Punished without a crime: How India is failing prisoners’ children

Sunil BaghelTIMESOFINDIA.COM
Feb 12, 2026 | 16:14 IST
Image: AI/Devyani Mohan

Despite a Supreme Court mandate to ensure dignity, care, and continuity of maternal bonds within confinement, a pan-India study finds that many children still live without even basic facilities

Across India’s vast judicial system, thousands of children live with the consequences of crimes they did not commit.

Known as children of incarcerated parents (CoIP), they are “invisible victims” of the country’s penal system. They lose parental care, face deep social stigma, and are frequently pushed into cycles of poverty and isolation.
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