Published Paper Details:

The institution of prison is an indispensable part of any society, but its sole purpose should not be just to punish offenders. The concept of open prisons is gaining traction as a reformative approach to eliminate criminals from society and reintegrate them into mainstream life. In India, there are 27 open prisons, which operate on three different categories. The first category includes open farms where inmates do farming and agricultural work assigned to them and live in open areas with other eligible inmates. The second category includes open farms where inmates do farming and agricultural work assigned to them and live in an open farm area with their families and the families of other eligible inmates. The third category includes open camps where inmates work their own trades and occupations and build their own houses where they live with their families. The aim of this dissertation is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the history and future of open prisons in India. The research will cover the advantages and limitations of India's open prisons, the current state of open prisons in India, the legal framework governing open prisons, and the impact of open prisons on the inmates and the society at large. The study will employ a mixed-method approach, including both qualitative and quantitative research methods. The qualitative methods will involve conducting in-depth interviews with inmates, prison officials, and experts in the field. The quantitative methods will include analyzing data on the number of inmates in open prisons, their demographics, and the crimes they committed. The findings of this study will be useful for policymakers, prison officials, and academics interested in understanding the potential of open prisons as a reformative approach to crime and punishment. The study will contribute to the existing literature on the topic and provide insights into the challenges and opportunities of open prisons in India. Overall, this dissertation aims to shed light on the potential of open prisons to transform the prison system in India and provide an alternative approach to punishment and rehabilitation.