Women Prisoners In India: A Critical Analysis Of Gender-Specific Needs And Prison Reform Policies
- IJLLR Journal
- May 14
- 1 min read
Urvashi Sehrawat, Amity University, Noida.
ABSTRACT
This study examines the gender-specific needs of women prisoners in India and critically analyzes existing prison reform policies addressing these requirements. Despite constitutional guarantees and international human rights commitments, women prisoners continue to face systemic challenges such as inadequate healthcare, limited childcare facilities, lack of gender- sensitive infrastructure, and insufficient rehabilitation opportunities. Using a doctrinal research methodology, the paper evaluates the legal framework governing women’s incarceration, including the Prisons Act 1894, constitutional protections, and the Model Prison Manual 2016. The research identifies a significant gap between policy provisions and actual implementation within prison institutions. As a result, the fundamental rights and dignity of incarcerated women are frequently compromised. The study concludes that comprehensive prison reforms incorporating gender- responsive infrastructure, healthcare services, and rehabilitation programs are essential to ensure humane treatment and reintegration of women prisoners into society.
Keywords: Women Prisoners, Prison Reform, Gender Justice, Human Rights, Criminal Justice.
