In a significant move toward prison reform and addressing the chronic issue of overcrowding in state penitentiaries, the Jharkhand High Court on Monday directed the State Government to establish a specialized committee for setting up Open Correctional Institutions (OCIs).
The division bench, comprising Chief Justice M S Sonak and Justice Rajesh Shankar, mandated the State Home Secretary to constitute a three-member panel tasked with examining the feasibility and logistics of expanding open prisons across Jharkhand.
This judicial intervention follows a landmark directive from the Supreme Court issued in March 2024. The apex court had ordered all States and Union Territories to expand the network of OCIs, viewing them as a vital alternative to traditional “closed” prisons.
The primary catalyst for this shift is the alarming rate of overcrowding in existing jails, which has hindered the reformative process for inmates. Open prisons are designed to allow prisoners with good conduct to live under less supervision, encouraging rehabilitation and eventual reintegration into society.
Beyond the physical infrastructure, the court underscored the necessity of improving the living conditions for the incarcerated. Aligning with the Supreme Court’s guidelines, the bench emphasized the implementation of uniform minimum standards for inmates, ensuring access to essential healthcare facilities and basic human rights within the correctional system.
The newly formed committee is expected to study these requirements comprehensively and furnish a detailed report to the court.
The High Court has scheduled the next hearing for June 11 to review the progress made by the committee and the state home department.
