Abstract

Solitary confinement, usually referred to as segregation or isolation, is a type of punishment in which a prisoner spends most of the time alone in a cell for weeks, months, or even years. This confinement occurs from 22 to 24 hours each day. Because of the detrimental consequences it has on prisoners' physical and mental health, this type of punishment has drawn a lot of criticism. It is a common kind of punishment in jails all around the world. Prisoners who represent a threat to other inmates, the staff, or themselves are isolated using this method. It is occasionally also applied to prisoners with a large public profile or those who have testified against other detainees. The use of solitary confinement as a form of punishment in the criminal court system is examined in this article. The Indian legal system regulates the usage of solitary confinement is the main topic of this essay. It also looks at the worldwide norms and recommendations made by various nations about the application of this practice. The study addresses the legal issues that several nations, including the United States and Canada, have encountered with their usage of solitary confinement. The essay also discusses alternatives to solitary confinement, including counselling, rehabilitation, and restorative justice initiatives. It makes the argument that these options can deal with the core reasons why disciplinary procedures are necessary while avoiding any potential drawbacks of solitary confinement. The article presents a thorough examination of the moral and legal concerns related to the usage of solitary confinement in the criminal justice system.

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