Elgaar Parishad case: Taloja prison authorities not complying with order allowing computer use, court told
NEARLY THREE months after a special court directed authorities at Taloja Central Prison to permit two accused in the Elgaar Parishad case, who are lawyers representing themselves, use of computers twice a week and necessary software to view evidence, they informed the court on Thursday that prison officials had not complied with the order.
The accused, Surendra Gadling and Arun Ferreira, were permitted by the court on January 23 to use computers twice a week and software to view documents submitted by the National Investigation Agency as evidence. “… it has been almost three months since the order and there is no compliance till date. Hence, the applicants pray that the Honourable court issue appropriate orders because of such acts and blatant contempt,” the plea states.
Special Judge Rajesh Katariya had sought a reply on the plea from prison authorities. The court had said in January that since the accused are defending themselves in person, they must be given a fair opportunity, and provided the computer and software to prepare their defence.
