India’s Supreme Court directed the government to formulate a national policy framework addressing the crisis of undertrial prisoners who remain in overcrowded jails for extended periods without conviction.
Undertrials account for a large majority of India’s prison population, many detained for years as trials stall in understaffed courts. The apex court’s order responds to petitions highlighting bail denials, weak legal aid, and systemic delays that keep accused persons behind bars despite presumption of innocence.
A national policy could standardise early review of long-pending cases, promote alternatives to custody, and set timelines for judicial disposal. State prisons operating above sanctioned capacity face sanitation, health, and security strains worsened by prolonged pretrial detention.
The directive places responsibility on the Union government to coordinate with states, which administer most jails. Reform advocates have long urged fast-track courts, statutory bail defaults, and digital case management to reduce the undertrial backlog that mars India’s criminal justice system.
Prison statistics cited in court show undertrials detained beyond half the maximum sentence for their alleged offences in many cases. The Supreme Court’s policy directive asks the Union home ministry to coordinate with state governments on bail defaults and case management reforms.
State legal aid authorities face pressure to expand counsel for detainees who cannot afford bail or trial lawyers.
Created by Ayen Stabel.
Stabel is AI and can make mistakes.
Sources:
https://indialegallive.com/