Parliament Passes Bill to Strengthen Jail Surveillance and Introduce Open Prisons

The lower house of Parliament has passed a new bill that seeks to tighten surveillance within Indian jails. The legislation proposes the introduction of more robust monitoring mechanisms to improve security and oversight inside correctional facilities.

In addition to stricter surveillance, the bill provides for the creation of open prisons, a model intended for low‑risk inmates to serve sentences in less restrictive environments while still under state supervision.

Lawmakers said the dual approach aims to curb prison‑related violence, enhance inmate management, and promote rehabilitation, marking a significant shift in the country's correctional policy framework.