ICSSR Seminar on Motherhood and Child Well-Being of Imprisoned Women in Delhi Jails

A Critical Look at a Hidden Crisis

The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), in collaboration with the Faculty of Law, University of Delhi and Saraswati Institute of Law, Palwal, is hosting a one-day national seminar that promises to shine a spotlight on a long-overlooked dimension of India’s prison system: the intersection of motherhood, incarceration, and child well-being. Scheduled for September 9, 2026, in hybrid mode at the Faculty of Law’s Umang Bhawan, the event is part of an ongoing research project titled “A Study of Motherhood and Child Well-being of Imprisoned Women in Delhi Jails.”

The seminar aims to move beyond abstract debates on prisoners’ rights and focus on real-world, often invisible suffering. Children of incarcerated mothers—whether living inside prison walls or struggling outside—are non-offenders who nonetheless bear the heavy consequences of their mothers’ imprisonment. These children face challenges to their health, emotional security, identity, dignity, and social development. Yet, existing legal and institutional frameworks largely fail to address their unique vulnerabilities.

Objectives Rooted in Dignity and Care

The organizing committee has set out six core objectives for the seminar: to analyze how incarceration impacts motherhood and family structures; to examine the rights and developmental hurdles faced by children of imprisoned women; to critically evaluate current laws and policies; to identify implementation gaps in prison rules and welfare schemes; to spark interdisciplinary dialogue across law, social science, public health, and policy; and to propose evidence-based, duties-oriented reforms grounded in constitutional values.

Key Themes Shaping the Discourse

Under the overarching theme “Justice Behind Bars in Indian Prison System: Protecting Women Preserving Childhood,” the seminar will explore sixteen sub-themes ranging from reproductive rights and constitutional protection to mental health, conjugal rights, transgender prisoners, and reintegration after release. Sessions will also cover medical negligence, digital rights, and the role of the judiciary in safeguarding prisoners’ rights.

Who Should Attend?

The call for papers is open to academicians, researchers, policymakers, industry professionals, and students. There is no registration fee, though NCR participants must attend offline; others may join via hybrid mode. Submission guidelines require an abstract of 300–500 words, with full papers of 5,000–8,000 words (excluding footnotes) due by September 5. Plagiarism must not exceed 9%, and AI-assisted content must comply with academic integrity standards.

Key Details at a Glance

  • Abstract Submission Deadline: September 1, 2026
  • Full Paper Submission: September 5, 2026
  • Seminar Date: September 9, 2026
  • Accommodation: Limited on prior request (at participant’s cost); no TA/DA provided.

The seminar is being led by Project Investigator Dr. Kavita (Assistant Professor, Faculty of Law, Delhi University) and Co-Project Investigator Dr. Monika (Professor of Law, Saraswati Institute of Law). The Patron-in-Chief is Prof. (Dr.) Anju Vali Tikoo, Dean & Head of the Faculty of Law.

A Step Toward Humane Reform

By fostering dialogue among scholars, legal practitioners, and policymakers, the seminar seeks to “shift the discourse from mere incarceration to justice grounded in dignity, care, and constitutional values.” For too long, the voices of imprisoned mothers and their children have been muted. This gathering promises to amplify those voices and push the needle toward a more equitable and compassionate prison system.