INVC NEWS
New Delhi : The Supreme Court has called for an investigation into cases of pregnant women in jails across West Bengal, India. Despite the absence of male prisoners, female inmates are reportedly becoming pregnant, prompting the judiciary to intervene.
Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Sanjay Kumar of the Supreme Court bench requested a report on the matter during Friday’s hearing. This directive came as a response to the alarming revelation of pregnancies among female prisoners in West Bengal’s correctional facilities.
Judicial Scrutiny on Pregnancies in Jail
The court has directed senior advocate Gaurav Agrawal, who serves as the amicus curiae in matters concerning prison conditions, to investigate and submit a report to the court regarding the issue of pregnancies among women detainees. This move follows a recent hearing presided over by Justices Hima Kohli and Amanullah, where the matter was brought to the forefront.
Increased Awareness of Pregnancies in Prisons
The Supreme Court’s decision to probe pregnancies in women’s prisons stems from the revelation that approximately 196 babies have been born in various jails across West Bengal. Emphasizing the gravity of the situation, the court has taken a proactive stance in addressing this emerging concern.
Call for Immediate Action
During Thursday’s hearing, advocate Emiccas Queerri presented two notes before the bench of Chief Justice Justice TS Thakur and Justice Supratim Bhattacharya of the Calcutta High Court. The first note highlighted the incredulity surrounding the revelation that female inmates are becoming pregnant while in custody. The subsequent note underscored the urgency of the situation, pointing out that babies are being born within the confines of correctional facilities.
Urgent Need for Reform
The current situation underscores the urgent need for reform within West Bengal’s correctional system. Previous pleas to the Chief Justice-led bench had urged for the immediate prohibition of male staff members from entering female wards in correctional facilities. However, with the recent revelation of pregnancies among female inmates, it is evident that more comprehensive measures are required to address this issue effectively.
Supreme Court’s decision to investigate
The Supreme Court’s decision to investigate pregnancies among female prisoners in West Bengal is a significant step towards ensuring the welfare and rights of incarcerated women. By addressing this issue head-on, the judiciary demonstrates its commitment to upholding justice and safeguarding the dignity of all individuals, even those within the confines of the criminal justice system.
