The A.N.
Mulla Committee is important for:
• Police Reforms
• Criminal Justice System
• Good Governance
• Law and Order Machinery in India
• Ethics & Accountability in Administration
🔹 Objectives of the Committee
1. To study the conditions of prisons and prisoners.
2. To recommend reforms for:
• Prison administration
• Treatment of prisoners
• Legal aid and rights of undertrials
3. To suggest ways for the rehabilitation and reintegration of prisoners into society.
🔹 Major Recommendations
1. Classification of Prisoners
• Prisoners should be classified scientifically (undertrials, convicts, political prisoners, juveniles, etc.) to avoid
unnecessary mixing.
2. Rights of Undertrials
• Strongly advocated for:
• Speedy trial
• Legal aid for the poor
• No unnecessary or prolonged detention of undertrials
3. Human Rights of Prisoners
• Recognized that prisoners do not lose their fundamental rights, except the right to liberty.
• Emphasized dignity, minimum standards of health, hygiene, and humane treatment.
4. Women Prisoners
• Special facilities for women prisoners including:
• Proper sanitary conditions
• Care for pregnant inmates and children
• Female staff for women inmates
5. Rehabilitation and Reformative Measures
• Introduced the idea of prisons as reform centers:
• Education
• Vocational training
• Counseling
• Cultural and spiritual programs
6. Prison Staff Training
• Suggested regular training and sensitization of prison officials in human rights and ethics.
7. Independent Prison Boards / Oversight
• Recommended creation of independent monitoring boards to visit jails and report on conditions.
8. Community Participation & Open Prisons
• Supported open prisons for reformed prisoners and more community involvement in rehabilitation.