The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has asked Magistrates not to order suspects or prisoners to be detained in special prisons.
The directive, issued, as a circular signed by JSC Secretary Prasanna Alwis, comes in response to complaints that some suspects or prisoners have been held in special locations, based on orders from certain Magistrates.
The circular has directed the Magistrates not issue orders granting special protection to any suspect or prisoner. Requests for such protection made in open court should instead be referred to the relevant prison superintendent.
Magistrates have also been instructed not to order suspects or prisoners to be taken to private residences or other locations for family occasions or other purposes during their incarceration. If, for any reason, a person is taken outside the prison, the prison superintendent must report the details and the reason to the Magistrate.
Additionally, any requests made by a suspect or prisoner regarding medical treatment should be referred by Magistrates to the prison medical officers, the circular says.
by Chaminda Silva