Question

The Repatriation of Prisoners Act, 2003 came into force with the aim:

• A. to provide for transfer of foreign national prisoners from India to their respective countries and vice-versa
• B. to reintegrate the 'lost to follow up' prisoners with their respective families
• C. to ensure male prisoners discharge their paternal duties with regard to their children
• D. to facilitate rehabilitation and reintegration of prisoners convicted for life-term

Hint:

The word “Repatriation” always relates to returning someone back to their own country.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept:

• Repatriation refers to the process of returning a person to their own country.
• International law and human rights suggest that prisoners should serve their sentences in an environment where they can communicate in their own language and be close to their families.

Step 1: Identify the legal purpose of the Act
The Repatriation of Prisoners Act, 2003 was enacted by the Indian Parliament to facilitate the transfer of convicted prisoners. It allows foreign prisoners in India to be transferred to their home countries to serve the remainder of their sentence. Similarly, it allows Indian prisoners convicted abroad to be brought back to India.

Step 2: Analyze the humanitarian aspect
The primary logic is that rehabilitation is more effective when the prisoner is in their native cultural and linguistic environment. It reduces the social and psychological isolation faced by foreign inmates.

Step 3: Evaluate other options
Options (B), (C), and (D) are general prison reform or welfare goals but are not the specific legislative intent behind the "Repatriation" Act. Repatriation specifically implies crossing national borders.

Step 4: Conclusion
Option (A) accurately defines the scope and aim of the Repatriation of Prisoners Act.