Delhi HC: Why are women-prisoners denied benefits?
Asking why the benefits of semi-open and open prisons aren't extended to women prisoners and the reason behind this discrimination, Delhi HC sought responses from Delhi's Government, Lieutenant-Governor Anil Baijal, and Director General of Prisons. The court was acting on a plea filed by former Tihar Jail legal-advisor, advocate Sunil Gupta, which seeks setting up of special prisons for women in Delhi. Read more!
The HC bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Harishankar questioned: "Why are you denying this (special benefits) to women prisoners? This is very bad. What you are doing is a stereotypical approach. People should have option, why should you discriminate?"
Sunil Gupta also sought quashing of the guidelines approved by Delhi L-G and other steps taken to exclude women from open/semi-open prisons. Such jails allow prisoners to work outside the prison premises to earn a livelihood and return in the evening. Prison authorities across India are adopting the concept that was introduced to assimilate convicts with society and also reduce their psychological pressure.
