Supreme Court

SC Takes Cognizance Over Pregnant Women Prisoners in West Bengal Correctional Homes

The Supreme Court has taken cognizance of the matter concerning certain women prisoners held in correctional homes in West Bengal becoming pregnant.

A bench comprising Justices Sanjay Kumar and Ahsanuddin Amanullah agreed to investigate the issue and instructed senior advocate Gaurav Agrawal, who has been assisting the court as amicus curiae in a case related to jail overcrowding, to examine and submit a report on the issue.

Meanwhile, the Calcutta High Court on Thursday directed the transfer of a case to a criminal division bench.

The case pertains to claims made by the amicus curiae regarding pregnant women prisoners in West Bengal’s correctional homes, with 196 babies reportedly staying in various such facilities. Lawyer Tapas Kumar Bhanja, appointed as amicus curiae by the court in a 2018 suo motu motion on prison overcrowding, had submitted a note containing these concerns and suggestions before the division bench presided over by Chief Justice T S Sivagnanam.

Observing that the note highlighted “certain serious issues”, the high court bench noted that it mentioned instances of women prisoners getting pregnant while in custody.

According to the note by the amicus curiae, there are as many as 196 babies staying in different prisons across West Bengal. Bhanja has recommended prohibiting the entry of male employees of correctional homes into the enclosures of women prisoners.

Nunnem Gangte

Recent Posts

Supreme Court Says “Marriage Is Relationship Built On Mutual Trust, Companionship”

The Supreme Court has upheld a decision by the Madras High Court granting a divorce…

1 day ago

Delhi HC Grants Anticipatory Bail To Lawyer In Brother’s Criminal Case

The Delhi High Court has granted transit anticipatory bail to a lawyer whose brother is…

1 day ago

Justice Madan B Lokur Appointed As Chairperson of UN Internal Justice Council

Former Supreme Court Justice Madan B Lokur has been recently named the chairperson of the…

1 day ago

Karnataka High Court Directs NLSIU To Implement 0.5% Reservation For Transgender Persons

The Karnataka High Court has recently directed the National Law School of India University (NLSIU)…

2 days ago

Allahabad HC Directs UP Vigilance To Investigate Himalayan Cooperative Housing Land Issue

The Allahabad High Court has directed the Uttar Pradesh Vigilance Department to investigate the Himalayan…

2 days ago

Allahabad HC Grants Stay On Mohammed Zubair’s Arrest In Religious Enmity Case

The Allahabad High Court on Friday issued an order staying the arrest of Mohammed Zubair,…

2 days ago