Correctional Policies and Administration in India

Abstract

India has an extensive network of probation services and jails and claims to pursue
penal objectives of reformation and rehabilitation. Although there are numerous
instances of ‘best practices’, these services are surrounded by anomalies. This could
be traced mainly to the absence of a cohesive correctional policy. Although the country has had a chain of jail inquiry committees, their recommendations have seldom been endorsed. Despite India being a signatory to several UN conventions, rarely have such international commitments led to any policy pronouncements. Further, the laws governing corrections are obsolete. It is therefore imperative that a cohesive correctional policy with due legislative authority be formulated.