The Union government announced it has prepared a Model Prisons Act to replace the current 130-year-old law, Prisons Act of 1894.
Key Points On Model Prisons Act
- In India, prisons and the ‘persons detained therein’ are a State subject.
- The Home Ministry said the Model Prisons Act, 2023 may serve as a guiding document for states for adoption in their jurisdiction.
- The old pre-Independence act focuses on keeping criminals in custody and enforcement of discipline and order in prisons.
- There is no provision for reform and rehabilitation of prisoners.
- The focus of the new act is to reform and rehabilitate inmates and overhaul prison administration.
About Model Prisons Act 2023
- It was finalised by the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD) in consultation with states’ prison authorities, correctional experts, and other stakeholders.
- Its objective is to provide a comprehensive framework for prison administration that focuses on the reformation and rehabilitation of inmates.
- And, Integrates the use of technology in prison management, such as video conferencing, biometric identification, CCTV surveillance, etc
Features Of Model Prisons Act
- Creating provisions for grant of parole,
- furlough and remission to prisoners to encourage good conduct;
- providing special provisions to women and transgender inmates;
- ensuring physical and mental well-being of prisoners
- focusing on the reformation and rehabilitation of inmates.
- Security assessment and segregation of prisoners;
- individual sentence planning;
- grievance redressal;
- prison development board;
- use of technology in prison administration;
- protecting society from criminal activities of hardened criminals and habitual offenders.
Significance Of Model Prisons Act
Integration of Existing Laws
- Along with the Prisons Act of 1894, the Prisoners Act of 1900 and the Transfer of Prisoners Act of 1950 have also been reviewed by the MHA.
- Relevant provisions from these acts have been assimilated into the Model Prisons Act 2023.
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