The Model Prisons Act 2023 will replace British-era legislation

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has drafted the ‘Model Prisons Act 2023’ to replace the out-of-date Prisons Act of 1894.

The new act’s primary goal is to reform and rehabilitate offenders while also overhauling prison administration.
The Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D), a policing think tank, was entrusted with examining the legislation and drafting a new version.

The model statute includes measures for punishing convicts and jail officials who use prohibited objects in jails, such as cell phones.
It creates and operates high-security jails, open jails (both open and semi-open), and provisions to safeguard society from hardened criminals and habitual offenders.
The statute gives prisoners with legal aid and includes provisions for parole, furlough, and early release as rewards for good behaviour.

Laws that are out of date: Existing laws, such as the Prisons Act of 1894, the Prisoners Act of 1900, and the Transfer of Prisoners Act of 1950, are out of date and must be revised.
Better prison administration: The MHA identified various shortcomings in the current statute and emphasised the importance of a correctional focus in prison administration.
Prisoner rehabilitation: The present Prisons Act of 1894 lacks a focus on prisoner reform and rehabilitation.
The act also includes the use of technology in jail management and emphasises the physical and mental well-being of convicts.

The MHA has also evaluated the Prisons Act of 1894, the Prisoners Act of 1900, and the Transfer of Prisoners Act of 1950.
These acts’ relevant sections have been included into the Model Prisons Act 2023.
State and union territory governments are urged to adopt the model act in their jurisdictions, with necessary revisions and repeal of the existing three statutes.

Prisoner segregation: The act emphasises prisoner security assessment and isolation, personalised sentence planning, and grievance redressal.
Prison development board: It recommends the formation of a prison development board with the goal of promoting an attitude change towards convicts.
Gender segregation: The act provides for separate housing for women convicts, transgender people, and other particular groups.
It emphasises the use of technology in jail administration, such as video-conferencing with judges and scientific and technological initiatives.

Changing Views on Prisons: The declaration recognises that prisons are today viewed as reformative and correctional institutions around the world.
Prisons are no longer viewed only as places of retributive deterrence, but as facilities where offenders can be reformed and rehabilitated as law-abiding citizens.

Overpopulation and Understaffing: Addressing prison overpopulation by looking into alternatives to incarceration for nonviolent criminals, such as diversion programmes and community-based sentencing.
Legal Aid and Access to Justice: Ensuring that convicts have access to legal representation and legal aid in order to defend their rights and ensure fair trials. Raising inmates’ awareness of their legal rights and alternatives for remedy.
Prison Healthcare: Improving healthcare services within jails, such as mental health and substance addiction treatment programmes.
Women and Children in Prisons: Developing gender-responsive policies and separate housing for female convicts to ensure their safety, privacy, and access to reproductive health care.
Collaboration with community-based organisations, non-governmental organisations, and vocational training institutes to facilitate the reintegration of released inmates into society.
Technology and Digital Solutions: Using technology to improve jail administration, record keeping, and communication methods.

The Model Prisons Act of 2023 prioritises rehabilitation and recognises convicts’ ability to become law-abiding citizens.
The act lays the groundwork for a more equitable and rehabilitative criminal justice system.
It prioritises inmates’ well-being and tries to ensure their successful reintegration into society.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/home-ministry-prepares-model-prisons-act-2023-to-replace-british-era-law/article66843951.ece