INVESTIGATING SOCIO-STRUCTURAL AND LEGAL CHALLENGES FACED BY WOMEN PRISONER WITHIN CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM IN PUNJAB

Abstract

This study examined legal vulnerabilities, and socio-structural challenges in Punjab’s women prison system, addressing a critical gap in understanding how societal norms and systemic inefficiencies compound the marginalization of female prisoners. Researcher employed qualitative thematic analysis of in-depth interviews with incarcerated women, identifying recurring patterns across four key domains: societal stigma, family dynamics, legal procedures, and institutional barriers. The findings revealed pervasive moral judgments and character labeling, where women are disproportionately analyzed as “bad women,” overshadowing their legal contexts. Family rejection, driven by community pressure and notions of dishonor, exacerbates emotional isolation, while legal vulnerabilities manifest as limited awareness of rights, procedural exclusion, and dependence on often-unresponsive legal representation. Institutional neglect further compounds these challenges, with inadequate gender-sensitive facilities, communication gaps, and prolonged case delays intensifying distress. Moreover, policy gaps persist, as existing protections for prisoners’ rights remain inconsistently implemented. The study highlighted gendered double standards in the criminal justice system, where women face harsher societal and institutional penalties than their male counterparts. The findings underscored the urgent need for gender-sensitive legal reforms, improved institutional support, and policy interventions to mitigate stigma and procedural barriers.