Description
Abstract
Background: The Indian prison system predominantly follows a punishment-oriented model, often neglecting the psychological well-being of incarcerated individuals. This raises profound ethical concerns regarding human dignity, emotional suffering, and the constitutional promise of justice.
Objective/Method: To present a moral and philosophical argument for integrating psychotherapy into prisons, framing it as a
fundamental human right and a constitutional obligation rather than an optional service. The paper employs a philosophical and ethical analysis, drawing on insights from thinkers such as Judith Butler and Martha Nussbaum. It critically examines the psychological impact of long-term incarceration and interrogates the limitations of a punitive-only approach to justice.
Findings: Findings underscore the depth of psychological suffering among prisoners and reveal the inadequacy of existing frameworks that treat mental health care as secondary. The concept of ‘Therapy Behind Bars’ emerges as a transformative model, reimagining prisons as institutions of healing and moral rehabilitation rather than mere confinement.
Implication: Psychotherapy in prisons must be recognized as both a constitutional and moral imperative. A national ethical awakening is needed to shift from punitive justice toward restorative, rehabilitative practices, with healing as the true measure of justice and democracy.
Keywords: compassionate justice, restorative justice, prison, psychotherapy, psychological healing, incarceration
