Conjugal Visits in Prisons | 30 Dec 2024

Source: TH 

The Delhi Government is reconsidering a proposal to allow conjugal visits for prisoners. 

• Conjugal Visits: 
  • It is a private family visit where inmates spend time, including intimate moments, with their legal spouses within the prison. 
  • It promotes inmate rehabilitation and long-term recovery, enhancing psychological well-being and sustaining marital ties of prisoners. 
• Judicial Landmarks: 
  • Punjab & Haryana High Court in 2014 has upheld the right to procreation (reproduction) for prisoners. 
  • Madras High Court in 2018 allowed parole for conjugal relations. 
  • In July 2023, Justice S.M. Subramaniam of the Madras High Court urged the Tamil Nadu government to consider allowing conjugal relations for prisoners within prison precincts. 
• Other Countries: Conjugal visits are allowed in some US states but not federal prisons. 
  • In Europe, countries like Spain, France, Sweden, and Denmark permit such visits, with Spain offering monthly and Sweden up to 9 hour sessions. 

Read More: Open Prisons in India