Saturday, November 16, 2024
spot_img

Prison reforms

Date:

Share post:

spot_img
spot_img

The Law Commission has finalized recommendations for reform in bail jurisprudence. Stress is being laid on release of under-trials   who have served one third of the maximum possible sentence. The Indian criminal justice system is urgently in need of reform. The government should wake up to the urgency of bringing it about. Jails in India are packed to capacity especially with under-trial prisoners. Relief to them is only part of the quality of humane conduct. Also, imprisonment for a long period of those accused of petty crimes very often turn them into hardened criminals. An under-trial is by definition an unconvicted prisoner. At the end of 2015, Indian jails had 2.82 lakh under-trials. Many of them were under the age of 30 and had hardly any education. The treatment dealt to them could hardly improve their social sense. A little over a decade ago, these under-trials could be released on a personal bond if they served half of the term to which they may have been sentenced if found guilty. But the law was seldom observed. In 2014, however, the Supreme Court had directed its enforcement.

On this occasion, the government and the Centre and in the states should promptly accept the recommendations expected to be made by the Law Commission. Different parts of the criminal system in different parts of the country should be made to comply with the recommendations. The states can help as they oversee prisons. Tamil Nadu is an exception where people arrested can be released till a charge-sheet is filed against them. The state’s legal aid helps under-trial prisoners accused of petty crimes. Of course, changing the law is not enough. The system of justice needs overhauling.

 

spot_img
spot_img

Related articles

Media’s greatness lies in floating futuristic ideas on critical issues: Kuladhar Saikia

Guwahati, Nov 16: Noted litterateur of Assam, former president of Assam Sahitya Sabha as well as former Director...

Technical textiles to become economic backbone of India: Giriraj Singh

New Delhi, Nov 16: Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh on Saturday said that technical textiles will become the...

FIIs to reduce selling in India towards year-end, fresh allocations to occur

New Delhi, Nov 16: After their heavy selling so far, it is expected that the foreign institutional investors...

Bodies of all 6 people missing in Manipur’s Jiribam found

Imphal, Nov 16: Three more bodies, believed to be of the six women and children missing since November...