New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India has directed all states and Union Territories to furnish updated data on prisons by May 18, in a move aimed at addressing concerns over prison overcrowding and improving conditions in jails across the country.
The court has asked authorities to provide details on sanctioned jail capacity, the current number of inmates as of March 1, 2026, and the extent of overcrowding in each facility. The information must be submitted through affidavits sworn by the respective home secretaries.
The directive comes as part of ongoing proceedings focused on prison reforms, with the court emphasising the need for accurate and current data to assess conditions inside prisons. It noted that outdated or incomplete information hampers efforts to address what it described as inhuman living conditions in several jails.
A key focus of the order is on women’s prisons. The court has sought specific details on facilities available to female inmates, including healthcare, sanitation, and safety measures. It has also asked states to report on provisions for children living with their mothers in jail, including access to education, nutrition, and medical care.
An amicus curiae appointed in the case will compile and analyse the data submitted by states and Union Territories. The findings will be presented in a comprehensive report to assist the court in determining further steps.
The matter is scheduled to be heard next on May 26, when the court will review the data and the amicus report.
The latest order highlights continuing concerns over prison overcrowding in India, where many jails operate beyond their sanctioned capacity. Legal experts say the court’s push for updated data could form the basis for future policy directions and administrative reforms.
The development is being seen as part of a broader judicial effort to ensure that prison conditions meet basic standards of dignity and welfare, particularly for vulnerable groups such as women and children.
