Maharashtra's Bold Prison Reform: A Step into 2025

The Maharashtra government introduced a bill in the legislative assembly seeking to reform prisons and correctional services by replacing outdated British era laws. The Maharashtra Prisons and Correctional Services Act, 2025, aims to rehabilitate prisoners, establish modern correctional services, and ensure non-discriminatory practices.

The Maharashtra government has unveiled an ambitious bill aimed at overhauling the state's prison system by replacing antiquated British-era laws with a more contemporary framework. The Maharashtra Prisons and Correctional Services Act, 2025, was presented on Saturday to revamp rehabilitation and reintegration approaches for inmates.

In a significant shift, the legislation proposes a classification system for prisons, establishing various categories including central, district, and women's prisons, as well as innovative facilities like open prisons and colonies. A dedicated Prisons Force headed by a Director General aims to modernize correctional services to meet today's reform-oriented practices.

The bill's provisions emphasize non-discriminatory treatment of prisoners, expand support for women and transgender inmates, and introduce Undertrial Review Committees to expedite case reviews and ensure appropriate treatment and rehabilitation services. It seeks to cater to the special needs of diverse prisoner categories, ensuring equality and adequate healthcare.

(With inputs from agencies.)