Substance Abuse And Prisoners’ Voting Rights In India: A Study Of Correctional Facilities

Abstract

This empirical study examined the relationship between substance abuse and the voting rights of prisoners in Punjab, addressing a significant gap in the state’s legal and societal frameworks. Conducted across the Amritsar and Jalandhar districts, the research involved a sample of 200 prisoners, with structured questionnaires used to collect data on demographics, substance abuse, and awareness of voting rights. Statistical analyses, including Chi-square tests, revealed significant associations between substance abuse and prisoners' awareness of voting rights. The findings suggested that addressing substance abuse could improve prisoners' understanding and exercise of their voting rights. These insights had important implications for policy reforms aimed at enhancing rehabilitation and civic participation among incarcerated individuals in Punjab. The study contributed valuable empirical evidence to the ongoing discourse on substance abuse and prisoners' voting rights in India’s correctional system.