WCD wants bail for women undertrials

New Delhi, June 25: The Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) said on Monday it has proposed that bail be granted to women undertrials who have spent one-third of their maximum possible sentence in detention. In a report titled ‘Women in Prisons’, the ministry has listed 134 recommendations for improving the lives of women in prison, their mental health, legal aid and reintegration in society among others. According to the ministry, the report has been sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for issuing an advisory to the states to implement the recommendations.

The report recommends that a maximum timeframe be decided for the release of women prisoners after bail is granted. To make legal aid more effective, consultations must be conducted in confidentiality and without censorship. Considering the needs of women in their post-natal stages, the ministry has recommended a separate accommodation for mothers in post-natal stage to maintain hygiene and protect the infant from contagion, for at least a year after childbirth. (IANS)