Conjugal Visits for Inmates in Punjab

Government of Punjab has uphold the Right to Life and Personal Liberty of prisoner by allowing conjugal visits for inmates.

Conjugal Rights are the rights created by marriage, that is the right of the husband or the wife to the company of their spouse. In the context of prisons; however conjugal visits refer to the concept of allowing a prisoner spend some time in privacy with his spouse within the precincts of a jail. It usually take place in designated room or a structure provided for this purpose such as a small cabin.

It can have positive impacts in the form of psychological health benefits for prisoners, preservation of marital ties and, reduction in the rates of homosexuality and sexual aggression within prisons.

• It is also argued that conjugal visits are a fundamental rights of the spouses of the prisoners.
• Prisoner rights are internationally recognised thought United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights etc.
• Through such instruments, prisoners are guaranteed the right to life and inherent dignity.
• The right to maintain family relations including conjugal visits are included in these treaties.
• Most prison acts and Rules across the country accept the importance of maintenance of continuity in family and social relations.

• Australia : conjugal visits are permitted.
• Canada, all inmates in federal correction facilities, are permitted ‘private family visits’ of up to 72 hrs duration once every two months.
• Brazil, male prisoners are eligible to have conjugal visits for both homosexual and heterosexual relationships, while women’s conjugal visits are strictly regulated.
• France, Inmates are permitted conjugal visits.