Criminal Reform: Satyajit Boolell Calls for Rethinking Incarceration and Reintegration

In his August 2025 newsletter, Satyajit Boolell, the chair of the National Human Rights Commission, advocates for a profound shift in our approach to criminal justice.

He emphasizes three alarming facts: prisoners are increasingly younger, the majority serve short sentences ranging from four to six months, and over 70% reoffend after their release. According to him, a cultural change is urgently needed in how offenders are treated, both for their rehabilitation and their reintegration into society.

The former Director of Public Prosecutions highlights a glaring disconnect between the courts, which impose sentences, and the prisons that house offenders. Short sentences lead to a high rate of recidivism, which he argues necessitates rethinking penalties and exploring alternatives, especially for youth.

Satyajit Boolell proposes two major changes. First, reform the court structure by introducing assessors from civil society to enhance magistrates' understanding in district courts. Second, encourage magistrates to spend more time in chambers, where they can receive reports from probation officers and community police, who are often well-informed about the offenders' family and community contexts.

He also laments that the connection between the court and the offender fades after sentencing. For him, ongoing monitoring would allow judges to assess the effectiveness of penalties and motivate offenders to reintegrate, knowing that a magistrate is tracking their progress.

"We must replace the revolving door with a bridge: a bridge that leads from delinquency to reform, and from incarceration to contribution," concludes Satyajit Boolell.