Major Problems of Prisons and Conditions of Under Trial Women in India | Original Article

ABSTRACT:

Though the Prison System is as old as establishment of the Criminal Law and Judicial System in whatever form of the Government there have been whether it may be in princely States or in Democratic States. In Ancient times also, imprisonment as a punishment was initiated with the inception of Judicial System itself. However, the system of Prison administration in our country is more than 100 years old. If one looks back one cannot be impressed with the vast changes made during this period. The innovation, while still halting and employed only in some and not in all the prisons of the country, nevertheless give promise of the system of treating offenders. Attempts are now being made to treat the prisoners under less repressive discipline and with greater freedom.[1] Administration of prisons and reformation of prisoners has been a matter of intense debate and sharp criticism at various Public Forums. Hon'ble Supreme Court of India in the recent years has come down heavily on the inhuman and degrading conditions in prisons. In many States, the problems of dilapidated Prison Structure, overcrowding and congestion, increasing proportion of under trial prisoners, inadequacy of prison staff, lack of proper care and treatment of prisoners, etc., have been engaging the attention of the Press and Social activists. With a growing advocacy for the protection of human rights in the various walks of lives, the plight of prisoners has emerged as a critical issue of Public Policy.[2] Keywords Women Prisoners, Under Trials, Prison Administration, Reformation in Prisons, Overcrowded Prisons, Law Enforcement Assistance Administration National Jail Census, Poor Treatment, Exploitation of Prisoners, Diseases like AIDsHIV, Poor Health Care, Sanitary Issues and Problems of Sexual abuse, Lack of Legal Aid and other Assistance