Centre Asks States to Use Tracking Devices on Prison Inmates Released on Parole

November 16, 2023

GS Paper II Indian Polity and Governance

Context:

The Union Home Ministry has suggested that States may use tracking devices on prison inmates when they are released on parole.

Tracking Devices on Prison Inmates Released on Parole

The suggestion is part of the Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act, 2023.
- Prisons are a State subject and bringing any new legislative instrument in this regard is in the jurisdiction of the State governments.
Prisoners may be granted prison leave on the condition of their willingness to wear electronic tracking devices for monitoring the movement and activities of such prisoners.

About Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act, 2023:

The Ministry of Home Affairs introduced ‘The Model Prisons Act, with the objective of holistically providing guidance and addressing the gaps in the existing Prisons Act.
The administration and management of prisons was regulated by two pre-Independence Acts namely, The Prisons Act 1894 and The Prisoners Act 1900.
Probation: It is an alternative to a prison. It is a suspension of the sentence of an offender by the court and releasing him on certain conditions to live in the community with or without the supervision of a probation officer.

Difference Between Parole And Furlough: Parole and furlough are two provisions that are covered under Section 432 of the Criminal Procedure Code 1973.

Parole:

A conditional release of a prisoner who has served part of the term for which he was sentenced to prison.
It is a temporary release granted on account of contingency and after the period of parole is over the convict has to report back to prison to undergo the remaining part of the sentence.

Furlough:

It is similar to parole, but with some significant differences. It is given in cases of long-term imprisonment.
The period of furlough granted to a prisoner is treated as remission of his sentence.
Unlike parole, furlough is seen as a matter of right for a prisoner, to be granted periodically irrespective of any reason, and merely to enable the prisoner to retain family and social ties, and to counter the ill effects of prolonged time spent in prison.

News Source: The Hindu