we are obligated to Reintegrate Women Prisoners Into Society, says CJI NV Ramana

By: WE Staff | Thursday, 16 September 2021

Women in jail confront greater prejudices, stigma, and discrimination, making their rehabilitation a difficult task, Chief Justice of India NV Ramana remarked on Wednesday, noting the condition of women in prison.

"As a welfare state, we are obligated to provide women prisoners with programs and services that enable them to effectively reintegrate into the society, on an equal basis with men," the Chief Justice added.

The remarks were made during the Chief Justice's keynote speech during NALSA's 32nd Central Authority Meeting (National Legal Services Authority). He was particularly pleased to see the report on the rehabilitation of female inmates, which was on the agenda for discussion.

The Chief Justice went on to say that women convicts should have "non-discriminatory access to education and vocational training, dignified and remunerated work".

Justice UU Lalit, Executive Chairman of NALSA, co-chaired the meeting. Justice Lalit brought up the issue of jail overcrowding and emphasised the importance of taking quick action in this regard. He also mentioned that schools are closed because to pandemic limitations, and children in juvenile homes, observational homes, and children's homes are in an inconceivable position, where only one video monitor is not enough to provide basic education to children of various age groups.

Justice Lalit further emphasised the importance of utilising the ability and services of law students to bridge the gap and reach out to the grassroots level of society by adopting three or four talukas in each district across the country.