Alarming Figures, Immediate Intervention: Kolkata High Court
The amicus curiae told the court that they had personally observed a pregnant inmate and fifteen other prisoners living with their newborns inside a women’s correctional home during a recent visit. Due to this, the court decided to order the case to be transferred to a specialized criminal division so that it could be investigated further and possible reforms could be discussed.
Suggestions for Improvement: Preserving Women’s Dignity
A ban on male staff members entering female inmate enclosures was proposed by the amicus curiae as a solution to the problem of pregnancy in prisons. They also suggested that all convicted women undergo mandatory pregnancy tests prior to being admitted to prisons and that these tests be performed by police stations after an arrest. These steps are intended to protect female prisoners from sexual exploitation and to guarantee their welfare.
Monitoring at the District Level to Guarantee Transparency
The amicus curiae also suggested giving District Judges, who preside over Boards of Visitors, the authority to inspect prisons and determine the proportion of pregnant inmates. The jail system would become more accountable and transparent as a result of this district-level oversight.
Requests for Change: An Important Matter
Outrage and calls for immediate action have been sparked by the discovery that 196 babies were born in West Bengal prisons. Addressing this important issue and guaranteeing the protection of women’s rights and dignity within the state’s prison system is made possible by the court’s decision to transfer the case and consider possible reforms.