Model Prisons Act 2023
- May 29, 2023
- Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
- Category: DPN Topics
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Model Prisons Act 2023
Subject: Polity
Section: Judiciary
Context: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has prepared a Model Prisons Act, 2023, to replace the existing 130-year-old colonial law governing prisons. The Act is being introduced following the spate of killings and gang violence within prisons, such as the recent murder of Tillu Tajpuriya inside Tihar jail.
Concept:
- Along with the Prisons Act, 1894, the Prisoners Act, 1900, and the Transfer of Prisoners Act, 1950 have also been reviewed by the MHA, and their relevant provisions have been assimilated into the Model Prisons Act,2023.
- According to the provisions of the Constitution, ‘prisons’ and ‘persons detained therein’ fall under the State List. This means that the responsibility of prison management and administration is with the state government, which alone is competent to make appropriate legislative provisions in this regard.
How the new act differs from the existing laws?
New Provisions | Earlier laws |
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Is the new law binding on states?
- Owing to the critical role played by “efficient prison management” in the criminal justice system, the Centre finds it crucial to support the States and UTs in this regard. So, the ministry clarified that the 2023 Act “may serve as a guiding document for the states” so that they may benefit from its adoption in their jurisdictions.