The Supreme Court has directed all states and union territories to file comprehensive affidavits providing updated jail data, including details on sanctioned capacity, overcrowding, and facilities for women inmates, by May 18.
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta that updated "contemporaneous data" is essential for adjudicating matters related to prison conditions.
"The availability of updated contemporaneous data was indispensable for the effective consideration of the proceedings," the bench observed in its order passed on March 17.
The top court directed that the affidavits, sworn by the respective home secretaries, must include jail-wise details such as sanctioned capacity, the total number of prisoners lodged as on March 1, 2026, and the percentage of overcrowding.
It also sought information on steps proposed to address the issue of overcrowding.
Additionally, the bench directed the states and UTs to provide details on women's prisons, facilities available for women inmates, and measures taken to ensure the education and welfare of children residing with their mothers in jails. The affidavits are also required to cover the sanctioned strength of prison staff, existing vacancies, and steps taken to fill these posts.
The court was hearing a suo motu case concerning inhuman conditions in prisons. Senior advocate Gaurav Agrawal is assisting as amicus curiae.
The apex court directed its registry to forward copies of the received affidavits to the amicus, who will prepare a comprehensive note on the data. The matter has been listed for further hearing on May 26.
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