Centre Mandates Inclusive Prison Visitation Rights for LGBTQ+ Community

The Centre has directed state governments to ensure that the LGBTQ+ community in prisons can meet individuals of their choice without discrimination. The Union home ministry emphasized the need for equality in prison visitation rights, referencing the 'Model Prison Manual, 2016' and the 'Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act, 2023'.

The Centre has urged state governments to guarantee that queer community members in jails can meet a person of their choice without facing discrimination, as part of their prison visitation rights.

In a communication to all state governments, the Union home ministry emphasized its continuous efforts to share contemporary guidelines and best practices for efficient prison administration and management.

The ministry noted that LGBTQ+ individuals often experience discrimination and violence due to their gender identity or sexual orientation. To combat this, the home ministry has developed the 'Model Prison Manual, 2016' and the 'Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act, 2023', which should be implemented by all state governments and Union territories to ensure equal treatment.

These provisions stipulate that LGBTQ+ prisoners should have the same access to meet family, friends, and legal advisers without discrimination or judgment.

According to the Model Prison Manual, 2016, inmates are entitled to reasonable facilities to communicate with family, relatives, friends, and legal advisers for various purposes, including preparing appeals, procuring bail, and managing personal affairs. The Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act, 2023, reiterates these rights, ensuring that all prisoners, including those from the queer community, can have interviews with their chosen individuals.

(With inputs from agencies.)