INVC NEWS
Kolkata : Amidst a recent legal intervention by the Supreme Court concerning allegations of pregnancy among female inmates in West Bengal’s prisons, startling revelations have come to light. During the proceedings, the apex court was informed that over the past four years, a staggering 62 babies were born within the confines of West Bengal’s correctional facilities, with a majority of these births attributed to female inmates.
Legal Oversight and Advocacy
In response to the dire situation of inhumane conditions prevailing within the prisons, senior advocate Gaurav Agrawal has been diligently assisting the court as an amicus curiae. Agrawal, in his capacity as a legal friend of the court, has been instrumental in shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the birth of these children to female inmates while under police custody in West Bengal.
Alarming Trends
According to Agrawal’s submissions to the court, it appears that a significant number of female inmates were already pregnant at the time of their incarceration in the prisons. Shockingly, in some instances, female prisoners were granted parole and returned to the correctional facilities after giving birth, indicating a systemic issue in the prison administration’s handling of maternal healthcare and post-natal care.
Advocating for Change
In an effort to address the prevalent inhumane conditions and advocate for the rights of female prisoners, Agrawal has filed a petition related to a specific case highlighting the alleged inhuman conditions prevailing within the prisons. He has engaged in discussions with prison officials from Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi to understand their approach towards ensuring the safety and well-being of female inmates.
Gender-Specific Corrections
The petition further underscores the need for gender-sensitive corrections facilities, citing examples such as Tihar Jail in Delhi, where separate facilities are provided exclusively for female inmates, with only female staff permitted entry. This segregation aims to provide a safer environment and ensure that female prisoners’ needs are adequately met without compromising their dignity or safety.
Legal proceedings unfold
As the legal proceedings unfold, the revelations regarding the birth of 62 babies in West Bengal’s prisons shed light on the pressing need for comprehensive reforms within the correctional system. With advocacy efforts led by individuals like Gaurav Agrawal, there is hope for systemic changes that prioritize the rights and well-being of all inmates, particularly vulnerable populations such as pregnant women within correctional facilities.
