Insights of Government Correctional Home, Bangalore

The Central Prison in Parappana Agrahara, Bangalore, stands out as an institution that plays a prominent role in the rehabilitation and reform of its inmates. Our visit on 29th February 2024 afforded a very deep insight into the functioning of this place, which is an impeccable balance between security, education, and vocational training to help persons in getting a positive readmission to society. There are approximately 400 members who constitute its staff. Here, inmates include under trial prisoners, convict prisoners, civil prisoners, and women prisoners. Our exploration of the Central Prison in Parappana Agrahara shed light not only on the operational intricacies but also on the complexities surrounding incarceration and the efforts towards inmate welfare and societal reintegration.

FACILITIES INSIDE THE PRISON:

Central Prison Parappana Agrahara boasts the imposing presence on 50 acres of land. Facilities on these lands cater toward providing inmates with all sorts of needs and vocational training. Prisons also have their respective fully operational kitchens which supply the necessary diet of inmates at the respective prisons. One such prison also contains its baking unit within the confines; it prepares bread, biscuits and other baked items for people. There is a tailoring unit where inmates are trained on stitching and sewing. The prison also has a printing unit where inmates are engaged in printing of various material. Materials like records and books are printed for storing information about convicts, thus maintaining records and managing the prison population effectively. Besides, paper currency of rupees 2, 5, and 10 are printed to be used inside the prison. This enables a smooth transaction and everyday affairs. The unit serves two purposes: it provides employment for the inmates and caters to the administrative requirements of the jail. Sewing machines are available to the inmates, totaling 18. These machines are used for fine quality convict clothes, which will be used inside the prison. The prison library has huge collections of books and other reading materials that cater for various interests and educational needs, ranging from literature classics and educational textbooks to religious texts, self-help books, to fiction and non-fiction work. These books do not only promote literacy among the inmates but also enhance their intellectual development and personal growth. The prison library is operated by a very highly qualified convict who is in his last year of imprisonment. Such a man is dedicated enough to ensure that inmates have an orderly collection of diverse books to read. His role not only upgrades the educational environment in prison but also shows the possibility of positive contributions from inmates nearing their end. Besides the library, the prison has also a music school where inmates are taught and practice music. The school is well-furnished with instruments like guitars, violins, and tabla's, giving inmates a rich variety of musical experiences. During our visit, the inmates showcased their musical talents by singing a song. This was proof that music positively impacts the rehabilitation journey. The soap production unit is another significant facility within the prison. Inmates are engaged in soap production, which is used within the prison and not sold outside. These units do not only provide hygiene products for the inmates but offer them a chance to acquire a worthwhile skill.

• Central Prison, Parappana Agrahara accommodates a total of 5300 prisoners and are paid for their activities. The prisoner is paid an amount between a minimum of 524 rupees and maximum of 764 rupees on a monthly basis. They can make a maximum amount of 100 rupees per day. The prisoners can either spend this money on commodities such as the bakery on paper token money or they can send it back home using the prison authority.

• Money can also be used by the prisoners to pay fines meted along with the imprisonment terms.

DAILY ROUTINE AND MEALS:

There is an organized daily routine in prisons for the inmates. The day usually begins early, and there may be wake-up calls and the morning routines. Breakfast is provided from 8 am in a healthy meal prepared in prison kitchens. After breakfast, different activities are conducted among prisoners, including work assignments and vocational training. Lunch is distributed at 11 am, thereby enabling the prisoners to take in midday meals that would suffice for the rest of the day. After lunch, prisoners can either carry out scheduled activities or classes and can be released to spend some time recreating themselves. Regular meals are of extreme importance along with a balanced diet, in order to keep the prisoners healthy. Dinner is given from 4 to 5 pm, which closes all the activities of the day. After dinner, there can be some free time to be in bed. The strict schedule maintains order and discipline among prisoners.

COMMUNICATION &ENTERTAINMENT:

The Prison realizes the need to keep in touch with the outside world and offering entertainment avenues to the inmates.

Inmates are allowed 60 minutes of call facility per month, with a maximum of 10 minutes per day. They can call up to three registered numbers, which are recorded for security purposes. This way, inmates are allowed to stay in touch with their family and friends, though to a limited extent. Besides that, inmates are allowed television, newspapers, and radio as forms of entertainment. Televisions are installed in public places, and inmates can access different channels. Newspapers are issued daily, and inmates are updated on current affairs. Radio sets are also available, offering music and other programs for relaxation and recreation to inmates. These communication and entertainment facilities are very important for the mental well-being of inmates. They help inmates feel connected to the outside world and alleviate feelings of isolation and boredom often felt in a prison environment.

MEDICAL CARE & SURVEILLANCE:

The Prison places a great deal of emphasis on the health and wellbeing of its inmates.

There is a hospital facility within the prison, which gives inmates medical care in case of emergencies. Minor issues like fever and cold are treated within the hospital itself, so inmates receive their health needs on time. To further prevent suicides, all inmates are under surveillance. Any attempt at self-harm or suicide is identified immediately, and the prisoner is given emergency medical care. This proactive approach to inmate mental health care helps keep the inmates safe and sound. Counseling services and support for those prisoners who may be experiencing some form of mental health issues are also offered by the prison. Professional counselors are available to help inmates cope with the challenges of prison life and address any psychological issues they may be facing. In the Central Prison, "VIP Treatment" simply means that certain inmates, such as elderly or infirm individuals, may receive special consideration in the form of a chair or bed. Apart from these basic accommodations, there are no other special privileges or treatments provided to any inmates. This is to ensure equality and fairness in the prison, as all prisoners are dealt with based on the same standards. In case of death due to old age within the prison, Central Prison follows a procedure that will help in transparency and proper procedure. A magistrate inquiry is held to find out the cause of death. The body is then submitted to a postmortem examination, and after that procedure is done, the body is returned to the family members for the cremation process. These measures are undertaken to ensure the dignity of the deceased and closure for the family members. Overall, the Central Prison seeks to provide universal medical care and monitoring services for inmates to ensure their healthy and safe stay. In doing so, it should maintain a safe and secure condition in prison and promote the rehabilitative and well-being of all inmates.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS:

The Prison plays an important role in facilitating legal proceedings for all inmates.

It carries a sufficient number of trials in one day on both physical and video conferencing trials. In that, inmates have a full channel to the justice system that can give them ample chance of participating in their respective cases at hand. Disciplinary actions toward any form of fighting or commotion done by inmates inside the premises. Special treatment is provided to the prisoners belonging to NIA and bomb cases. Such prisoners are not mingled with the commoners. They get a direct trial or video-conferencing trials. This also avoids transportation to and from court physically. Such punishments in prisons include solitary confinement or removal of privileges given to inmates in such incidents. The prison also ensures that inmates are present in court on judgment days. Court proceedings usually take place between 9 am and 11 am, and inmates are escorted by police officers to and from the court to ensure their safety and compliance with legal requirements. These measures prove that the prison has been concerned with maintaining the legal rights of inmates and making sure that they receive a fair and efficient legal process and that these measures are indispensable for the maintenance of order and discipline within the prison and ensuring safety to inmates and staff. Providing the necessary facilities and arrangements, the Prison plays a very vital role in supporting the judicial system and ensuring justice to all.

EDUCATIONAL&SPIRITUAL FACILITIES:

The Prison considers education and spiritual development important in rehabilitation.

Inmates are offered opportunities for education such as distance education for M. Com, M.A., etc. These courses equip the inmates with knowledge and skills that benefit them when they leave prison. Nevertheless, professional courses like MBBS and LLB cannot be offered because these require hands-on training and experience to be acquired. The prison also offers spiritual education. Such teachings help the inmates with comfort and guidance in serving their time. The educational and spiritual institutions here help to offer the inmates an opportunity to develop themselves. Through the opportunities provided, the prison aids inmates in adopting a good perspective on life and readies them for successful reintegration back into society.

PRISON FOR WOMEN:

• The Prison has a totally different facility for women prisoners, where it shows that they care especially for their special needs.

• There are 167 inmates in the female prison wing, which is detached from that of the males.

Even as the two prisons are separated and distinct, they are offered basic facilities which include the library, maternity hospitals, and video conferencing for court appearance. One of the most remarkable features of the treatment accorded to women convicts is the avoidance of harsh and severe punishment. Instead, rehabilitation and reintegration into society form the focus. Opportunities for vocational training and education are provided for women convicts on par with their male counterparts. For women with children less than 5 years of age, provision is allowed for the child to be with the mother. This provides an ideal scenario for the child's welfare and offers an opportunity for mother-to-child bonding during those vital years of growth. At the age of 5 years, though, another form of care is provided to take up the task of rearing the child in a way that all the child's needs are met. The separate and specialized facilities for women prisoners, along with the compassionate approach towards rehabilitation, reflect a commitment towards gender-sensitive and humane practices in the correctional system. These efforts are crucial in meeting the specific needs and challenges faced by women in prison toward successful reintegration.

SECURITY MEASURES AND PRISON RULES:

• The Prison ensures the safety of inmates and staff by implementing proper security measures.

• The custodial and care police wear a yellow and black badge, while investigation wears a red and blue badge to differentiate the roles and responsibilities within the prison complex.

• The prison rules state that there should be 13 prisoners accommodated together, though owing to overcrowding often, 15-16 convicts/under trials end up staying in the same premises.

This overcrowding puts difficulties for the prison administration when they try to maintain their order and the inmates' well-being. To handle overcrowding-related security risks, the prison has taken a number of measures such as regular patrols by prison staff, surveillance cameras in strategic places, and strict visitation rules. The prison also makes regular inspections of inmate quarters to ensure that inmates comply with the rules and regulations in place. Despite these challenges, the Prison remains committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all inmates and staff.

PAROLE AND REMISSION:

Mercy Petition: Convicts under capital punishment can submit a mercy petition to the executive head of the state and the nation under Article 72 and 161 of the Constitution.

Life Convicts Committee/Parole Committee: These committees recommend parole for prisoners according to their conduct. There is no remission for prisoners convicted under the POCSO Act 2012 and for convicts under Section 376 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973.

Heinous Criminals: For heinous criminals, there will be no parole, and they will be kept apart. No one is allowed to meet them.

Parole Conditions: Convicts are given six days of parole after serving a severe punishment of one month, but for the first six months of conviction, there will be no parole.

Parole Procedure: During parole, the witness of sureties is submitted, and the police will escort the convict during the parole period.

CONCLUSION:

Our visit to the Central Prison in Parappana Agrahara was not just an educational experience but also a deeply insightful one.

Witnessing the dedication of the prison staff towards the welfare and rehabilitation of the inmates was truly inspiring.

The range of facilities offered within the prison reflects a genuine commitment to the betterment of the inmates and their eventual reintegration into society.

The prison's emphasis on education, vocational training, and mental health support underscores its progressive approach towards inmate rehabilitation.

The soap-making unit, the music school, and all the educative opportunities offered are not a way of doing time but as a means of personal development and growth. Security measures in this prison, despite overcrowding, are evidence of the efforts by prison authorities to maintain a secure and safe environment for everyone behind the walls. The experience was deeply valuable in providing further knowledge to law students in respect to correction and correctional processes from Vivekananda College of Law, Bangalore, reinforcing and solidifying beliefs towards the restoration and provision of chances through second opportunities, an area much emphasized towards our learning during our stay in Penitentiary for our training visit. We would like to extend our most sincere thanks to the prison officials for their hospitality and giving us this precious experience. We hope that our visit has, in some way or another, contributed towards raising people's awareness about the challenges the correctional facilities are facing and the necessity of supporting efforts towards inmate rehabilitation.

Acknowledgment: We gratefully thank the principal, lecturers, and management of Vivekananda College of Law for this wonderful opportunity to visit the prison. We appreciate support and encouragement in enriching our educational experience.

Observations: Our visit to the prison also brought to us a lesson that the rights of an accused person should always be taken into consideration. We observed that due process was followed, and there was no violation of fundamental rights under Article 14, 15, 16 of the Constitution Part III and Directive Principles of State Policy under Part IV in due course of our visit to prison.

The prison authorities are making sure that the dignity and rights of every prisoner are not violated, and there is no violation of rights under Article 21 of the Constitution which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty.

By,

Nandhini IXth Semester

B. Com LL. B Student.

[On behalf of the then VIIth Semester LL. B students (2020-2025)]

Vivekananda College of Law, Bangalore.