1. The Probation of Offenders Act, 1958.

2. (Salient Features); and

3. Parole.

1. PROBATION Meaning:-The term 'Probation' is derived from the Latin word Probate' or Probo', which means "to test or to prove" or "I prove". When a person convicted of an offence, as a special case by virtue of age or other reason is not sent to prison but is kept under the supervision/observation for the purpose of correcting him as a good citizen, he is said to have been kept on probation. The official, who supervises is called Probation Officer'.

The Probation Officer is appointed by the State Government or recognised by the State Government if the society prefers any social worker. The Probation Officer is under the control of a District Magistrate. The period of supervision is called 'Probation Period'.

Eg.:- When a child or young person is convicted for commission of a crime, he is not sent to prison (in execution of the sentence) but is kept under probation under the supervision of a Probation Officer. Therefore, 'Probation' means "the conditional suspension of a sentence by the Court, in selected cases, especially of young offenders, who are not sent to prisons but are released on probation, on agreeing to abide by certain conditions". Earlier, probation was designed only for child offenders (juvenile delinquents). Now, it can be extended to a delinquent of any age (Generally upto 21 years).

Definition:- Probation may be defined as "a method of dealing with specially selected offenders and consists of conditional suspension of punishment while the offender is placed under personal supervision and is given individualised treatment". Morrison Committee defined 'probation' as "the submission of an offender while at liberty to a specified period of supervision by a social case worker, who is an officer of the Court".