Question

Which report specifically addresses the conditions of women prisoners in India?

• A. National Human Rights Commission Report, 2002
• B. Justice Krishna Iyer Report, 1987
• C. Mulla Committee Report, 1983
• D. Committee on Women in Detention, 2005

Hint:

Differentiate between the Mulla Committee Report (1983) and the Krishna Iyer Report (1987). Mulla Committee was for general jail reforms, while the Krishna Iyer Committee was specifically for women prisoners.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to identify a key report that specifically focused on the issues and conditions faced by women prisoners in the Indian prison system.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's analyze the given options:

(A) National Human Rights Commission Report, 2002: The NHRC publishes numerous reports on various human rights issues, including prison conditions, but this is not a specific, landmark report solely on women prisoners.
(B) Justice Krishna Iyer Report, 1987: The Government of India constituted a National Expert Committee on Women Prisoners in 1986 under the chairmanship of Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer. The committee submitted its comprehensive report in 1987, which is a foundational document on the subject. It made over 400 recommendations covering all aspects of the custody and care of women offenders.
(C) Mulla Committee Report, 1983: The All-India Committee on Jail Reforms, headed by Justice A.N. Mulla, submitted its report in 1983. While it was a monumental work on overall prison reforms in India, its primary focus was not exclusively on women prisoners.
(D) Committee on Women in Detention, 2005: While various committees may have been formed, the 1987 Krishna Iyer report remains the most significant and widely cited official report specifically on women prisoners.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The Justice Krishna Iyer Report of 1987 is the landmark report that specifically and comprehensively addresses the conditions of women prisoners in India.