From Surveillance to Reform: AI-Driven Behavioural Monitoring in Indian Prisons

This research paper explores the potential convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies with the behavioural analysis of inmates in prisons in India. It thus explores the potential role of AI in identifying the issues of mental health faced by the prisoners, which result in suicides. The primary focus of the study is on the lack of India’s legal framework regarding the use of AI in prisons and the constitutional rights of the prisoners, particularly in the light of the threefold test of legality, necessity, and proportionality, which was discussed in K.S. Puttaswamy (Retd.) v. Union of India judgment. It also dealt with the moral and ethical dimensions of the use of AI in behavioural analysis, and for that, theories of utilitarian and deontological were analysed. This paper, though, concludes with the understanding that use of the technology is the need of the hour and, in particular, use of AI can significantly help in preventing suicide cases among prisoners; however, its implementation in India will not be possible without a proper legal framework that preserves the dignity, mental privacy and other constitutional rights of the prisoners.