New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India has directed all states and Union Territories to submit comprehensive, updated data regarding prison conditions by May 18, 2026. In an order, a Bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta emphasized the need for real-time statistics to address the “inhuman conditions” resulting from chronic overcrowding. The court has specifically requested a jail-wise breakdown of sanctioned capacity versus the actual number of inmates as of March 1, 2026.
This judicial intervention follows observations by amicus curiae Gaurav Agrawal, who pointed out that much of the data currently on record is outdated, pertaining largely to 2023. The Bench has now mandated that Home Secretaries of all states file sworn affidavits detailing not only occupancy percentages but also concrete steps proposed to alleviate congestion. Furthermore, the court is seeking a detailed status report on the sanctioned strength of prison staff and the current number of vacancies, along with the administrative measures being taken to fill them.
A significant focus of the order is the welfare of women prisoners and the children residing with them. States must now furnish particulars on the number of dedicated women’s prisons in their jurisdictions and the specific facilities available. This includes providing exhaustive details on the medical and educational support systems in place for children of inmates, ensuring their overall development is not compromised by their environment.
The Registry has been instructed to forward these affidavits to the amicus curiae to prepare a comprehensive note for the next hearing, scheduled for May 26, 2026. This move is seen as a critical step toward systemic prison reform, aiming to transform jails from overcrowded holding centres into facilities that respect basic human rights and provide adequate rehabilitative care.
