NHRC takes Suo Motu cognisance of poor conditions faced by prisoners, especially women and children

New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of the hardships faced by prisoners across India, with a particular focus on women inmates and their children.

Reports submitted by the Commission’s Special Monitors and Rapporteurs, following visits to various jails, have highlighted serious concerns including overcrowding, lack of basic amenities, and inadequate healthcare.

Key Concerns Identified:

• Violation of women prisoners’ rights to dignity and safety
• Rising incidents of violence leading to mental distress
• Unhygienic conditions, lack of toilets, sanitary napkins, clean drinking water
• Poor quality food causing malnourishment, especially in pregnant and lactating women
• Lack of education for children living in jails with their mothers
• Inadequate implementation of welfare measures like legal aid, vocational training, and rehabilitation

In response, the NHRC has issued notices to the Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories, seeking detailed reports within four weeks on the following:

1. Total number of women prisoners in jails.

2. Number of women inmates with children lodged with them.

3. Count of convicted and undertrial women prisoners.

4. Number of undertrial women prisoners in jail for over a year.

5. Number of male undertrial prisoners jailed for over a year.

The Commission aims to address these human rights violations and ensure improved conditions and justice for inmates nationwide.