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Source– This post “GPS Anklets on prison inmates” is based on the article ”Centre asks States to use tracking devices on prison inmates released on parole” published in “The Hindu” on 13 November 2023.
Why in the News?
The Union Home Ministry issued a circular to all states suggesting them to use GPS tracking devices on prison inmates, especially on hardened criminals when they are released on parole.
What is GPS based Electronic monitoring technology?
| What is it? | It is a small wearable device like the GPS collars (like the ones, used to monitor the movements of animals). |
| Purpose | This device provides the exact location of the wearer at all times, and allows law enforcement and security agencies to monitor his/ her movement in real time. |
| Features | 1. This device is tamper-proof, and any attempt at tampering with it sets off an alarm. 2. It can not be removed by the wearer or any unauthorised person without damaging it. 3. The tracker can be put on the ankle or arm of a person. |
| Significance | 1. Prisoners may be granted prison leave on the condition of their willingness to wear electronic tracking devices. 2. Any violation by the prisoner will attract cancellation of prison leave, in addition to disqualification from any prison leave being granted in future. |
What is the operational status of this device in India?
Recently, for the first time in India, a prisoner in Jammu and Kashmir was released on bail after he was tagged with a Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking device to monitor his movements.
What is the operational status of GPS tracker in different countries?
GPS trackers are a precondition for bail in several countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Malaysia
What are its ethical and fundamental challenges?
Lack of standards and regulations – Absence of specific legal provisions and lack of standard operating procedure in electronic monitoring poses a serious legal and ethical challenge according to many human rights activists.
Fundamental Rights issue– Tracking a human being is a violation of their fundamental right to privacy. The Supreme Court in ‘Maneka Gandhi vs Union of India’ (1978) ruled that the right to life includes the right to human dignity.
UPSC Syllabus- Polity and Nation
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