Karnataka women's panel raises alarm over foreign inmates' prolonged detention

Nagalakshmi Chowdhary, chairperson of the Karnataka State Commission for Women, has raised concerns over the prolonged detention of foreign women inmates at Parappana Agrahara prison, highlighting systemic delays in the release process.

According to Chowdhary, a significant portion of foreign nationals languish in the facility due to inability to meet surety requirements and other procedural hurdles that prevent their timely discharge. The delays have drawn scrutiny from rights advocates who argue that extended incarceration affects vulnerable populations disproportionately.

The state government has provisions under which it can extend financial assistance of up to ₹40,000 towards surety amounts for eligible inmates, a measure designed to facilitate the release of those unable to arrange bail independently. However, awareness and implementation of this scheme remain inadequate, officials indicated.

Chowdhary's intervention underscores ongoing challenges within the criminal justice system regarding the treatment of foreign detainees. The commission has called for better coordination between prison authorities and government agencies to expedite release procedures and ensure eligible inmates can avail themselves of available financial support mechanisms.