New Delhi: Acting on a probe report that blamed overcrowding and lack of basic amenities for the recent spate of deaths in the Tihar jail, the Delhi High Court today directed the release of 600 inmates, who are accused of minor offences and languishing in jail, in a bid to decongest it.

"All 600 inmates in Tihar Central jail brought on account of being booked under section 107 (Security for keeping the peace) read with 151 (Arrest to prevent commission of cognizable offence) of Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) due to non-furnishing of surety would be released on furnishing personal bond of Rs 2,000," a Division Bench comprising Justices Pradeep Nandarajog and P K Bhasin said. The court also said the prisoners, who will be released, would have to report to the local SHO twice a day.

The court passed the direction after going through the report of a three-member committee appointed by it which pointed out that recent deaths in the jail happened due to overcrowding and lack of proper facilities. Tihar Jail has seen eight deaths, including that of a prison official, in the last ten days.

The court also directed authorities to dispose of the cases against these prisoner within six months.

Apart from the high court committee, both Delhi Government and NHRC have launched probes into the deaths.