Archive · 7 Aug 2025
States Yet to Adopt New Prison Act; Focus on Caste Discrimination
Imagine the rules for how prisons work are like a set of instructions.
The government made a new set of instructions, called the Model Prisons Act, to make prisons better.
But, no state has started using it yet.
However, many places have adopted an older set of instructions from 2016.
The new instructions are supposed to fix problems in the old ones.
Recently, the rules were changed to stop people from being treated differently based on their caste.
This happened because the highest court said the old rules allowed for unfair treatment in jails.
No state has adopted the Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act, 2023.
21 states and all union territories have adopted the Model Prison Manual, 2016.
The 2023 Act addresses gaps in the Prisons Act, 1894.
Recent amendments prohibit discrimination and segregation based on caste.
Supreme Court struck down previous rules promoting caste discrimination in jails.
- Who
- The Union Home Ministry, states, and union territories.
- What
- Information about the adoption of prison reform acts and manuals by states.
- When
- The Union Home Ministry announced on Wednesday; recent changes to prison manual rules.
- Where
- In the Rajya Sabha; across Indian states and union territories.
- Why
- To bring uniformity to prisons and correct discriminatory practices.
Advocates for Reform
Status Quo Supporters
Caste-Based Discrimination
Advocates for Reform
Caste discrimination is unacceptable in prisons.
Status Quo Supporters
Some prison officials might resist changes to existing practices.
- Model Prisons Act, 2023 Adoption
- None confirmed
- Model Prison Manual, 2016 Adoption
- 21 states and all union territories
- Prisons Act, 1894
- Addressed by the 2023 Act
- Recent Amendments
- Prohibit caste-based discrimination
- Supreme Court Ruling
- Struck down rules promoting caste discrimination