Shillong, Aug 5: The Meghalaya High Court has directed shifting of convicted prisoners lodged at Shillong Jail to Nongpoh Jail.

The order was passed by the division bench comprising of Chief Justice, Ajay Kumar Mittal and Justice, HS Thangkhiew, while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) on the matter on Monday.

“Accordingly, it is directed that convicts who are undergoing imprisonment and lodged at Shillong Jail be shifted to Nongpoh Jail in a phased manner till the facilities at Shillong Jail are made up to the mark,” the bench said.

Earlier, the state has filed an affidavit bringing on record the list of convicts to be shifted from Shillong Jail to Nongpoh Jail, as at present, the inmates at Shillong Jail is far exceeding the prescribed limit.

The bench has also granted time to the Advocate General of Meghalaya to file additional affidavit on the matter while adjourning the hearing to August 27.