REIMAGINING JUSTICE: A GENDER-RESPONSIVE ANALYSIS OF FEMALE PRISONERS' RIGHTS AND REHABILITATION IN INDIA

The lived reality of adult female convicts in India sits at the intersection of gender, law, social justice, and human rights. Many face systemic neglect, inadequate facilities, and social exclusion that often follows them after release, reflecting deep, long-standing socio-cultural inequalities. This research paper critically examines how the Indian prison system addresses, or fails to address, the distinct needs of its inmates. Drawing on legal analysis, human rights principles, and prison reform scholarship, this study focuses on three key areas: the recognition of gender-specific rights, the adequacy of rehabilitation, and the pathways for reintegration after release. Indias Constitution and international standards, including the UN Bangkok Rules, provide a robust normative framework; however, implementation across prisons remains uneven and inconsistent. Adult female convicts still encounter overcrowding, weak health services, custodial violence, and limited access to education and vocational training, all of which undermine rehabilitation and reintegration. This research paper argues for reform that moves beyond custodial control toward a rights-based, rehabilitative model that prioritises mental health, maternal care, literacy, and employability. Drawing on case studies, National Human Rights Commission reports, and judicial decisions, this report highlights the urgent need for gender-responsive change within India's correctional system and proposes a comprehensive framework that protects dignity, tackles structural inequities, and reframes imprisonment as a route to personal reform and social reintegration. Keywords, Adult female convicts, Human rights, Prison reform, Gender justice, India, Rehabilitation.