In a crucial development, the Supreme Court of India has taken cognizance of a pressing issue concerning the well-being of women prisoners in correctional homes in West Bengal. A bench comprising Justices Sanjay Kumar and Ahsanuddin Amanullah has agreed to examine the matter, signaling a commitment to addressing the challenges faced by incarcerated individuals, especially women.

The decision came in response to concerns raised by senior advocate Gaurav Agrawal, who has been appointed as amicus curiae to assist the court in a broader investigation related to overcrowding in jails. The specific concern at hand revolves around reports of women prisoners in West Bengal's correctional facilities getting pregnant, prompting the court to take a proactive stance.

A pivotal move in this direction occurred when the Calcutta High Court ordered the transfer of the matter to a criminal division bench. Amicus curiae Tapas Kumar Bhanja, appointed by the court in 2018 to address the issue of overcrowding in prisons, brought forth alarming information. According to Bhanja's note, some women prisoners in West Bengal were reportedly getting pregnant while in custody, leading to the presence of 196 babies in various correctional facilities across the state.

The High Court bench, presided over by Chief Justice T S Sivagnanam, acknowledged the gravity of the situation and deemed the issues raised by the amicus curiae as "serious." Bhanja's note not only highlighted the occurrence of pregnancies among women prisoners but also recommended potential solutions. One notable suggestion is the prohibition of entry for male employees of correctional homes into the enclosures of women prisoners, a measure aimed at safeguarding the welfare and privacy of female inmates.

The Supreme Court's decision to delve into this matter demonstrates its commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of individuals within the criminal justice system. By appointing Gaurav Agrawal to thoroughly examine the issue and submit a report, the court is taking a proactive step towards addressing the challenges faced by women prisoners in correctional facilities in West Bengal.