- The Court directed the revision of prison manuals across India to eliminate references to caste, including the removal of the ‘caste column’ from prison records.
- The judgment emphasized that caste-based discrimination among prisoners is a form of untouchability, prohibited under Article 17 of the Constitution.
- The Prison Act, 1894 governs the functioning and management of prisons in India
- Governments are Responsible for prison administration, as prisons are a state subject under List II of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution.
- Union Ministry of Home Affairs oversees prison reforms and management across India.
- Inspector General of Prisons is responsible for ensuring the implementation of prison regulations and managing the prison system at the state level
| Parole and Furlough Parole: In India, parole is granted by authorities such as the State Government or a designated parole board, depending on the state’s prison rules. The prisoner applies for parole, which is considered based on urgent reasons like family emergencies, prison conduct, and the period served. The decision involves legal clearance, and parole is not an inherent right but a privilege, granted for specific reasons under controlled conditions. Furlough: Furlough in India is sanctioned by prison authorities as part of rehabilitation and reform policies. It is granted based on good behaviour and completion of a portion of the sentence, with no requirement for a specific reason, unlike parole. Furlough is considered a right under prison rules, aiming to help prisoners reintegrate with society and maintain family ties, typically for a shorter period. |
Dig Deeper: What do you understand by Subcategorization, Creamy Layer, and Horizontal reservation?
