§ 86. Colonel Sir CHARLES YATEasked the Under-Secretary of State for India 44 what difference, if any, as regards treatment in gaol is shown to persons convicted in India of treason or sedition, and known as political prisoners, and those convicted of ordinary criminal offences?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Earl Winterton)I will circulate with the OFFICIAL KEPORT a summary, recently received by cable, of the treatment offered to special class prisoners in the Lahore Jail, which may serve as a specimen of the rules. But there may be differences in the several provinces.
§ Following is the summary:
§ Summary of treatment of political prisoners in Jahore Jail, in Punjab. Following rules in force: They provide special class prisoners shall be classified as such by convicting Court, by reason of nature of offence, and antecedents, education, and social position of prisoner. Own clothing; special food on payment, separately cooked; own cups, plates, and bedding ordinarily; and, subject to certain conditions, separate confinement from convicts of other classes; and, in association with other prisoners of same class, daily exercise in open air; and permission to sleep in open in summer; separate latrine accommodation, to ensure privacy. Contingent on good conduct, an interview with friends once a month, and letter written and received once a month: light till 10 p.m.: and books, if there be jail library. If prisoner has been sentenced to rigorous imprisonment, tasks allotted must be suitable to his station in life; similar rules for prisoner sentenced to simple imprisonment who elects to labour. All or any of above concessions liable to forfeiture for misconduct.