Excerpts from the Indian Penal Code demonstrate that the court can neither take the liberty of awarding any punishment or sentence other than the ones prescribed, nor enhance the sentence. Individuals, however, differ and thus need different treatment and different durations of custody, assuming that treatment is possible and the criminal can be treated. Jail statistics show that most offenders (85 percent) are sentenced to imprisonment for less than 3 months. Major offenses like murder, rape, and kidnapping are negligible. This results in wasted human and financial resources. Recidivism figures increase every year, and offenders are not being reeducated. Proposed changes to the present system include the establishment of a close association between the judiciary and social scientists, the adoption of a probation system, and the creation of additional courts to facilitate the speedy disposal of cases. Tables are included.