Offenses Committed By Life Convicts In India: A Comprehensive Overview
- IJLLR Journal
- Mar 24
- 1 min read
Kajal, Assistant Professor in Law, CT Group of Institutions, Shahpur Jalandhar, Punjab
ABSTRACT
This article provides an overview of crimes committed by life convicts in India, focusing on offenses both within the prison system and post-release. Life imprisonment, under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), mandates a minimum of 14 years before parole eligibility. Despite this, life convicts continue engaging in criminal activities such as violence, drug trafficking, extortion, and organized crime within prisons. Many also reoffend after release, committing crimes like murder, robbery, and drug trafficking. Contributing factors include overcrowded prisons, insufficient rehabilitation programs, gang influence, and social stigma faced by released convicts. High-profile cases, such as those of Satyam Bhatia and Chhota Rajan, highlight the challenges of recidivism in India. The article also examines the legal framework surrounding recidivism, parole, probation, and rehabilitation efforts, calling for reforms in the Indian criminal justice system. It proposes strengthening rehabilitation programs, improving post-release support, and enhancing mental health services to reduce recidivism. Legal provisions related to repeat offenders, parole, and post-conviction reviews, as well as special laws for crimes like drug trafficking and terrorism, are also discussed. Recidivism remains a significant issue in India, with many ex-convicts continuing criminal activities after release. This article explores crimes commonly committed by former prisoners, including violent crimes, drug trafficking, and organized crime. Factors contributing to recidivism include a lack of effective rehabilitation, social stigma, economic hardships, psychological issues, and insufficient post-release support. The article recommends a comprehensive approach to reduce repeat offenses, emphasizing rehabilitation, societal reintegration, mental health support, and legal reforms.
Keywords: Life convicts, Prisoners, Recidivism, Former Prisoners Crimes, Life Imprisonment, Reforms, Legal Provisions.