Read Editorial with D2G – (Ep 348)

In Read Editorial With D2G
July 7, 2017

Protecting prisoners: Reforms must secure rights of inmates

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D2G wears no responsibility of the views published here by the respective Author. This Editorial is used here for Study Purpose. Students are advised to learn the word-meaning, The Art of Writing Skills and understand the crux of this Editorial.

MEANINGS are given in BOLD

The focus of public and judicial concern over the situation prevailing (existing at a particular time) in India’s prisons has in recent times been related to overcrowding and long spells of incarceration (the state of being confined in prison) faced by indigent (needy) inmates (a person living in an institution such as a prison or hospital) too poor to obtain bail. On some occasions, such as when the horrific (terrible or shocking) blinding of prisoners in Bhagalpur took place over three decades ago, the stark human rights situation also attracted attention. The brutal murder of a woman life convict in the Bycullawomen’s prison in Mumbai on June 23 has brought the focus back on custodial violence, especially the vulnerability (unsafe) of inmates to authoritarian behaviour.

The allegation that prison guards targeted Manjula Shette, a lifer (a person serving a life sentence) brought to the jail a couple of months ago from the Yerwada Central Prison in Pune as a warder (a guard in a prison), over some missing rations is indeed startling. It is said she incurred the wrath (extreme anger) of the guards because of her rising popularity among the women prisoners. This suggests that until her arrival the inmates may not have been accustomed (usual or normal) to even rudimentary (immature or rough) care from the jail authorities. Eyewitnesses say that when the warder was severely assaulted by the guards, it led to a riot-like situation among the prisoners.

It is not difficult to surmise (guess) that simmering (exist in a suppressed state) discontent over the prevailing conditions, and an intense animus (hostility or ill feeling) between the guards and the inmates, were behind the events. It is some consolation that the police have arrested six prison officials for the custodial murder.

It is disconcerting (worry) that the untoward (unexpected and inappropriate) incident took place at a time when the Maharashtra government had been directed by the Bombay High Court to undertake a comprehensive review of the conditions in three major prisons in the State. As per the March 2017 court order, an empowered committee was to be constituted to look into all aspects of the jails in the light of Supreme Court decisions, the Model Prison Manual of 2016 and relevant UN resolutions. In particular, the panel was to suggest measures to create modern jails and modernise amenities.

In the last half century, the superior courts have passed a series of orders to reform jails. The issues range from prisoners’ rights, health, hygiene and access to legal aid, to the condition of women inmates and their children. The judiciary’s approach has been anchored in the belief that fundamental rights “do not part company with the prisoner at the gates”. The Union Home Minister released a model jail manual last year.

It makes clear that the state is under an obligation (a duty or commitment) to protect the residuary rights of prisoners after they surrender their liberty to a legal process. One can only reiterate (repeat) a principle already enshrined (preserved) in it: the management of prisons must be marked by firm discipline, but also due regard to the human rights of prisoners. Prison reforms are not only about amenities and conditions; they must also address the prisoner’s right to life.

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