Supreme Court on Implementation of Prison Reform Measures
- ByAdmin --
- 29 May 2025 --
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The Supreme Court of India has once again emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive prison reforms across the country. Taking serious note of the longstanding issues related to overcrowding, custodial violence, inadequate healthcare, and the violation of prisoners' rights, the apex court directed all states and union territories to ensure effective implementation of reform measures laid out in previous court orders and government guidelines.
The Court noted that despite several recommendations made by various committees and the judiciary over the years, ground-level implementation remains sluggish and inconsistent, leading to gross human rights violations.
Key Concerns Raised by the Court
- Overcrowding in Prisons
The Court highlighted that many prisons are operating at over 150% of their sanctioned capacity. This severely compromises the health, dignity, and safety of inmates, violating Article 21 of the Constitution.
- Custodial Violence and Neglect
Reports of custodial torture, deaths, and denial of medical care continue to surface, despite previous judicial pronouncements and statutory safeguards under the Prison Act, 1894.
- Lack of Legal Aid
A significant number of undertrial prisoners continue to languish in jails without proper legal representation. The Court stressed the need to strengthen District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) to ensure timely bail applications and legal assistance.
- Delayed Trials
The slow pace of judicial proceedings and administrative delays contribute to the prolonged detention of undertrials, violating their right to a speedy trial under Article 21.
- Inadequate Healthcare Facilities
Many prisons lack full-time medical staff, functional hospitals, and mental health professionals, which is a direct violation of the prisoners' right to health and human dignity.
Supreme Court’s Directions
- Compliance with Past Judgments
The Court ordered all states and UTs to comply with its earlier directives in Inhuman Conditions in 1382 Prisons and other related judgments that called for humane treatment and infrastructural improvements in jails.
- Constitution of Oversight Committees
State governments were directed to constitute Prison Monitoring Committees at the district and state levels. These committees will oversee prison conditions, ensure regular inspections, and facilitate accountability.
- Digital Record-Keeping and Tracking
All prisons must digitize inmate records and integrate with the e-Prisons platform to monitor case status, medical history, parole, and legal aid provided.
- Appointment of Welfare Officers
The Court directed prison departments to appoint trained welfare officers, psychologists, and counselors to assist inmates with rehabilitation and mental health support.
- Implementation of Model Prison Manual, 2016
States were asked to fully implement the provisions of the Model Prison Manual, which promotes non-custodial measures, recreational activities, skill development, and reformation programs for inmates.
Legal References
- Article 21 of the Constitution
Guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, including protection against cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment in custody.
- Article 39A
Mandates free legal aid to ensure equal access to justice for all, especially underprivileged prisoners.
- Prison Act, 1894
Provides the legal framework for prison administration in India, though the Court noted it needs modernization in line with current human rights standards.
- Model Prison Manual, 2016
Issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs to standardize prison operations and inmate rights across India.
- Section 436A of CrPC
Allows the release of undertrials who have served half of the maximum prescribed sentence for their alleged offence.
Broader Impact
- Reform-Oriented Justice System
The Court reiterated that the purpose of incarceration should be reform, not retribution. It called for a shift in the public and administrative perception of prisoners.
- National Uniformity in Prison Management
By enforcing the Model Prison Manual, the Supreme Court aims to bring uniformity and humane conditions in prisons nationwide, irrespective of the state.
- Strengthening the Justice Delivery System
The directives are expected to reduce unnecessary incarceration, ensure timely trials, and improve the overall criminal justice system.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s call for effective implementation of prison reforms reaffirms its commitment to upholding the constitutional values of dignity, equality, and justice. The judgment serves as a reminder that prisons must not become centres of punishment alone but institutions for rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
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