India, Dec. 19 -- The benefits of the Union Home Ministry's scheme for support to poor prisoners will not be available to undertrial prisoners accused of heinous crimes such as acts of terrorism, dowry deaths, rape, human trafficking, or offences under the POCSO Act, according to revised guidelines.

Earlier, the benefits were not available to only those facing charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act, Prevention of Money Laundering Act, NDPS Act, and Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, among others.

"Persons involved in heinous crimes such as acts of terrorism, offences affecting national security, dowry deaths, rape, human trafficking, or offences under the POCSO Act may also not be extended the benefit of the scheme," the revise...