Punjab & Haryana High Court: First-Time Offenders in Minor Cases Should Get Probation, Not Jail

The Punjab & Haryana High Court has emphasised granting probation instead of jail time to first-time offenders convicted of minor offences to avoid the lifelong stigma of jail.

Citing the Probation of Offenders Act, 1958, the court directed judges to prioritise rehabilitation over punishment for non-heinous crimes, ensuring young or inexperienced offenders are not traumatised by prison exposure.

Considering that "no useful purpose would be served by detaining him in jail to serve out the remaining period of sentence," the Court released him on probation.

The Court aims to reform rather than punish, aligning with the principles of restorative justice and social reintegration. Their stay in jail in such circumstances might well attract them towards a life of crime instead of reforming them.

[Gora Singh v State of Punjab]