Prison administration in India
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Prison administration in India
Prison administration in India
Introduction
The crime rate in India is escalating at an alarming rate. However, the facilities available in various prisons within the country are inadequate, failing to provide humane living conditions for incarcerated individuals. Despite the existence of regulations and guidelines governing the prison system and its administration, many of these protocols are not implemented effectively due to the current conditions prevalent in Indian prisons.
Prison
The original term for prison is jail or gaol. A prison is a place designed to hold people who have been legally placed there for safe custody while they wait for trial or to serve a punishment. In prison, people are confined and do not have certain freedoms because of actions taken by the state as a punishment.
Section 3 of Prisons Act, 1894 (Act IX of 1894) defines prisons as Prison means any jail or place used permanently or temporarily under general or special orders of the State government for the detention of prisoners and include all lands and buildings appurtenant thereto, but does not include any place for the confinement of prisoners who are exclusively in the custody of the police.
History of Prison administration in India
Prisons today hold both people waiting for trial and those who have been convicted. In ancient times, however, prisons were different. They mainly served to keep offenders until their trial, not as places for punishment.
During the Mughal period, authorities closely monitored prisoners. When the British took control of India, prison conditions were poor. Lord Macaulay then reformed criminal law, leading to the Indian Penal Code (IPC). After this, jail committees made recommendations to improve the prison system.
After India’s independence, prisons became a state topic in the Constitution. The government took steps to reform the prison system. In 1951, United Nations expert W.C. Wreckless made recommendations for improvement. A committee held an All India Conference of Inspector Generals of Prisons. From 1980 to 1983, the All India Jail Reforms Committee, led by A.N. Mulla J., created a draft national policy on jail reforms. Several laws have been passed to improve prison conditions. Today, prisons aim to rehabilitate and reform inmates, with special attention to children in the system.
The Supreme Court of India has been active in responding to human right violations in Indian jails and it recognized a number of rights of prisoners by interpreting Articles 21, 19, 22, 32, 37 and 39 A of the Constitution in a humane way. The Supreme Court of India in the recent four decades has been very active against violation of the Human Rights of the prisoners. The Jail Reforms Committee 1980-1983 has also make recommendations regarding prisoners rights.
Rights for prisoners under Prison administration in India
- Right to speedy trial
- Right against solitary confinement, handcuffing and bar fetters and protection from torture
- Right to meet relatives, friends and consult legal practitioner of his choice
- Right to reasonable wages in prison
- Right to expression
- Right for reasonable health care
In the case Neena Rajan Pillai v. Union of India, Mr. Rajan Janardhan Mohandas Pillai, a businessman from Singapore, died while in custody at Tihar Central Jail. The court found that prison authorities violated his rights, contributing to his death. The court emphasized that prisons must provide urgent medical help to inmates. Otherwise, it can violate their right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution. This case shows the need for better care in prisons to prevent such tragedies.
The Prisons Act, 1894
The Prisons Act of 1894 is one of the oldest laws in India about prisons. It was enacted on March 22, 1894, and took effect on July 1, 1894. This law has 62 sections and 12 chapters, and it covers all the rules needed for prisons to operate smoothly.
The act defines “prison” as buildings run by state governments to hold prisoners. It also classifies prisoners into three types: “criminal,” “civil,” and “convicted” prisoners. This classification helps to organize and manage those in the prison system.
Chapter II of the Prisons Act of 1894 explains how prisons should be managed and who runs them. It describes the roles of important staff, like the superintendent, medical officer, jailer, and inspector general. The inspector general ensures the prison operates efficiently and must follow the state authorities’ instructions. State authorities need to provide proper housing for prisoners.
The act also includes rules for handling emergencies, such as epidemics. During these times, the inspector in charge must make sure prisoners have safe custody and temporary shelter as needed.
Chapter III of the Prisons Act outlines the duties of prison officers, focusing on Sections 8 to 20. The main officers are the superintendent, jailer, and medical officer. The superintendent must follow the inspector general’s orders and manage labor, discipline, punishments, expenses, and prisoner records. The medical officer is responsible for prisoners’ health and sanitary conditions, reporting any serious illnesses to the superintendent and keeping records of health, diet, diseases, and death dates.
The jailer, who assists the superintendent, manages the prison and its documents. He must always stay on-site and cannot leave without prior notice. Together, these officers ensure the prison operates effectively and that prisoners receive proper care. The Act establishes roles for prisoners, including convict prisoners, who will have tasks within the prison and are considered public servants. Section 9 prohibits jail officers from conducting any business inside the prison.
Chapter IV covers prisoner admission, removal, and discharge. New convicts must be searched, and the jailer will keep their belongings. Female convicts can only be searched by female officers. Medical officers will examine convicts and document any marks or wounds. A prisoner can only be removed if a medical officer believes they have a serious illness.
Chapter V covers the rules for disciplining prisoners. It states that male and female prisoners must be kept separate. Convicted prisoners should not mix with under-trial prisoners. Prisoners under 21 must be housed separately, and those sentenced to death must be kept away from all other inmates. Civil and under-trial prisoners can receive goods from outside the prison, but these items must be checked first.
These prisoners must provide their own clothing and bedding. No food, bedding, or clothing from civil or under-trial prisoners can be given to convicted prisoners.
Chapter VII outlines prisoner work guidelines. Civil prisoners can work with the superintendent’s permission and will be paid. Criminal prisoners can work only in emergencies and for up to nine hours. Those serving simple imprisonment must work in the prison. The Act mandates regular medical check-ups, and sick prisoners must receive adequate care.
Sections 42 to 54 deal with offenses related to prison rules. Section 42 states that anyone who brings in or takes out banned items, helps commit offenses under this Act, or communicates with convicted prisoners can face up to six months in jail, a fine of two hundred rupees, or both.
Section 46 lists prison offenses, including ignoring prison rules, using force or threats, behaving indecently, refusing to work, damaging prison property or documents, and planning an escape. Offenses in this section are punishable under Sections 46 and 47 of the Act.
If a prisoner repeatedly commits serious crimes, Section 52 requires the superintendent to send them to the District Magistrate or another first-class magistrate. Section 54 outlines punishments for offenses committed by prison staff.
Model Prisons Act, 2003
Crime is the outcome of a diseased mind and jail must have an environment of hospital for treatment and care. – – Mahatma Gandhi
INTRODUCTION
Since its independence, prison management in the country has faced criticism at many public events. The Supreme Court of India has recently pointed out serious issues with inhumane conditions in prisons. Many states struggle with overcrowding, a high number of undertrial prisoners, insufficient staff, and inadequate care. These problems have drawn attention from the media and activists, making the situation of prisoners an important public policy issue.
Model Prisons Act, 2003
Imprisonment has been a common way to handle offenders for a long time. The current prison system in India began during the British rule, but it has changed a lot, especially since Independence. The Constitution of India, which includes Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy, shows our unique approach. Additionally, ideas and practices from other countries have significantly influenced prison reform in India over the years.
SCOPE OF THE MODEL PRISON MANUAL
The draft Model Prison Manual aims to improve India’s prison system for better reform and rehabilitation of offenders. Its main goals are:
- Consistency: Create uniform laws and rules for all prisons.
- Care Structure: Ensure safe and respectful treatment of prisoners.
- Improved Practices: Simplify practices to meet the needs of different prisoners.
- Basic Standards: Set minimum service standards for care, education, and reintegration.
- Rights Protection: Safeguard the human rights of prisoners during incarceration.
- Personalized Treatment: Tailoring care based on individual needs and behaviors.
- Scientific Methods: Using research-based approaches for special groups like women and young offenders.
- Clear Structure: Defining roles and responsibilities within the Department of Prisons.
- Collaboration: Enhancing cooperation with the criminal justice system.
- Service Availability: Ensuring essential public services are accessible for effective prison operation.
PRISON [Section –1(24)]
Any goal or place used permanently or temporarily under the general or special orders of a State government for the detention of prisoners, under Section 417 of Cr. P.C, 1973 and includes all land and buildings thereto, but does not include:
- any place for the confinement of prisoners who are exclusively in the custody of the police,
- any place specially appointed by the State government under Section 541 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1882 (10 of 1882).
PRISONER [Section- 1(25)]
Any person confined in prison under the order of a competent authority.
Different types of prisoners
ADOLESCENT PRISONER [Section –1(02)]
Any person
- a) as who have been convicted of any offense punishable with imprisonment, or who having been ordered to give security under section 117, Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (Central Act 2 of 1974) has failed to do so and who at the time of such conviction or failure to give security, is not less than 18 years, but not more than 21 years of age.
- b) who has been committed to prison custody during the pendency of his trial and who at the time of commitment, is not less than 18 years, but not more than 21 years of age.
ADULT PRISONER [Section –1(03)]
Any prisoner who is more than 21 years of age.
CASUAL PRISONER [Section –1(04)]
A convicted criminal prisoner other than a habitual offender.
CIVIL PRISONER [Section –1(05)]
Any prisoner who is not committed to custody under a writ, warrant or order of any court or authority exercising criminal jurisdiction, or by order of a court martial and who is not a detenue.
CONVICT [Section –1(07)]
Any prisoner under sentence of a court exercising criminal jurisdiction or court-martial and includes a person detained in prison under the provisions of chapter VIII of the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1973 and the Prisoners Act of 1900.
HABITUAL OFFENDER [Section –1(13)]
A prisoner classified as such in accordance with the provisions of the law or rules.
MILITARY PRISONER [Section –1(21)]
A prisoner convicted by court-martial.
REMAND PRISONER [Section –1(28)]
A person who has been remanded by the court to prison custody, pending investigation by the police.
UNDER-TRIAL PRISONERS [Section –1(31)]
A person who has been committed to prison custody with pending investigation or trial by a competent authority.
YOUNG OFFENDER [Section –1(32)]
A person who has attained the age of 18 years and has not attained the age of 21 years.
Rights and Duties of Prisoners
It is, therefore, high time that in the light of the observations made by the Supreme Court of India, the rights and duties of prisoners are clearly spelt out. In this respect, the All India Committee on Jail Reforms, 1980-83has suggested as under:
RIGHTS OF PRISONERS:
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Right to Human Dignity
(i) Prisoners have the right to be treated as human beings. The Supreme Court of India states they should not be seen as non-persons.
(ii) Prisoners have the right to bodily safety, free from abuse by staff or other prisoners.
(iii) Prisoners have the right to mental safety, protected from harm or threats.
(iv) Prisoners retain their fundamental rights under the Constitution of India, except when the law allows restrictions on their confinement conditions.
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Right to Basic Needs
Prisoners have the right to their basic needs. This includes a proper diet, access to health care and medical treatment, clean drinking water, and hygienic living conditions. They should have sanitation facilities, personal hygiene items, and sufficient clothing and bedding.
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Right to Communication
Prisoners have the right to communicate with people outside the prison. They should have regular interviews and the opportunity to receive news and information from the outside world through various media.
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Right to Access to Law
Prisoners have key rights for accessing legal support:
- They can get information about laws affecting their detention.
- They can choose a lawyer for help.
- They can access legal aid organizations.
- They must be informed about their rights to appeal or review their conviction.
- They can receive necessary court documents for appeals.
- They can file complaints and grievances while in prison.
- They can contact officials and agencies about rights violations and seek help for their issues.
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Right Against Unfair Punishment in Prison
- Entitlement for Disciplinary Violations
If a prisoner breaks the rules, they have the right to:
– (i) Clear information about the violation,
– (ii) A chance to defend themselves,
– (iii) Know the decision on the disciplinary action,
– (iv) Appeal the decision as per the rules.
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Right to Meaningful Work
- Right to Meaningful Employment
– Note 1: No prisoner can be forced to do unpaid work, which is a violation of rights under Article 23 of the Constitution.
– Note 2: Undertrial prisoners who volunteer can work and must be paid accordingly.
– Note 3: Prisoners should not do household work for staff, as this is not considered meaningful work, even if they receive payment.
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Right to be released on the due date.
DUTIES OF PRISONERS:
Each prisoner must:
(a) Obey lawful orders from prison authorities.
(b) Follow all prison rules and regulations.
(c) Maintain cleanliness and hygiene.
(d) Respect the dignity of other inmates and staff.
(e) Avoid hurting others’ religious beliefs.
(f) Care for Government property and avoid damage.
(g) Assist prison officials and maintain order.
(h) Foster a positive correctional environment.
In the case of the State of Andhra Pradesh v. Challa Ramkrishna Reddy, the court held that a prisoner is entitled to all the fundamental rights unless curtailed by the constitution.
VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND WORK PROGRAMMES FOR PRISONERS IN INDIA
Vocational Training
Vocational training programmes, in self-employing trades and occupations, should be organized in every central and district prison for employable convicts.
- Under-trial prisoners can join these programs if they choose to volunteer.
- Local Industrial Training Institutes can help train the prisoners.
- Prisons need enough staff and proper tools and classrooms for effective projects.
- A clear plan should be in place for group formation and scheduling.
- Training costs should be viewed as essential investments for helping offenders reintegrate.
- Special focus should be on training young and vulnerable offenders.
Vocational Training for Prisoners in India
Objectives of Vocational Training for Prisoners in India
(i) Teach discipline and a strong work ethic to inmates.
(ii) Foster positive attitudes towards work and respect for all types of labor.
(iii) Support:
(a) The physical and mental health of inmates,
(b) The thoughtful development of the mind through meaningful work,
(c) A sense of teamwork and cooperative living,
(iv) Build the ability to work hard over time.
(v) Encourage habits of focus, reliability, consistency, and precision in work.
(vi) Teach and enhance job skills.
(vii) Boost the self-confidence and independence of inmates.
(viii) Keep inmates engaged in productive and meaningful work.
Prison work programs should include essential services like cooking, cleaning, and running a prison hospital, as well as repairs and maintenance. They should also offer services needed by the community, such as construction, carpentry, plumbing, and tailoring. Other skills to learn include driving, leather work, and agriculture.
Programs can focus on maintenance tasks like engine repair and tractor upkeep. Inmates should also learn crafts like pottery, typing, and computer operation. Vocational training can cover sewing, baking, paper making, and food processing, equipping inmates with skills for future job opportunities.
Tasks to be Imposed on Female and Adolescent convicts [14.55.]
The tasks to be imposed on females or adolescent convicts respectively shall not in any case exceed two thirds of the maximum task for hard and medium labour, prescribed in respect of adult male convicts.
Female Prisoners not to Work Outside Female Enclosures [14.56.]
No female prisoner shall, under any pretext, be employed outside the female enclosure of any prison.
WELFARE OF PRISONERS
[15.01.] The objects of welfare programmes in prisons should be to:
- Develop a relaxed, positive and constructive atmosphere in the institution,
- Ensure good personnel-inmate relationship based on mutual trust and confidence,
- Ensure care and welfare of inmates,
- Attending to long term needs of prisoners,
- Provide individual guidance and counseling,
- Encourage group activities, group guidance, group work,
- Provide supportive therapy including Psychotherapy,
The welfare programme should include periodical review of progress and re-classification of prisoners, review of sentence and pre-mature release, planning for release, pre-release preparation and after-care.
Counseling
Prisoners should receive a mental health assessment upon admission. Those who are depressed need counseling from staff, welfare officers, psychiatrists, or authorized NGOs and should be closely monitored. If counseling isn’t effective, they should be referred to a psychiatrist for treatment.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy should be used in prisons as it has been recognized as an effective measure for the treatment of prisoners suffering from some degree of mental disorder and defects.
Recreational and cultural activities
- Outdoor games like, Cricket, kabaddi, wrestling, volley ball, badminton, football and basket-ball.
- Indoor games like Chess, Ludo and Carrom.
- Film Shows: Historical, patriotic, biographical, scientific and educational films, travelogues, documentaries, newsreel, and films dealing with social themes should be shown.
- Music: Music has a special significance in the confined atmosphere of a prison.
- Community and folk dances: Group and Folk dances could be performed on festivals and social occasions.
- Drama: Useful social values and models of behaviour can be presented before the inmates through dramatic performances.
- Arts and crafts
- Yoga and meditation should be daily practiced for which the hours should be fixed.
Prisoners’ Panchayat
Prisons should have prisoners’ panchayats made up of selected inmates with good behavior and organizational skills. These panchayats will plan daily recreational programs, helping inmates feel involved in prison management, which supports their welfare and rehabilitation.
Implementation of Welfare Activities
The Superintendent shall be responsible for the smooth and orderly implementation of welfare activities in the prison.
The Superintendent shall submit quarterly reports of welfare activities being conducted in his prison to the Inspector General of Prisons.
EDUCATION OF PRISONERS
Education is vital for prisoner development, transforming their perspectives and reducing recidivism. This benefits society by lowering crime rates and reducing costs on the criminal justice system.
Education promotes mental and physical growth, shaping inmates’ knowledge and behavior for better reintegration into society.
The monotony of prison life can be alleviated through education, providing joy and purpose. Without educational programs, managing offenders becomes costly and ineffective.
Objective for Education of Prisoners
A comprehensive educational program in prison should focus on:
(i) Illiteracy reduction: Helping illiterate inmates achieve basic literacy skills.
(ii) Advancing education: Offering opportunities for literate inmates to further their education.
(iii) Civic understanding: Fostering an understanding of civic duties and responsibilities.
(iv) Positive societal attitudes: Improving inmates’ perspectives towards society and encouraging responsible citizenship.
(v) Social and ethical development: Cultivating good social and ethical habits for successful reintegration into the community.
Educational Policy for Inmates
Prison staff should classify new inmates based on their educational background, ability to study further, social background, and vocational training.
The goals for the Education of Prisoners are:
(i) To teach every illiterate prisoner to read and write.
(ii) To help prisoners improve their educational qualifications.
If a prisoner was studying before imprisonment and wants to continue, they should receive support, including getting books and materials from outside or using their own money to buy them.
A prisoner should be encouraged and provided with facilities for enable him to appear in competitive examinations conducted by various government departments.
Classification of Prisoners
Prisoners should be classified on the basis of their academic/educational qualification and their aptitude for further learning at the time of admission in the prison. It should be made compulsory for each prisoner to sit in the educational classes, arranged as per their qualification, for at least two hours in the day, preferably in
the morning hours.
Nature of an Educational Programme
The educational programme should consist of:
(i) Physical and health education
(ii) Academic education
(iii) Social education
(iv) Vocational education
(v) Moral and spiritual education
(vi) Cultural education
Compulsory Education of Prisoners
All adult prisoners must engage in compulsory education, with a specific timeline set for illiterate inmates to be able to write their names.
Educated prisoners should be utilized to support educational programs, alongside formally employed teachers and resources from NGOs.
State of Maharashtra v. Prabhakar Pandurang Sangzgiri, AIR 1966 SC 424
The Supreme Court of India held that prisoners do not lose all their fundamental rights upon incarceration, except those that are inherently inconsistent with imprisonment. The Court recognized the right to education as an extension of the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. It emphasized that education plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation and reformation of prisoners, helping them reintegrate into society upon release.
The Court directed the prison authorities to allow Sangzgiri to appear for his examination and make necessary arrangements to facilitate his educational pursuits. The judgment underscored the importance of treating prisoners with dignity and providing them with opportunities for self-improvement.
CONCEPT OF REMISSION
Introduction
Remission refers to a reduction in the length of a prison sentence, distinct from furlough and parole, which involve temporary releases. While furlough and parole offer breaks from prison life, remission directly shortens the sentence’s duration without altering its fundamental nature. In remission, the prisoner is granted a specific release date, effectively becoming a free person in the eyes of the law. The original sentence remains intact, but the prisoner is relieved of serving the remaining portion.
Section -16(01)of model prison manual, 2003
The concept of the remission system aims at the reformation of a prisoner. The scheme is intended to ensure prison discipline and good conduct on the part of the prisoners and to encourage them to learn and better work culture, with the prospect of their early release from prison as an incentive.
Remission is a concession, which can be granted to prisoners by the State Government or by the Head of the Prison Department and Superintendent of Prisons.
Purpose – Remission is intended to be an incentive for good behavior and work. It should be granted on the basis of an inmate’s behavior, work,and general response to various institutional activities.
Concept of remission
Section 432 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973
Section 432 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 gives the Government the power to suspend or reduce sentences for convicted individuals. This can happen fully or partially, and either with or without conditions. When a request for suspension or reduction is made, the Government consults the Judge from the trial. The Judge must provide reasons and a certified copy of the relevant trial record.
If the Government believes that the conditions for suspension or remission have not been met, it may revoke the suspension or remission. In such cases, the individual can be arrested by any police officer without a warrant and remanded to serve the remaining portion of the sentence.
The President and Governor possess the sovereign power of pardon, granted by the Constitution.
Presidential Power (Article 72):
The President can grant pardons, reprieves, respites, or remissions of punishment. The President can also suspend, remit, or commute sentences for court-martial offenses, Offenses related to the Union government’s executive power, and Death sentences.
Governor’s Power (Article 161):
- The Governor can grant pardons, reprieves, respites, or remissions of punishment.
- The Governor can suspend, remit, or commute sentences for offenses related to the State’s executive power.
- The scope of the President’s pardoning power under Article 72 is broader than that of the Governor’s under Article 161.
Kinds of Remission
Remission will be of the following types:
- Ordinary remission
- Special remission
- State Government remission
Ordinary Remission
Authority to grant ordinary remission: The Superintendent, or an officer nominated by him on his behalf, is authorized to grant ordinary remission.
Eligibility: The following types of convicted prisoners shall be eligible for ordinary remission:
- Prisoners who have substantive sentences of two months or more are eligible for certain considerations regarding remission.
- Prisoners who are sentenced to simple imprisonment for two months or longer and volunteer for work can also qualify for benefits.
- Prisoners doing maintenance work, like sweeping or cooking on Sundays and holidays, are also eligible, regardless of their sentence length.
- Prisoners hospitalized for less than one month for a non-willful injury or illness may receive special consideration. If hospitalized for more than one month, they only get remission for good behavior.
Special remission
Authority to grant special remission: Superintendent of the prison concerned and the Inspector General/Head of the Prisons Department will be the competent authorities to grant special remission.
Criteria to grant special remission:
The following criteria can be used to grant special remission to inmates who qualify for ordinary remission:
- Saving the life of a government employee, prison visitor, or another inmate.
- Protecting a government employee, prison visitor, or inmate from danger.
- Stopping or helping to stop a prisoner from escaping, catching prisoners trying to escape, or giving important information about escape plans.
- Helping prison staff in emergencies like fires, riots, or strikes.
- Reporting or helping to prevent serious violations of prison rules.
- Making significant contributions to cultural activities or education.
- Doing excellent work in jobs like industry, agriculture, or vocational training.
State Government Remission
Remission granted by the State Government shall be called State Government Remission.
Eligibility – The State Government remission can be awarded to such prisoners, or categories of prisoners, as the State Government may decide.
In the case of prisoners who, at the time of general grant of State Government remission, are released on temporary or emergency release, specific orders of the State Government about the award of this remission to such prisoners are necessary.
Procedure of Remission
Remission Committee members should assist the Superintendent with granting remission. The Superintendent’s decision is final. The committee should meet in the last week of each month or as needed.
(i) The committee must meet regularly to ensure timely remission. Special remission should be granted at least seven days before a prisoner’s release.
(ii) The Superintendent must approve and record remission in the Remission Register and the prisoner’s History Ticket immediately upon granting.
(iii) Inmates with sentences of two months to five years should receive monthly remission. Those with sentences over five years, including life sentences, should receive remission every three months.
(iv) Ordinary remission is for full calendar months only, not partial months.
(v) Special remission can be granted for any part of a year.
(vi) A prisoner can earn a maximum remission of half their total sentence from the conviction date.
(vii) Remission for court-martial sentences follows the same rules as for other prisoners.
Mahender Singh v. State of Haryana
In Mahender Singh v. State of Haryana, the Supreme Court said that the Constitution does not directly grant convicts a right to remission, but they must be considered for release. This protects their rights under Articles 20 and 21, which safeguard against double punishment and guarantee the right to life and personal liberty. The ruling highlights the importance of respecting these rights in remission and parole decisions.
Institutional Personnel under Model Prison Manual
INSTITUTIONAL PERSONNEL
[4.01.] Each institution will have personnel in accordance with the requirements of security, discipline and programme emphasis. The personnel strength will be determined according to the duty posts, taking hours of duty per day as the basis for each category of staff. The institutional set-up will be fixed in accordance with the size of the institution, the inmate population, workload and distribution of functions.
The strength of custodial/guarding staff will be determined keeping in view the requirements of security, discipline, programme emphasis, duty posts, workload and distribution of functions. In principle there has to be one guarding staff for every six prisoners.
Institutional personnel will comprise of:
1. Executive
- Superintendents
- Additional Superintendent
- Deputy Superintendents
- Assistant Superintendents
- Guarding staff – Chief Head Warders – Head Warders – Warders
2. Medical personnel
- Medical Officers
- Psychiatrist
- Nursing staff
- Pharmacist
3. Welfare Units
- Assistant Director, Correctional Services
- Welfare Officer
- Law Officer
- Counsellor
- Probation Officer
- Psychologist
4. Educational Personnel
- Teachers
- Physical Training Instructor
5. Technical Personnel
- Instructors
- Foremen
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- Mason
- Drivers
- Motor Mechanic
6. Agricultural
- Supervisors
- Agricultural Assistants
7. Ministerial
- Administrative Officer
- Office Superintendent
- Accountant
- Store Keepers
- Cashier
- Office Assistants
- Stenographers
- Typist/Computer Operators
- Miscellaneous Staff
Duties and Functions of Institutional Personnel:
The general duties, functions and responsibilities of the institutional personnel are detailed below:
The Superintendent will be the head of the prison and all officers will be subordinate to him.
Superintendent Grade I and Grade II
- General supervision over security and custody arrangements
- Custody of secret and confidential documents
- Supervision over care and welfare of inmates
- Supervision over office administration
- Control over financial matters
Additional/Deputy Superintendent
In the absence of a Superintendent of prisons, he will perform all the functions attached to the post of a Superintendent.
- Admission and release of prisoners after verification and checking of committal warrants
- Checking of Appeal Registers
- Attending to release on bail, appeals, fine payment, etc.
- Attending to the correction of sentences
- Production of prisoners in courts
Deputy Superintendent
- The Deputy Superintendent is the chief executive officer of the Prison and is subordinate to the Superintendent.
- Supervision over security, custody, and discipline, supervision over care and welfare of prisoners
- Supervision over personnel matters, staff discipline, and staff welfare assisting the Superintendent in all matters about institutional management
- Inspecting kitchen and canteen visit to hospital
- Admission and release work prison manufacturers
- Classification of prisoners and their training
Assistant Superintendent
(i) To assist the Deputy Superintendent in studying the psychological and mental makeup of prisoners and taking steps to reform them.
(ii) To be in charge of the ration stores as generally stated.
(iii) To be directly responsible for the storing and custody of ration and other articles purchased and their issue from
the stores.
(iv) To place indents and get supplies of all articles of diet and articles required for the prisoners.
(v) To attend to the day-to-day maintenance of stock registers and other connected records and to the proper
maintenance of stock.
(vi) To attend to the maintenance of accounts for extra articles purchased by civil debtors.
(vii) To check the correctness of the kitchen slips, hospital indents and other indents placed on him for the issue of
ration and miscellaneous articles.
Education of Prisoners Notes : https://lawadhoctutorials.com/education-of-prisoners/
Prison administration in India
Vocational Training for Prisoners notes : https://lawadhoctutorials.com/vocational-training-for-prisoners-in-india/
Prison administration in India
Rights and Duties of Prisoners notes :- https://lawadhoctutorials.com/rights-and-duties-of-prisoners/
Prison administration in India
Model Prison Act Notes : https://lawadhoctutorials.com/model-prisons-act-2003/
Prison administration in India
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Prison administration in India
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Prison administration in India
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Prison administration in India
Prison administration in India
Prison administration in India
Prison administration in India
Prison administration in India
Prison administration in India
Prison administration in India
Prison administration in India
Prison administration in India
Prison administration in India
Prison administration in India
Prison administration in India
Prison administration in India
Prison administration in India
Prison administration in India
Prison administration in India
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