Calcutta HC addresses PIL alleging pregnancies among women inmates in jail

• Calcutta HC receives PIL revealing pregnancies among women inmates in jail; 196 babies born in custody
• PIL seeks prohibition of male correctional home staff in areas housing women prisoners for enhanced safety
• Chief Justice deems the issue serious, orders transfer of the matter to the bench specializing in criminal matters

Calcutta HC received a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on Thursday, shedding light on the reported pregnancies of women inmates while in custody. The court has been informed that female prisoners are getting pregnant during their incarceration. The PIL, presented before Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam and Justice Supratim Bhattacharya, urges the prohibition of male employees of correctional homes from working in areas where women prisoners are housed.

The bench acknowledged the gravity of the issue, and during the proceedings, it was revealed that at least 196 babies have been born to women in prisons. The Chief Justice deemed the matter serious and subsequently ordered its transfer to the bench handling criminal matters.

The PIL seeks to address the safety concerns of women incarcerated in jails and proposes a complete prohibition on the employment of male correctional home staff in areas housing women prisoners. The amicus informed the court about the births of 196 babies within the prison system, emphasizing the need for urgent intervention.

Acknowledging the severity of the situation, Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam issued an order transferring the matter, along with other prison reform PILs, to the bench specialized in criminal matters. The court's attention to this pressing issue reflects a commitment to addressing the reported pregnancies among women inmates and ensuring their safety in correctional facilities.