New Delhi: Vice-President of the People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), Radha Kant Saxena, doesn't believe in outdated customs and laws that have harmed rather than helped society. As superintendent at Jodhpur prison in Rajasthan, he ushered in landmark reforms.
Changing the system, he accorded a level of dignity to prisoners — something that was unheard of a few decades ago. After winning the trust of inmates, he took another step and motivated them to study. Saxena provided them with access to books in prison through charitable organisations.
He utilised the services of educated prisoners to teach other inmates. And with his assistance, many prisoners went on to become teachers, businessmen and lawyers.
He also initiated efforts to stop the practice of putting handcuffs and heavy shackles on the feet of prisoners. Though he retired from his job 20 years ago, Saxena's fight for justice continues.
He speaks to Gulf News in an exclusive interview.
RADHA KANT SAXENA: Since I am an expert in the implementation of the Juvenile Justice Act, it was necessary that I provided input in this direction. I am engaged in orienting people who are implementing this Act. Hence, I am working with the Juvenile Justice Boards, Child Welfare Committees, the Special Juvenile Police Units and NGOs to usher in change.
Do you feel the situation regarding juvenile justice system is complex?
Yes, it is. And that's because of the number of agencies involved in the implementation of the Act relating to the delivery of justice to children. These agencies include the police, the judiciary, NGOs, the Social Welfare Department and the Department of Women & Child Welfare. The difficulties are due to a lack of coordination between all these agencies.
After transforming other people's lives, can you relate any particular case, where an inmate changed the perception of your life?
Not just an individual, but also the system changed my perception. Since I was earlier an educationist, after joining Jodhpur prison, I would tell people that after educating, I was re-educating people. People come into conflict with the law not because of themselves, but due to their circumstances. And once the judiciary passes a sentence on them, their part of having committed a crime ends, as they have already been punished. After that, they have to be sent back to society. But if they are sent back with the label of a criminal, then it is not good on our part.
Prison officers are supposed to instill a sense of responsibility in inmates. So, I tried to find time and would talk to them. I have always believed that not all crimes are intended or contemplated. It sometimes happens on the spur of the moment. Therefore, it is important to know the difference between an offender and a criminal. If criminality has not become a part of his personality, then a person can be reformed. There are some who have offended the established law, but it is not necessary that they will commit a crime again. So, their time should be utilised well in the prison.
What was the first lesson learnt when you became prison superintendent?
I was surprised the very first day, when all prisoners sat on their haunches with hands outstretched. I was told that as a practice they were made to do so. This was for my safety so that no prisoner would attack me. I could not imagine why a prisoner would attack me if I had not harmed him. And if someone did, it would be because I had faulted. Thereafter, I set out on a reforming mission.
How were you able to win the trust of hard core criminals who were not used to being dealt with in this fashion?
No one is absolutely depraved. Everyone has some spark somewhere and it just needs to be fanned. If you are cruel to them, they will be the same with you, but if you are polite, there is no reason why anyone would be offensive. Even the hardest criminal can sometimes be a source of inspiration to others. I do not recall any instance when some inmate was harsh with me.
Prison staff are infamous for taking bribes from criminals. Were you able to control this menace?
I know they are notorious for this. And yes, I did control it to a large extent. My modus operandi was to warn people not to give any chance to staff to find ways to extract money.
Can you pinpoint any case where a prisoner went on to create a name in society after completing his term?
In fact, there have been many. One is Kalu Ram Parihar, who is absolutely open about his past. He was convicted for murder at the age of 17. As he was a mechanic, I arranged to open a shop for him near the prison. After serving his prison term, in 1987, he opened a sweet shop. Today, Jodhpur Mishthan Bhandar in Udaipur is one of the most popular sweet shops and has a huge turnover.
Then there are many who became teachers in government schools. And a few of them became lawyers, including a person who is practising in the High Court now. He came to the prison on murder charges as a 13-year-old. I made preparations for his studies and arranged for him to attend college during the day. He would come back to prison and study. While in prison, he completed his post-graduation and got a law degree. After being released, he joined the Rajasthan Cooperative Department and after retiring from there became a lawyer.
Are you taking any steps to help people on remand languishing in prisons for several years?
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) assigned me the job, along with others, while I was still working with the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) on decongesting prisons and the sensitisation of child protection laws. My main aim for working towards trials to happen promptly is for the welfare of not just the person in prison but also their family. Many family's lives have been ruined due to the rot in the system.
Career graph
- Radha Kant Saxena was born on March 4, 1936 in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh.
- He graduated from Kishori Raman College, Mathura, 1953.
- Post-graduate qualification in philosophy, Maharaja's College, Jaipur, Rajasthan University, 1955.
- Worked as a lecturer in the Education Department in Rajasthan and Agra.
- Passed the Combined Competitive Examinations of Rajasthan Public Service Commission, 1963.
- Joined as Deputy Superintendent, Jodhpur Prison, 1963.
- Rose to the position of Inspector General of Prisons, 1978.
- Appointed as Director in the All India Committee on Jail Reforms, 1980-82.
GULF NEWS: Having already done a lot for prison inmates, your focus has now turned to juvenile homes.
