Page 1 of 18
Journal for Studies in Management and Planning
Available at http://edupediapublications.org/journals/index.php/JSMaP/
e-ISSN: 2395-0463
Volume 01 Issue 11
December 2015
Available online: http://edupediapublications.org/journals/index.php/JSMaP/ P a g e | 521
The Prison Administration
Dr. Sujata Rana
Introduction
Prisonisation symbolizes a system of
punishment and also a sort of institution
placement of under trials and suspects
during the period of trial. Since there cannot
be a society without crime and criminal, the
institution of prison is indispensable for
every country
The attitude of society towards prisoners
may vary according to the object of
punishment and social reaction to crime in a
given community. If the prisons are meant
for retribution or deterrence, the condition
inside them shall be punitive in nature
inflicting greater pain and suffering and
imposing severe restrictions on inmates.
The History of prison in India and elsewhere
clearly reflects the change in society’s
reaction to crime from time to time. The
system of imprisonment represents a curious
combination of different objective of
punishment. Thus prison may be used as a
method of retribution or vengeance by
making the life of the offender miserable
and difficult.
The origin of prison is inter-linked with the
system of imprisonment which originated in
the first quarter of 19th century. Initially,
prisons were used as detention houses for
under-trials. Persons who were guilty of
some political Offence or war crime or who
failed to pay their debts or fines were lodged
in prison cells with a view to extracting
confession from them or securing the
payments of debts or fines subsequently ,
with the march of time and advancement of
knowledge and civilization the conditions of
prisons also improved considerably.
Since the present day penology centers
round imprisonment as a measure of
rehabilitation of offenders, the prisons are
no longer mere detention houses for the
offenders but they seek to reform inmates
for their future life.
The modern techniques of punishment lay
greater emphasis on reformation, correction
and rehabilitation of criminals.
The modern ‘prison system in India’ is
essentially based on the British prison model
which in itself is am outcome of prison
developments in America. During the late
18th century it will therefore, be proper to
trace the evolution of prison system in
America, British, and Russia etc. Before
dealing with the prison developments in
India
Prisons in India:
A well organized system of prisons is
known to have existed in India form the
earliest times. It is on record that braharpati
laid stress on imprisonment of convicts in
closed prisons. Manu was against this
system
Page 2 of 18
Journal for Studies in Management and Planning
Available at http://edupediapublications.org/journals/index.php/JSMaP/
e-ISSN: 2395-0463
Volume 01 Issue 11
December 2015
Available online: http://edupediapublications.org/journals/index.php/JSMaP/ P a g e | 522
Kautilya in his arthashastra has stated that
rulers in ancient India made frequent use of
fortresses to lodge their prisoners
In ancient India greater emphasis was laid
on the spiritual aspect of human life and
therefore the prisons were so modelled as to
provide sufficient opportunity for penance
and remonstrance .It was a common practice
to keep the prisoners in solitary confinement
so as to afford them an opportunity of self
introspection.
The object of punishment during the Hindu
and Mughal period in India was to deter
offenders from repeating crime. They
recognized modes of Punishment.
During the Mughal rule in India the
condition of prisons awe fully draconic. The
prisoners were ill-treated tortured and
subjected to most common in human
treatment.
They were kept under strict surveillance and
control. Thus the prison were places of
terror and torture and prisons authorities
were expected to be tough and rigorous in
implementing sentences.
Enquiry Committee:
The British colonial rule in India marked the
beginning of penal reforms in this country.
The British prison authorities made
strenuous efforts to improve the condition of
Indian prisons and prisoners. They
introduced radical changed in the existing
prison system keeping in view the
sentiments of the indigenous people.
The First prison enquiry commit
appointed by the government in
India in 1836 recommended for the
abolition of the practice of prisoners
working on the road. Adequate steps
were also taken to eradicate
corruption among the prison staff.
An official called the Inspector- general of prisons was appointed for
the first time in 1855. His main
function was to maintain discipline
among the prisoners and the prison
authorities with this appointment the
jailor and other petty officials of
prisons could no longer abuse their
power and authority
The second Jail Enquiry Committee
in 1862 expressed concern for the
insanitary condition of Indian
prisons. Which resulted into death of
several prisoners due to illness and
disease it emphasized the need for
proper food and clothing for the
prisoners and medical treatment of
ailing prisoners.
So, certain recommendations were also
made by the third jail enquiry committee in
1877 followed by further suggestion in 1889
and 1892.As the result of these committees
“The prison act, 1894’ was enacted to bring
about uniformity in the working of prisons
in India and in 1866 the medical facilities
are also get improved in prisons
Page 3 of 18
Journal for Studies in Management and Planning
Available at http://edupediapublications.org/journals/index.php/JSMaP/
e-ISSN: 2395-0463
Volume 01 Issue 11
December 2015
Available online: http://edupediapublications.org/journals/index.php/JSMaP/ P a g e | 523
In 1907 onwards vigorous efforts were made
to improve the condition juvenile and young
offender.
Indian jail Reforms 1919-20
In Indian jail reforms committee 1919-20
which was appointed to suggest measures
for prisons reforms was headed by Sir
Alexander cardew.
The committee visited prisons in Burma,
Japan, Philippine, Honkong and Britain
besides the Indian jail and to the conclusion
that prisons should not only have deterring
influence but they should have a reforming
effect on inmates.
The committee underlined the point.
Need of the reformative approach to
prison inmates.
Discouraged the use of corporal
punishment in jails.
Utilize the prison inmates in
productive work.
Emphasized the need for aftercare
program for the released prisoners
for their rehabilitation.
The maximum in take capacity of
every jail should be fixed.
Taking a lead in this direction a
movement against retention of
solitary confinement as a method of
punishment.
In 1949 Pakwasa committee accepted the
system of utilizing prisoners as labor for
road work.
Through this they provided the
wages to them.
“Good time laws” introduced
according to which the prisoner who
behaved very well should be
rewarded by the reduction in the
period of their sentence.
The government of India invited
Dr.W.C.Rekless a technical expert of the
United Nations on crime prevention and
treatment of offenders to make
recommendation of prison in 1951.
From him following guidelines regarding
reformation and rehabilitation of prisoners
were anonymously accepted.
The correctional services should
form an integral part of the Home
department of each state and a
central bureau of correctional
services should be establishes at the
centre.
The reformative methods of
probation and parole should be used
to lessen the burden on prisons.
State after care units should be set up
in each state.
Solitary confinement as a mode of
punishment should be abolished.
Classification of prisoners for the
purpose of this treatment was
necessary.
The state jail manuals should be
revised periodically.
A model jail was established at Lukhnow in
1949. Where the prisoners were made to
