Today, On 23rd April, The Supreme Court expressed deep concern over the overcrowded and dismal conditions in prisons, highlighting the urgent need for reform. This call for action comes as a response to the longstanding issue of overcrowding in jails across the country. The court’s emphasis on urgent reform highlights the critical nature of addressing these challenges in the criminal justice system. This development signals a potential shift towards more humane and effective prison management policies.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court expressed worry about the inadequate state of prisons across the country and instructed chief secretaries to provide a sworn statement detailing a schedule for implementation. The directive issued by Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah after reviewing a report submitted by Senior Advocate Gaurav Aggarwal, who served as the Amicus Curiae.
According to their directive,
“Chief Secretaries are required to submit affidavits outlining the timelines for implementing corrective measures. District Magistrates and Police Superintendents, as per court orders, abstained from the discussion but are mandated to contribute for a comprehensive state government report.”
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Within a two-week period, the chief secretaries of Uttar Pradesh (UP), Bihar, and Chhattisgarh required to submit a sworn statement, outlining a specific timetable for the implementation of the recommendations put forth.
The bench mandated,
“Supplemental affidavits outlining action milestones must also be submitted by State governments and Union Territories (UTs).”
The upcoming court session is slated for May 14th.
Senior Advocate Gaurav Aggarwal‘s comprehensive report highlighted severe overcrowding problems in 16 state prisons, emphasizing particularly harsh conditions faced by women prisoners. These include insufficient medical resources, limited personal hygiene space, and privacy concerns. Aggarwal specifically critiqued Uttar Pradesh’s prisons for superficially increasing capacity without essential infrastructural upgrades.
Responding to the report, the bench remarked,
“It is imperative for Uttar Pradesh to reevaluate its circumstances. If the expansion of detention capacity is misleading, it not only deceives but also constitutes data manipulation.”
The Amicus Curiae requested the court to review the records of all 74 prisons in Uttar Pradesh, paying particular attention to planned capacity expansions.
The report emphasized overcrowding challenges in 59 prisons throughout Bihar, spanning Central, District, and Sub-Jails. It advised prioritizing directives for addressing overcrowding in Bihar’s prisons due to the significant impact on prisoners’ fundamental human rights.
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Additionally, the report outlined overcrowding issues in prisons located in Punjab and Chhattisgarh.
The bench noted this during the court’s consideration of a suo motu petition regarding “Inhuman Conditions in Prisons,” during which it reviewed reports from states and Union territories (UT) regarding jail numbers and the sanctioned versus actual prisoner capacity.
The Supreme Court’s concerns about overcrowded prison conditions present a compelling call to action for all stakeholders involved in the legislative, judicial, and correctional systems. By prioritizing reforms that address these issues, the government can improve justice delivery, enhance public safety, and fulfill its obligations to protect the rights and dignity of all individuals.
These suo motu proceedings instigated by the top court back in 2013.