Abstract

This research paper examines the critical issue of prison reform in India, focusing on the pervasive practice of caste-based segregation within the prison system. Despite constitutional guarantees of equality and dignity, the Indian penal system continues to reflect societal hierarchies that disproportionately affect marginalized communities. This study highlights how caste-based discrimination in prisons violates the basic fundamental rights of inmates, exacerbating their suffering and hindering rehabilitation efforts. Drawing on legal frameworks, empirical evidence, and case studies, the paper analyzes the psychological and social implications of segregation on inmates’ dignity and mental health. The discussion emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to address systemic injustices that perpetuate caste-based segregation. It advocates for the implementation of policies that promote equality, inclusion, and rehabilitation, ensuring that prisons become places of correction rather than further oppression. By exploring international best practices and the potential for restorative justice models, the paper outlines pathways for reform that uphold the dignity of all individuals, regardless of caste. Ultimately, this research paper aims to contribute to the broader discourse on human rights within the Indian criminal justice system, urging policymakers, legal practitioners, and civil society to recognize and dismantle the structures that enable caste discrimination in prisons. The findings underscore that meaningful prison reform must address the root causes of inequality and prioritize the dignity and rights of all inmates to create a just and humane penal system.

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