US ship crew plead for ‘A’ class in prison

Petitioners Nicholas Simson and William Irvine, in their petition, had stated that in October, 2013, their ship Seaman Guard Ohio was intercepted off the coast of Thoothukudi and they were arrested for entering Indian waters without proper permission and carrying arms. 

As many as 35 persons including 12 Indians were arrested. In January, 2014, Sessions Court at Thoothukudi had granted five years imprisonment for them under Arms Act and they had appealed against the order at Madurai Bench of Madras High Court. 

The arguments had been over in the case and the judgement was reserved without mentioning a date. In the meantime, all the accused are lodged at Puzhal prison. The petitioners have said that they are entitled for ‘A’ class treatment under the section 226 of The Prisoners Act.