The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): The Supreme Court of India on Thursday proposed the establishment of open prisons as a viable solution to address the issues of overcrowded jails and the rehabilitation of prisoners. Open prisons, also known as semi-open prisons, permit inmates to work outside the facility during the day, allowing them to earn a livelihood and return in the evening. This concept is aimed at easing the transition for convicts back into society and mitigating the psychological challenges they face upon release.
During the hearing of a plea concerning jails and prisoners, a bench consisting of Justices B R Gavai and Sandeep Mehta expressed the intent to expand the implementation of open prisons nationwide. “One of the solutions for overcrowding of the prisons can be establishing open air prisons/camps. The said system is efficiently working in the state of Rajasthan. Apart from addressing the issue of congestion in prison, it also addresses the issue of rehabilitation of prisoners,” the bench stated.
The bench clarified that it would not delve into issues related to jails and prison reforms already under consideration by other benches in separate petitions. The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) informed the court that it had sought responses from all states regarding open prisons, with 24 states responding so far.
Senior advocate Vijay Hansaria, serving as an amicus curiae, highlighted that convicts are often unaware of their right to approach appellate courts through legal services authorities. The bench suggested that a uniform e-prison module across the country could resolve many related issues. This module, a comprehensive jail management system, is currently being reviewed by a coordinate bench.
The Supreme Court emphasized its plan to consider and promote the adoption of open prisons across the country within the current proceedings. The bench requested advocate K Parameshwar to assist in the matter alongside Hansaria and also asked the counsel representing NALSA to aid the court.
The hearing on this matter has been scheduled for May 16, as the court aims to explore and potentially expand the open prison system to alleviate prison overcrowding and enhance prisoner rehabilitation efforts across India.