Why in news
The Delhi government is reassessing the proposal to allow conjugal visits for prisoners in the city’s jails.
This comes after a pilot project in Punjab was suspended shortly after its launch due to security and operational concerns.
Delhi Chief Minister is seeking further inputs from the Law Department to evaluate the feasibility of such a project and its implementation in other states.
Conjugal Visits
It is a private family visit where inmates spend time, including intimate moments, with their legal spouses within the prison.
It promotes inmate rehabilitation and long-term recovery, enhancing psychological well-being and sustaining marital ties of prisoners.
Judicial Landmarks
Punjab & Haryana High Court in 2014 has upheld the right to procreation (reproduction) for prisoners.
Madras High Court in 2018 allowed parole for conjugal relations.
In July 2023, Justice S.M. Subramaniam of the Madras High Court urged the Tamil Nadu government to consider allowing conjugal relations for prisoners within prison precincts.
Comparison with Other Countries
Conjugal visits are allowed in some US states but not federal prisons.
In Europe, countries like Spain, France, Sweden, and Denmark permit such visits, with Spain offering monthly and Sweden up to 9 hour sessions.
In India, however, implementing conjugal visits is challenging due to overcrowded prisons, security issues, and lack of a clear legal framework to govern such visits.
Experts argue that a specific law and policy are required to regulate conjugal visits properly, ensuring the protection of all parties involved.
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