Reformative Prison In India: A Socio-Legal Study

P. Lalremruati, Research Scholar, University School of Law & Research, University of Science & Technology, Meghalaya

ABSTRACT

There is no society that is not confronted with the problems of criminality. So the institution of prison is indispensable for every country. The institution of prison may serve as to deter the offender or may be used as a method of retribution or it may also serve as an institution for changing the lives of the offenders as a better citizen. It is true that criminal is not born, but is made up by social and environmental factors. If we look at jail in our country there are many people from lower socio-economic classes languishing in jail. There living condition outside, prior to their staying in jail is also pathetic. Representing the tail end of the criminal justice system but on the whole it plays the most important role and almost the whole trust on bringing reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration of the prisoners lies with it. No doubt the administration of criminal justice is State subject and the subject of Prison is covered by Entry 4 of List II of the 7th Scheduled of the Constitution, the management and administration falls exclusively within the domain of the State. This article tries to attempt the need for developing the Indian prison system with a view to achieve reformation, rehabilitation and integration of the prisoners.

Keywords: Prison, criminal justice system, reformation, rehabilitation, reintegration, prisoners.