Study data came from official records and from interviews with the inmates. Muslims and Christians were disproportionately represented in comparison to Hindus. The inmates were also likely to be from urban areas and between 18 and 22 years of age. Almost 37 percent were illiterate, but more than 22 percent had completed higher school. More than 81 percent had attended government schools rather than private schools. Although more than 83 percent were employed, most had unskilled or semiskilled jobs. For 54 percent, only 1 to 2 family members were literate. All but one inmate had been convicted of property offenses. Fifty-four percent of the inmates were serving sentences of 3 to 4 years. Seventy percent had no previous convictions. Three inmates had three or more previous convictions. The laws and penal sanctions thus appear to function only for the indigent and overlook lawbreakers from the affluent class. This discrimination and differential treatment needs to end. Tables and 11 references.