The philosophy of punishment in India has gradually moved from a predominantly deterrent and retributive orientation to reformative and restorative approaches, and this shift has significantly influenced the structure, functioning, and objectives of correctional institutions. Traditionally, punishment was understood as a means to deter crime through fear and to impose suffering proportionate to the offence committed. Prisons were designed primarily as custodial institutions focused on isolation, discipline, and control. However, with the growing recognition of human rights, constitutional values, and insights from criminology and social work, the emphasis has shifted toward rehabilitation, reintegration, and healing of relationships damaged by crime. The deterrent theory assumes that harsh punishment prevents future crimes by instilling fear in both the offender and society. In such a framework, correctional institutions function as secure enclosures where discipline and surveillance dominate. The role of prison staff is custodial rather than therapeutic, and little attention is paid to the individual circumstances, psychological needs, or social background of offenders. In India, this approach was inherited from the colonial penal system, where prisons were instruments of control rather than reform. Overcrowding, rigid discipline, and limited rehabilitative services reflected this orientation. The reformative theory, by contrast, views crime as a result of social, economic, psychological, and environmental factors. It considers the offender not merely as a wrongdoer to be punished but as an individual capable of change. This perspective aligns closely with the principles of social work, which emphasize dignity, worth of the individual, and the potential for growth. As reformative ideas gained prominence in India, particularly after independence, correctional institutions began to incorporate educational, vocational, and therapeutic programmes. The Model Prison Manual and various Supreme Court judgments have reinforced the idea that imprisonment should aim at reformation and social reintegration rather than mere retribution. One major influence of the reformative approach is the integration of correctional social work services within prisons. Social workers now conduct individual assessments, prepare social investigation reports, and develop individualized treatment plans. They provide counseling, facilitate family contact, and coordinate with community resources for post-release rehabilitation. Classification of prisoners based on age, gender, nature of offence, and vulnerability has become an important practice to ensure appropriate interventions. Special attention is given to juveniles, women, first-time offenders, and undertrials, reflecting a more humane orientation. The establishment of open prisons and semi-open institutions in several Indian states demonstrates the practical impact