https://www.punekarnews.in/maharashtras-jails-operating-at-149-capacity-major-overcrowding-crisis/
Mumbai, 12th May 2025: Maharashtra’s 60 ...jails are operating at an alarming 149% of their approved capacity, with an average inmate population of 40,634 over the last three years, while the sanctioned capacity is just 27,184, as per an affidavit recently filed before the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court.</p>
The home department’s affidavit, submitted by Principal Secretary (Radhika Rastogi, was in response to a directive from the High Court concerning a criminal writ petition filed by Nanded-based undertrial Sachin Lone, represented by counsel Ratna Singh. In an effort to tackle the longstanding issue of overcrowding, the state government has devised an extensive plan, which includes the construction of nine new prisons in strategic locations across Maharashtra. The affidavit outlines the construction of new central and district prisons at Palghar, Yerwada (Pune), Thane, Gondia, Hingoli, Bhusawal, Ahilyanagar, and Baramati, adding that these developments will create 14,608 additional prison slots.
“Projects at Palghar and Baramati are already underway, while the work at Ahilyanagar has started after the contractor selection process was completed,” the affidavit states. Additionally, the state has begun the construction of 44 new barracks within existing prison facilities, which will increase capacity by 1,370. Furthermore, 67 new barracks are slated to be included in the 2025-26 budget across 12 prisons, aimed at alleviating congestion in critical facilities.
Comments: MR - What % of inmates are under-trial, pre-trial or locked up for really pointless crimes?
Speeding up the legal system and rationalizing it would eliminate the need to spend a lot on new prisons--to which there is no end, as the US experience shows. It can also create perverse incentives as prisons is a good business for various groups.
B: In my opinion, this is the single biggest violation of civil rights, and the remedy is simple and straightforward, requiring no changes in law or public protests.
We should have this on the top of the agenda for PUCL!
MR: