Introduction:

In a crucial public interest litigation (PIL) addressing the severe issue of overcrowded prisons in India, the Supreme Court has taken a landmark step by directing States and Union Territories to form District-level Committees. These committees are tasked with assessing current jail infrastructure and deciding on the necessity of additional jails, aligning with the Model Prison Manual, 2016. Justices Hima Kohli and A Amanullah presided over this monumental decision, emphasizing the need for immediate action.

Arguments of Both Sides:

The PIL, initiated on the backdrop of former CJI RC Lahoti’s concerns about inhuman conditions in prisons, witnessed the Court urging States and UTs to furnish details on existing jails, capacity, and plans for new jails. Advocate Gaurav Agrawal, acting as Amicus Curiae, compiled and presented the data, revealing significant gaps in proposals from states like Bihar, Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh. The court, disappointed by non-compliance, imposed a cost on Maharashtra and Jharkhand.

Court’s Judgement:

The Supreme Court’s directive mandates the formation of District-level Committees comprising key officials to assess jail infrastructure and recommend expansions or new jails. Stressing the importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and video-conferencing for prison needs, the court set tight deadlines for committee notifications and meetings. The next hearing is scheduled for April 9, 2024, emphasizing the urgency of prison reform.