KATHUA: The Under Trial Review Committee (UTRC) held its third meeting of the year today under the chairmanship of Chairman, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Kathua Jatinder Singh Jamwal (Principal District and Sessions Judge, Kathua), to review cases of undertrial prisoners lodged in District Jail, Kathua.

Among those present were Additional Deputy Commissioner Kathua Mahima Madan, Additional Superintendent of Police Kathua Sunil Kesar, Superintendent, District Jail, Kathua Mohd Hussain and Deputy Legal Aid Defence Counsel (LADC), Kathua Mohinder Paul and Sumit Jasrotia. The meeting was convened by Secretary (Sub Judge), District Legal Services Authority, Kathua Urvashi R Bhargav.

The Committee reviewed cases of 22 undertrial prisoners in light of guidelines issued by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and the Supreme Court of India, with the objective of ensuring eligible undertrial prisoners are not subjected to prolonged incarceration due to procedural delays or other avoidable reasons.

Following detailed deliberations, the Committee issued appropriate directions in the cases considered to facilitate timely legal action and ensure effective coordination among departments concerned and emphasised the need for regular monitoring of eligible cases so that the rights of undertrial prisoners are protected in accordance with law.

The Chairman, DLSA, Kathua, said the Under Trial Review Committee serves as an important institutional mechanism for safeguarding constitutional rights of undertrial prisoners and ensuring effective implementation of legal provisions relating to bail, release and speedy trial. He stressed the importance of coordinated efforts by all stakeholders to achieve timely and accessible justice.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from all stakeholders to continue working in close coordination for effective implementation of the Committee's decisions and to ensure fair and expeditious disposal of matters concerning undertrial prisoners.

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In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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