Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Jun 20: The Goa High Court has initiated steps towards establishing open correctional institutions in the state as part of prison reforms, issuing a series of directions to create a framework for the operation of open prisons.

The directions were issued while hearing a suo moto writ petition initiated to ensure compliance with a Supreme Court judgment on correctional reforms.

The court noted that data collected by the Goa State Legal Services Authority highlighted the Sanganar Open Correctional Institution in Rajasthan as a successful model, having operated effectively for several decades.

To understand the functioning of open prisons, the High Court has directed the Goa Home Department to provide financial support and arrange a study tour for a seven-member expert committee to visit the Sanganar facility.

The court also suggested that the committee could visit similar open correctional institutions in Buxar in Bihar and Yerawada in Pune to study their models and practices.

During the hearing, the bench pointed out a major legal gap in Goa’s prison framework, noting that the Goa Prison Rules, 2021 currently do not contain provisions or guidelines for establishing and managing open correctional facilities.

To address the issue, the High Court appointed a separate six-member legal committee to draft necessary amendments and formulate rules for modifying the existing prison laws.

The move is aimed at creating a structured system for open prisons in Goa, focusing on rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates while strengthening the state’s correctional system.