INVESTIGATING WOMEN PRISONERS’ EXPERIENCES WITH LEGAL PROCEDURES IN PUNJAB’S CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM

Abstract

This study examines the systemic neglect faced by women prisoners in Punjab’s criminal justice system, focusing on how societal attitudes and institutional barriers shape their experiences. Researcher conducted qualitative thematic analysis of in-depth interviews with imprisoned women, revealing pervasive moral judgment and social exclusion rooted in entrenched gender norms. Participants reported being labeled as “immoral” or “bad” regardless of their crimes’ contexts, with family rejection emerging as a recurring sub-theme due to community shame. Moreover, gendered double standards were evident, as male offenders faced comparatively less severe social consequences. Legal challenges, such as poor procedural comprehension and reliance on lawyers, further compounded their vulnerabilities, while structural inadequacies including insufficient gender-sensitive facilities and mental health support exacerbated their hardships. Policy gaps were also identified, with existing protections often unimplemented, leaving women disproportionately affected by systemic biases. The findings underscore the intersection of gender and criminal justice, highlighting how women prisoners endure compounded stigma and neglect. This research contributes to the discourse on penal reform by advocating for gender-sensitive policies that address both sociocultural prejudices and institutional shortcomings. The study’s significance lies in its empirical focus on lived experiences, offering actionable insights for policymakers to mitigate systemic inequities in Punjab’s criminal justice system.