Parliamentary Committee Flags Gaps in Prison Reforms

A Parliamentary Standing Committee has flagged persistent gaps in India’s prison administration, drawing attention to chronic overcrowding, a high proportion of undertrial prisoners, and inadequate rehabilitation and reintegration facilities. The findings underline structural weaknesses in the criminal justice system and call for urgent, systemic reforms to align prison governance with constitutional and human rights standards.

The Committee noted that overcrowding remains one of the most pressing challenges, with many prisons operating well beyond their sanctioned capacity. This not only leads to poor living conditions but also strains sanitation, healthcare, and security arrangements, increasing the risk of disease, violence, and human rights violations. Overcrowding is closely linked to delays in investigation and trial, reflecting broader inefficiencies in the justice delivery system.

A major concern highlighted is the large undertrial population, many of whom are incarcerated for minor offences or due to inability to furnish bail. The Committee emphasised that prolonged detention of undertrials undermines the presumption of innocence and violates the right to personal liberty under Article 21. It recommended greater use of bail, plea bargaining, fast-track courts, and periodic review of cases to reduce unnecessary incarceration.

The Committee also pointed to the lack of adequate rehabilitation and correctional facilities, including education, vocational training, mental health support, and post-release assistance. Prisons continue to function more as custodial institutions rather than reformative spaces, limiting opportunities for skill development and social reintegration of inmates.

To address these issues, the Committee urged better implementation of Model Prison Manuals, increased use of technology such as e-prisons and video conferencing, and stronger coordination between the judiciary, police, and prison authorities. Emphasis was also placed on alternatives to imprisonment, such as probation and community service.

Significance

The Committee’s observations promote prison reforms grounded in human rights and constitutional values. Addressing overcrowding, undertrial detention, and rehabilitation deficits is essential for a fair, humane, and reform-oriented criminal justice system.