pens are totally banned. The Jail Superintendent should be present at the spot personally. If he is not available, then the next senior most officer must accompany the visitor.