Black Warrant by Sunil Gupta

Not at all boring. Black Warrant reads like a thriller. If you like to learn reality, there is a lot for you in this book.

I just completed reading the book "Black Warrant: Confessions of a Tihar Jailer" by Sunil Gupta and Sunetra Choudhury.

Sunil Gupta was a Jailor at Tihar Jail for 35 years. He has experienced death sentencing of 14 criminals. He has done a lot of work on reforming the Jail facilities & humanising the life of Jail inmates.

It's available on Amazon.

I LEARNT A LOT FROM THIS BOOK. SOME OF THE POINTS I THINK I LEARNT ARE:

1. The Inner Workings of Tihar Jail: The book provides a rare, first-hand account of the daily life, procedures, and power dynamics within one of India's most notorious prisons.

2. Overcrowding Issues: I learned about the severe overcrowding in Tihar Jail and how it impacts the fundamental rights and living conditions of inmates.

3. Corruption within the System: The book reveals the prevalence of corruption at various levels within the prison system, including how money can influence access to better facilities and treatment.

4. Treatment of Prisoners: I gained insights into how prisoners, including high-profile ones, are treated and the varying standards based on their connections and financial resources.

5. The Human Side of Prisoners: The book aims to humanize prisoners, portraying them as individuals beyond their crimes, and sharing anecdotes about their behavior and interactions.

6. Experiences with Death Row Inmates: Sunil Gupta, as a jailer who handled 14 black warrants, shares his experiences and observations about death row inmates, including their psychological state and the execution process.

7. The Process of Executions: I learned about the detailed procedures involved in carrying out a hanging, from the issuance of the black warrant to the final moments.

8. Flaws in the System: The book highlights potential procedural lapses and instances of injustice within the Indian judicial and prison systems.

9. Custody Deaths and Accountability: I learned about the rising rates of custody deaths and the lack of accountability within the prison system. One of the Nirbhaya accused was allowed to be killed by other inmates as a way of social justice.

10. The Role of Money and Influence: The book gives many examples on how wealth and political connections can significantly impact an inmate's experience within Tihar Jail.

11. Rehabilitation vs. Punishment: Sunil Gupta, believes in rehabilitation and sees prisoners as humans deserving of humane treatment.

12. Specific Cases: The book discusses several controversial cases, including those of Charles Sobhraj, the Nirbhaya rapists, Afzal Guru, Manu Sharma, Subrata Roy, and others, offering a different perspective on these individuals.

13. The Impact on Jail Staff: I gained insight into the challenges and personal impact of working within the prison system on the jail staff.

14. The Nexus Between Crime and Politics: The book touches upon the connections between criminals, bureaucrats, and politicians within the prison environment.

15. Efforts Towards Prison Reform: The book indirectly points to the need for reforms within the Indian prison system to address issues like overcrowding, corruption, and mental health neglect.

16. The Concept of "Gundas' Rule": I learned about the influence and control that certain inmates (often referred to as "gundas") can exert within the prison.

17. The Initial Encounter with Charles Sobhraj: The book recounts how Charles Sobhraj played a role in Sunil Gupta securing his job at Tihar Jail! An inmate helps a Jailor to get a job!