The high prison walls and thick iron bars will not deter Tihar Jail’s women inmates from celebrating the Karva Chauth festival this Friday.
Respecting their sentiments, the jail authorities have decided to allow meetings between husbands and wives who are both lodged in Tihar on the occasion.
As on Thursday, there were 153 such couples in Tihar. A total of 318 women inmates, including a dozen Muslims, will observe fast on Karva Chauth.
Special permission has been sought for the meeting of couples as members of a family lodged inside the jail are allowed to meet only on Saturdays. However, the couples would still be left longing as it is unlikely that the women will be allowed to break their fast in the company of their husbands.
“No meeting is allowed inside the jail premises after 6 p.m. The men will be sent back to their respective prisons before moonrise,” Anju Mangla, the Superintendent of Central Jail No. 6 that lodges women prisoners, told The Hindu . The women inmates, most likely, would see the moon on TV channels and break their fast.
Those inmates whose spouses are outside will also not miss out on a meeting with family as prisoners are allowed to meet visitors on Fridays.
