Prison Labour

Prison labour involves the work performed by convicts during their period of incarceration. It is a critical component of the reformative theory of punishment.

  • Types of Labour:

    • Rigorous Imprisonment: The convict is legally bound to perform hard labour.

    • Simple Imprisonment: Work is optional or light.

  • Objectives:

    • Vocational Training: Providing skills (carpentry, weaving, baking) to help the prisoner earn a living post-release.

    • Discipline: Keeping the mind occupied to prevent the negative psychological effects of idleness.

    • Economic Contribution: Prisoners often earn wages, a portion of which may be sent to their families or given to them upon release as "savings."

  • Constitutional Safeguard: Under Article 23 of the Indian Constitution, forced labour is prohibited. Therefore, prisoners must be paid "fair wages" for their work. Forcing a prisoner to work without pay is considered "Begar" and is unconstitutional.

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