UPSC Exams
Latest Update
Coaching
UPSC Current Affairs
Syllabus
UPSC Notes
Previous Year Papers
UPSC Mains Previous Year Question Papers Last 25 Years UPSC Prelims Question Papers Last 10 Years UPSC Question Papers UPSC CSE Prelims 2025 Question Paper UPSC Mains 2024 Model Answers UPSC 2024 Question Papers UPSC 2023 Question Papers UPSC 2022 Question Papers UPSC 2021 Question Papers UPSC 2020 Question Papers UPSC 2019 Question Papers UPSC 2018 Question Papers UPSC 2017 Question Papers UPSC 2016 Question Papers UPSC 2015 Question Papers UPSC 2014 Question Papers UPSC CSAT Question Papers UPSC IFS Previous Year Paper UPSC Assistant Labour Commissioner Previous Question Year Papers UPSC Combined Geo Scientist Previous Year Paper UPSC APFC Previous Year Question Papers UPSC CMS Previous Year Question Paper UPSC EPFO Previous Year Paper UPSC Air Safety Officer Previous Year Papers UPSC SO Steno Previous Year Paper UPSC IES ISS Previous Year Question Papers
Mock Tests
UPSC Editorial
Bilateral Ties
Albania India Relations India Algeria Relations Andorra India Relations India Angola Relations India Antigua Barbuda Relations India Argentina Relations Austria India Relations India Azerbaijan Relations Bahamas India Relations India Bahrain Relations Barbados India Relations India Belarus Relations Belgium India Relations Belize India Relations Benin India Relations Bolivia India Relations India Bosnia Herzegovina Relations India Botswana Relations Brazil India Relations Brunei India Relations Bulgaria India Relations Burundi India Relations Cabo Verde India Relations India Cambodia Relations India Cameroon Relations Canada India Relations India Cayman Islands Relations India Central African Republic Relations India Chad Relations Chile India Relations India Colombia Relations India Comoros Relations India Democratic Republic Of The Congo Relations India Republic Of The Congo Relations India Cook Islands Relations India Costa Rica Relations India Ivory Coast Relations India Croatia Relations India Cyprus Relations India Czech Republic Relations India Djibouti Relations India Dominica Relations India Dominican Republic Relations India Ecuador Relations India El Salvador Relations India Equatorial Guinea Relations India Eritrea Relations Estonia India Relations India Ethiopia Relations India Fiji Relations India Finland Relations India Gabon Relations India Gambia Relations India Georgia Relations Germany India Relations India Ghana Relations India Greece Relations India Grenada Relations India Guatemala Relations India Guinea Relations India Guinea Bissau Relations India Guyana Relations India Haiti Relations India Holy See Relations India Honduras Relations India Hong Kong Relations India Hungary Relations India Iceland Relations India Indonesia Relations India Iran Relations India Iraq Relations India Ireland Relations India Jamaica Relations India Kazakhstan Relations India Kenya Relations India Kingdom Of Eswatini Relations India Kiribati Relations India Kuwait Relations India Kyrgyzstan Relations India Laos Relations Latvia India Relations India Lebanon Relations India Lesotho Relations India Liberia Relations Libya India Relations Liechtenstein India Relations India Lithuania Relations India Luxembourg Relations India Macao Relations Madagascar India Relations India Malawi Relations India Mali Relations India Malta Relations India Marshall Islands Relations India Mauritania Relations India Micronesia Relations India Moldova Relations Monaco India Relations India Montenegro Relations India Montserrat Relations India Morocco Relations Mozambique India Relations India Namibia Relations India Nauru Relations Netherlands India Relations India Nicaragua Relations India Niger Relations India Nigeria Relations India Niue Relations India North Macedonia Relations Norway India Relations India Palau Relations India Panama Relations India Papua New Guinea Relations India Paraguay Relations Peru India Relations India Philippines Relations Qatar India Relations India Romania Relations Rwanda India Relations India Saint Kitts And Nevis Relations India Saint Lucia Relations India Saint Vincent And Grenadines Relations India Samoa Relations India Sao Tome And Principe Relations Saudi Arabia India Relations India Senegal Relations Serbia India Relations India Sierra Leone Relations India Singapore Relations India Slovak Republic Relations India Slovenia Relations India Solomon Islands Relations Somalia India Relations India South Sudan Relations India Spain Relations India Sudan Relations Suriname India Relations India Sweden Relations India Syria Relations India Tajikistan Relations Tanzania India Relations India Togo Relations India Tonga Islands Relations India Trinidad And Tobago Relations India Tunisia Relations India Turkmenistan Relations India Turks And Caicos Islands Relations India Tuvalu Relations India Uganda Relations India Ukraine Relations India Uae Relations India Uruguay Relations India Uzbekistan Relations India Vanuatu Relations India Venezuela Relations India British Virgin Islands Relations Yemen India Relations India Zambia Relations India Zimbabwe Relations
Books
Government Schemes
Production Linked Incentive Scheme Integrated Processing Development Scheme Rodtep Scheme Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme Saathi Scheme Uday Scheme Hriday Scheme Samagra Shiksha Scheme India Nishta Scheme Stand Up India Scheme Sahakar Mitra Scheme Mdms Mid Day Meal Scheme Integrated Child Protection Scheme Vatsalya Scheme Operation Green Scheme Nai Roshni Scheme Nutrient Based Subsidy Scheme Kalia Scheme Ayushman Sahakar Scheme Nirvik Scheme Fame India Scheme Kusum Scheme Pm Svanidhi Scheme Pmvvy Scheme Pm Aasha Scheme Pradhan Mantri Mahila Shakti Kendra Scheme Pradhan Mantri Lpg Panjayat Scheme Mplads Scheme Svamitva Scheme Pat Scheme Udan Scheme Ek Bharat Shresth Bharat Scheme National Pension Scheme Ujala Scheme Operation Greens Scheme Gold Monetisation Scheme Family Planning Insurance Scheme Target Olympic Podium Scheme
Topics
NASA Space Missions
NASA Mercury-Redstone 3 (Freedom 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Redstone 4 (Liberty Bell 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 6 (Friendship 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 7 (Aurora 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 8 (Sigma 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 9 (Faith 7) Mission NASA Gemini 3 Mission NASA Gemini 4 Mission NASA Gemini 5 Mission NASA Gemini 7 Mission NASA Gemini 8 Mission NASA Gemini 9 Mission NASA Gemini 10 Mission NASA Gemini 11 Mission NASA Gemini 12 Mission NASA Apollo 1 (AS‑204) Mission NASA Apollo 7 Mission NASA Apollo 8 Mission NASA Apollo 9 Mission NASA Apollo 10 Mission NASA Apollo 11 Mission NASA Apollo 12 Mission NASA Apollo 13 Mission NASA Apollo 14 Mission NASA Apollo 15 Mission NASA Apollo 16 Mission NASA Apollo 17 Mission NASA Skylab Orbital Workshop Mission NASA Skylab 2 Mission NASA Skylab 3 Mission NASA Skylab 4 Mission NASA Apollo–Soyuz Test Project Mission NASA STS‑1 Columbia Mission NASA STS‑3 Columbia Mission NASA STS‑7 Challenger Mission NASA STS‑8 Challenger Mission NASA STS‑41B Challenger Mission NASA STS‑41G Discovery (1st female EVA) Mission NASA STS‑51L Challenger (accident) Mission NASA STS‑26 Discovery (Return‑to‑Flight) Mission NASA STS‑31 Discovery (Hubble Launch) Mission NASA STS‑49 Endeavour (first capture EVA) Mission NASA STS‑61 Endeavour (Hubble Servicing 1) Mission NASA STS‑73 Columbia (microgravity) Mission NASA STS‑95 Discovery (John Glenn returns) Mission NASA STS‑107 Columbia (accident) Mission NASA STS‑114 Discovery (RTF‑2) Mission NASA STS‑120 Discovery (Node 2) Mission NASA STS‑125 Atlantis (Final Hubble Service) Mission NASA STS‑132 Atlantis Mission NASA STS‑135 Atlantis (Final Shuttle flight) Mission NASA Artemis I (Orion/ SLS‑1) Mission NASA Artemis II (Planned) Mission NASA Artemis III (Planned lunar landing) Mission NASA Mariner 4 Mission NASA Mariner 6 Mission NASA Mariner 7 Mission NASA Mariner 9 Mission NASA Viking 1 Orbiter/Lander Mission NASA Viking 2 Orbiter/Lander Mission NASA Mars Pathfinder & Sojourner Mission NASA Mars Global Surveyor Mission NASA 2001 Mars Odyssey Mission NASA Mars Exploration Rover – Spirit Mission NASA Mars Exploration Rover – Opportunity Mission NASA Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Mission NASA Phoenix Mars Lander Mission NASA InSight Mars Lander Mission NASA Mars 2020 (Perseverance & Ingenuity) Mission NASA Mars Sample Return – SRL (planned) Mission NASA Pioneer 10 Mission NASA Pioneer 11 Mission NASA Voyager 1 Mission NASA Voyager 2 Mission NASA Galileo Jupiter Orbiter/Probe Mission NASA Cassini–Huygens Mission NASA New Horizons (Pluto & KBO) Mission NASA Juno Mission NASA Europa Clipper (planned) Mission NASA Parker Solar Probe Mission NASA Solar Orbiter (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA Surveyor 1 Mission NASA Lunar Orbiter 1 Mission NASA Lunar Prospector Mission NASA LCROSS Mission NASA LADEE Mission NASA Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) Mission NASA CAPSTONE Mission NASA VIPER Rover (planned) Mission NASA NEAR Shoemaker Mission NASA Deep Space 1 Mission NASA Stardust Mission NASA Genesis Mission NASA Deep Impact Mission NASA Dawn (Vesta/Ceres) Mission NASA OSIRIS‑REx Mission NASA Lucy Mission NASA DART Mission NASA Landsat‑1 (ERTS‑1) Mission NASA Landsat‑5 Mission NASA Landsat‑9 Mission NASA Terra Mission NASA Aqua Mission NASA Aura Mission NASA Suomi NPP Mission NASA Sentinel‑6 Michael Freilich Mission NASA ICESat‑2 Mission NASA GRACE‑FO Mission NASA SMAP Mission NASA GPM Core Observatory Mission NASA CALIPSO Mission NASA CloudSat Mission NASA NISAR (NASA‑ISRO) Mission NASA Explorer 1 Mission NASA COBE Mission NASA Compton Gamma Ray Observatory Mission NASA Hubble Space Telescope Mission NASA Chandra X‑ray Observatory Mission NASA Spitzer Space Telescope Mission NASA WISE Mission NASA Kepler Mission NASA TESS Mission NASA Fermi Gamma‑ray Space Telescope Mission NASA NICER Mission NASA IXPE Mission NASA Roman Space Telescope (planned) Mission NASA NuSTAR Mission NASA GALEX Mission NASA Swift Mission NASA SOHO (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA Cluster II (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA TIMED Mission NASA STEREO‑A/B Mission NASA MMS Mission NASA IRIS Mission NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory Mission NASA X‑37B OTV‑1 (USAF/NASA liaison) Mission NASA X‑59 QueSST Mission NASA Mars Helicopter Ingenuity Mission NASA Valkyrie R5 Robot Mission NASA Low‑Boom Flight Demo Mission NASA CRS‑1 Dragon Mission NASA CRS‑1 Cygnus Mission NASA Crew Dragon Demo‑2 Mission NASA Starliner OFT‑2 Mission NASA STS-2 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-4 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-5 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-6 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-41C (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-41D (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-51A (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-61C (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-26 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-27 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-29 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-30 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-32 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-34 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-38 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-45 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-60 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-70 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-71 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-73 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-88 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-92 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-97 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-99 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-100 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-104 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-106 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-110 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-112 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-115 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-116 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-117 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-118 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-120 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-122 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-123 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-126 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-130 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA Vanguard 1 Mission NASA Transit 1B Mission NASA Echo 1 Mission NASA Telstar 1 Mission NASA Syncom 3 Mission NASA ATS‑6 Mission NASA Skynet Mission NASA Nimbus‑1 Mission NASA Nimbus‑7 Mission NASA ERS-1 Mission NASA SeaSat Mission NASA QuikSCAT Mission NASA Jason‑1 Mission NASA Jason‑3 Mission NASA ICESat Mission NASA Earth Observing‑1 Mission NASA Orbiting Carbon Observatory‑2 Mission NASA CYGNSS Mission NASA PACE Mission NASA TRMM Mission NASA Terrestrial Planet Finder (cxl) Mission NASA Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) Mission NASA Explorer 33 Mission NASA Voyager Interstellar Mission Mission NASA Helios‑A Mission NASA Helios‑B Mission NASA ISEE‑3 (ICE) Mission NASA ACE Mission NASA DSCOVR Mission NASA IBEX Mission NASA Solar Orbiter Heliospheric Imager Mission NASA SAGE‑III ISS Mission NASA SPACE Telescope Imaging Spectrograph Mission NASA ARIEL (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA OSAM‑1 (Restore‑L) Mission NASA Dragonfly (Titan rotorcraft) Mission NASA VERITAS (Venus orbiter) Mission NASA DAVINCI (Venus probe) Mission NASA SPHEREx Mission NASA MAGGIE (Mars Geophysical) Mission NASA CLPS – Peregrine Mission NASA CLPS – VIPER Delivery Mission NASA CAPSTONE Mission NASA Gateway (HALO / PPE) Mission NASA Mars Telecommunication Orbiter (cxl) Mission NASA Mars Polar Lander (MPL) Mission NASA Mars Climate Orbiter Mission NASA Pathfinder Mission Mission NASA SLS Block 1B (Exploration Upper Stage) Mission NASA Orion Crew Module Mission NASA Commercial LEO Destinations – Axiom Station Mission NASA ISS Expedition 1 Mission NASA ISS Expedition 70 Mission NASA CRS‑11 (Dragon) Mission NASA CRS‑21 (Dragon 2) Mission NASA Snoopy CubeSat Mission

Prison Reforms - Prison System in India, Laws, Acts, Challenges, Recommendations And More

Last Updated on Jun 24, 2025
Download As PDF
IMPORTANT LINKS

Prison reform stands as a pivotal subject in today's world, addressing the essential need to revamp correctional facilities and systems for better rehabilitation, humane treatment, and effective crime prevention. 

This comprehensive exploration of prison reform delves into its significance, the state of prison administration in India, existing challenges, and crucial committees that have shaped the discourse.

Prison Reforms is one of the most important topics for the UPSC IAS exam. 

What are Prison Reforms?

Prison reform is an imperative societal endeavor aiming to transform penitentiaries from punitive centers to rehabilitation hubs. The conventional approach of confining inmates with punitive intent has given way to a more holistic vision of reforming offenders and reintegrating them into society as responsible citizens. This evolution emphasizes rehabilitation, addressing root causes of criminal behavior, and fostering productive skills among inmates.

FREEMentorship Program by
Ravi Kapoor, Ex-IRS
UPSC Exam-Hacker, Author, Super Mentor, MA
100+ Success Stories
Key Highlights
Achieve your Goal with our mentorship program, offering regular guidance and effective exam strategies.
Cultivate a focused mindset for exam success through our mentorship program.
UPSC Beginners Program

Get UPSC Beginners Program SuperCoaching @ just

₹50000

Claim for free

Present Status of Prison Administration in India

The prison system in India, while crucial to maintaining law and order, faces a range of challenges that need immediate attention and comprehensive reforms. Let's delve into some key points about the prison system in India:

Instances of Torture and Sexual Abuse

  • Prisoners are vulnerable to physical and psychological abuse within correctional facilities.
  • Custodial violence is a grave concern, highlighting excessive use of force by law enforcement personnel.
  • Inmates endure bodily harm, mental torment, and unjust treatment, undermining their dignity and human rights.

Prison Inmates Living with Infectious Diseases

  • Overcrowding and inadequate healthcare contribute to the spread of infectious diseases among prisoners.
  • Inmates living with illnesses like HIV and tuberculosis are not effectively isolated, endangering both inmates and society.
  • The lack of proper medical facilities leads to a higher risk of infections and an inability to manage health conditions.

Prison Reforms in India

Prison administration in India is a state subject, under the authority of state governments. While states bear the responsibility of managing and governing prisons, the Ministry of Home Affairs offers advisory and oversight roles. The prison system is an integral component of the criminal justice system, contributing to the broader goal of maintaining law and order.

Prison reforms in India are crucial to creating a just, humane, and rehabilitative correctional system that respects the rights and dignity of inmates while striving to reduce crime rates. 

Here's an overview of the ongoing efforts and key aspects of prison reforms in the country:

All India Committee on Prison Reforms (Mulla Committee)

  • The Mulla Committee recommended improvements in prison infrastructure, accommodation, and resources for inmates.
  • It proposed creating an Indian Prisons and Correctional Service to ensure uniformity in prison staff hiring.
  • The committee highlighted the importance of public and media visits to prisons to ensure transparency and accountability.

Recommendations of Law Commission of India (268th Report)

  • The Law Commission suggested releasing prisoners after serving one-third of their sentence for crimes with a maximum of seven years' imprisonment.
  • The commission emphasized the need to reduce the burden of undertrial prisoners through expedited trials and liberalizing bail provisions.

Justice Amitava Roy Committee

  • Established by the Supreme Court, this committee focuses on prison reforms and reducing prison overcrowding.
  • It proposed the creation of special fast-track courts to address minor offences that have been pending for over five years.

The Krishna Iyer Committee

  • This committee, focusing on women prisoners, recommended increased representation of women in the police force.
  • It highlighted the need for better facilities and support for women and child criminals within the prison system.

Challenges Within the Indian Prison System

  • Overcrowding: Many Indian prisons suffer from overcrowding, straining resources and impeding effective rehabilitation.
  • Under-trials: The excessive number of under-trial prisoners leads to delays in trials and unjust incarceration.
  • Pendency of Cases: The staggering backlog of cases in Indian courts hampers timely justice delivery.
  • Shortage of Staff: Understaffed prisons struggle with maintaining security, supervision, and inmate well-being.
  • Condition of Women Prisoners: Female prisoners face unique challenges, from hygiene issues to instances of custodial abuse.
  • Instances of Torture and Abuse: Some prisoners face physical and psychological abuse, compromising human rights.
  • Infectious Diseases: Overcrowding contributes to the spread of infectious diseases among inmates.
  • Obsolete Laws: The colonial-era legal framework governing prisons raises questions about relevance in contemporary times.
  • Human Rights Concerns: Reports of human rights violations, including instances of custodial torture and abuse, highlight the need for enhanced oversight and accountability within the Indian prison system.

Influential Committees and Their Recommendations

The Mulla Committee

The All India Committee on Prison Reforms, also known as the Mulla Committee, recommended various measures to enhance prison conditions and administration. Some key suggestions include:

  • Improved inmate accommodations, hygiene, and nutrition.
  • Formation of the Indian Prisons and Correctional Service as an All-India Service.
  • Regular public and media visits to prisons for transparency.
  • Reduction of under-trial prisoners through expedited trials.

Law Commission of India's 268th Report

The Law Commission suggested releasing individuals convicted for crimes with sentences up to seven years after serving one-third of their time. It also advocated against mechanical remand orders and unnecessary arrests.

Justice Amitava Roy Committee

This committee recommended special fast-track courts for minor offences pending for over five years and the release of minor crime accused on Personal Recognizance Bond.

The Krishna Iyer Committee

Focused on women prisoners, this committee called for increased representation of women in the police force and improvements in women's correctional facilities.

Government Initiatives for Prison Reform

Efforts by the Government of India to reform prison administration include:

  • Establishment of Review Committees for under-trial prisoners.
  • Appointment of law officers to provide legal assistance to inmates.
  • Adherence to time-bound strategies for better living conditions.
  • Formation of State Boards of Visitors to inspect prisons.

Various Prison Laws in India

Prisons fall within the jurisdiction of the individual states, as outlined in List-II of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution. The State Governments have exclusive authority over the management and administration of prisons, as stipulated by the Prisons Act of 1894 and the Prison Manuals specific to each state. Consequently, the primary responsibility, power, and role in amending current prison laws, rules, and regulations lie with the respective States. Several key statutes significantly impact the regulation and management of prisons in the country. 

These include:

  1. The Indian Penal Code of 1860
  2. The Prisons Act of 1894
  3. The Prisoners Act of 1900
  4. The Identification of Prisoners Act of 1920
  5. The Constitution of India of 1950
  6. The Transfer of Prisoners Act of 1950
  7. The Representation of People Act of 1951
  8. The Prisoners (Attendance in Courts) Act of 1955
  9. The Probation of Offenders Act of 1958
  10. The Code of Criminal Procedure of 1973
  11. The Mental Health Act of 1987
  12. The Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection) Act of 2000
  13. The Repatriation of Prisoners Act of 2003
  14. Model Prison Manual of 2016

Conclusion

Prison reform occupies a critical role in the pursuit of a just and humane society. While committees and initiatives have provided recommendations, the implementation of comprehensive reforms remains a challenge. Acknowledging the potential of prisoners for rehabilitation and reintegration is pivotal for a successful reform endeavor. Structural changes, revisiting outdated laws, and fostering collaboration between governmental bodies are essential steps toward achieving effective and sustainable prison reform. The transformation of correctional facilities from breeding grounds for criminal behavior to centers of redemption is a collective responsibility that society must embrace to foster positive change.

Grab the Testbook App now and enhance your learning experience! Enroll for UPSC Coaching today.

More Articles for IAS Preparation

Prison Reforms FAQs

Prison administration is primarily a state subject in India, with state governments responsible for managing and governing prisons. The Ministry of Home Affairs provides advisory and oversight roles.

Indian prisons grapple with challenges such as overcrowding, under-trials, pendency of cases, shortage of staff, conditions of women prisoners, instances of abuse, infectious diseases, and the presence of obsolete laws.

The Mulla Committee recommended improved prison accommodations, the creation of the Indian Prisons and Correctional Service, public and media visits for transparency, and reduction of under-trial prisoners through expedited trials.

The government has established Review Committees for under-trial prisoners, appointed law officers for inmate legal assistance, adhered to time-bound strategies for better living conditions, and formed State Boards of Visitors to inspect prisons.

Prison reform aims to transform correctional facilities from punitive centers to rehabilitative hubs, focusing on addressing root causes of criminal behavior, humane treatment of inmates, and successful reintegration into society.

Report An Error