Mental Health of Prisoners: Evaluating Legal Safeguards in India
- NLR Journal
- Mar 16
- 1 min read
By Anushree Malviya, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University, Lucknow.
Abstract
Mental health issues within correctional facilities are a crucial yet frequently overlooked aspect of the justice system. Through this paper, the author examines the theoretical framework surrounding mental health in prisons, focusing on the psychological effects caused by issues during incarceration, such as overcrowding, violence, and isolation. The study reviews important legal safeguards surrounding mental health of prisoners, including the Prisons Act, 1894, the Constitution of India, the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, the Model Prison Manuals, and important judicial pronouncements like Sunil Batra v. Delhi Administration, and Re: Inhumane Conditions Prevailing in 1382 Prisons in India. In spite of these protective measures, the situation in Indian prisons is grim, characterized by inadequate psychiatric services, untrained personnel, and pervasive neglect. The research underscores the pressing need for legislative changes, improved facilities, staff education, and partnerships with agencies to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues and treat mental illnesses. The author contends that future direction involves transforming prisons from punitive environments into rehabilitative centers that prioritize mental health, promoting both individual recovery and reintegration into society.
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