RIGHTS OF WOMEN PRISONERS IN INDIA: ISSUES AND CHALLENGES

Prison system in India symbolises the system of punishment and also a sort of institution where the undertrialsand suspects are kept during the period of trial. The prison system in India is essentially based on the British prisonmodel which itself is based on the model of 18th century. As the prison inmates are to be dealt with differentpunishment and they stay in the prison for different period of time, it is therefore necessary to classify prisonersinto different categories depending on the gravity of the offence committed and the term of punishment awardedto them. All the prisoners were kept in the same cell irrespective of the offence committed by them, whether theyare habitual offender or innocent offender. They find themselves difficult in adjusting in the prison surroundings.Inside the prison. the life is most painful and disgusting.Classification of offenders for the purpose of treatment is precondition for an ideal panel programme. Prisons inIndia are governed by the Indian Prison Act 1894 and the administration and management of prisons under thePrison Manuals of the States. The conditions of prisons in India is not satisfactory. The condition of prisonerinmates are very horrible and violates certain fundamental rights which are to be protected under the umbrella ofArticle 21. The utility of prison as an institution for rehabilitation of offenders and preparing them for normal lifehas always been a controversial issue. There is a stress on the need for retaining the institution of prison.The law commission in its 70th report also makes certain recommendations regarding congestion in prisons. Theconcepts of release of persons on probation, parole, speedy trial, plea bargaining etc. have emerged to resolve theissues of prison management.The prison system in India has traditionally been designed with male prisoners in mind, often overlooking thespecific needs of women. Women constitute a small but significant proportion of the prison population, and theirincarceration raises concerns about human rights, dignity, and rehabilitation.Women prisoners are a small but vulnerable group within the criminal justice system. They face multiplechallenges due to gender, social stigma, and institutional neglect. They face problems related to healt