ADMINISTRATION OF PRISON INMATES ARRESTED BY THE CENTRAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES – A CRITICAL STUDY

AUTHOR – N. GOWTHAMAN, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR (CRIME AND TORT), GOVERNMENT LAW COLLEGE, CHENGALPET

BEST CITATION – N. GOWTHAMAN, ADMINISTRATION OF PRISON INMATES ARRESTED BY THE CENTRAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES – A CRITICAL STUDY, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 4 (2) OF 2024, PG. 579-591, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

Abstract

Prison administration is a crucial component of the criminal justice system in India, requiring regular updates to align with evolving social ideals and institutional needs. The prison system has shifted from a punitive to a reformative approach, aiming for the reintegration of prisoners into society. Governed by the century-old ‘Prisoners Act, 1894’, prison administration includes various types of institutions such as central jails, district jails, and sub-jails, and classifies inmates into criminal and civil categories. Despite numerous reforms recommended by prison committees and law commissions, new forms of offenses affecting the country’s economic, social, and internal security continue to pose challenges. Central legislation has been enacted to address issues like drug abuse, socio-economic crimes, terrorism, and corruption, with central law enforcement agencies registering numerous cases in recent years. This study examines whether the British colonial-era legislation meets contemporary societal needs and how recent central laws align with or complicate existing prison regulations.

Keywords: Prison, Central Law Enforcement, Prison inmates, Transportation