Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Guwahati: Gauhati High Court ruled that inmates held under the National Security Act no longer require District Magistrate approval to see visitors. Justice Manish Choudhury issued the order following a petition from Lakhi Doley. Her son, Pranab Doley, was placed in preventive detention at Golaghat District Jail on July 30, 2026.
Pranab Doley landed in custody after a Bokakhat Police Station arrest. He secured bail on July 29, 2026, but the detention order blocked his release. Lakhi Doley claimed authorities repeatedly denied her access to her son and demanded magistrate permission she never received.
The court cited the Francis Coralie Mullin vs Administrator case to defend personal liberty. Judges declared that forcing families to seek magistrate approval remains cumbrous and unnecessary. The High Court stated it is "not necessary for the petitioner to approach the District Magistrate" to meet his son.
Jail superintendents must now organize these meetings without delay. Detainees retain the right to consult legal advisors at reasonable hours. While guards can observe these sessions, they must stay out of earshot. The petitioner can present a copy of this ruling at the Golaghat facility during her next visit.
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