In a sentence of solitary confinement, when the period of imprisonment is less than three months, such confinement shall in no case exceed __________.

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

UP Police SI (दरोगा) Official PYP (Held On: 22 Nov 2021 Shift 3)

Answer 1

The correct answer is 'Fourteen days at a time'

Key Points

Solitary confinement and legal provisions:
- Solitary confinement is a form of imprisonment where the prisoner is isolated from any human contact, except for essential staff interactions.
- In the context of Indian law, its application is strictly regulated to prevent excessive or inhumane punishment.
- The Indian Penal Code (IPC) has provisions to ensure that solitary confinement is used judiciously and within specified limits.
Limitations for sentences less than three months:
- According to Section 73 of the Indian Penal Code, when the total imprisonment period is less than three months, the solitary confinement period cannot exceed 14 days at a time.
- Furthermore, there must be intervals of at least the same duration (14 days) between two successive periods of solitary confinement to ensure the prisoner’s mental and physical well-being.
- This regulation reflects a balance between punishment and humane treatment of prisoners.

Additional Information

Explanation of other options:
- Three days at a time: This is incorrect as the law explicitly allows a maximum of 14 days at a time for solitary confinement, with intervals in between.
- Seven days at a time: While this might seem reasonable, it is also incorrect because the legal provision specifies 14 days as the upper limit.
- One month at a time: This is incorrect for sentences less than three months, as one month exceeds the permissible limit of 14 days for solitary confinement in such cases.
Purpose of solitary confinement regulations:
- The intention behind these regulations is to ensure that solitary confinement is not used excessively or in a manner that could harm the prisoner’s mental or physical health.
- Prison reform advocates consider these restrictions essential to uphold the dignity and rights of individuals, even when they are incarcerated.