Are Jails in Maharashtra Overcrowded? CM Fadnavis Responds to Legislative Council
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Synopsis
Maharashtra's jails are facing severe overcrowding, with over 12,000 inmates beyond capacity. Chief Minister Fadnavis outlines the current situation and the government's plans to address this pressing issue in response to concerns raised in the Legislative Council. This article delves into the alarming statistics and measures being taken.
Key Takeaways
- Maharashtra jails are significantly overcrowded, with 12,343 inmates over capacity.
- Efforts are being made to enhance facilities and support for prisoners.
- The government plans to increase jail capacity by 17,110 through new constructions.
- The alarming state of overcrowding has raised concerns from the Bombay High Court.
- Basic amenities are being provided to improve inmate welfare.
Mumbai, July 9 (NationPress) The prisons in Maharashtra are facing significant overcrowding, exceeding their intended capacity, as stated by the Chief Minister's Office.
In a detailed response, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who oversees the Home Department, informed the Legislative Council that, as of May 2025, the total capacity for prisoners in the state's facilities is 27,184, while the actual number of inmates stands at 39,527.
This indicates an alarming excess of 12,343 prisoners beyond the capacity.
The issue of overcrowding was raised by Congress legislator Satej Patil and other members during the session.
The statement highlighted that the official capacity of Mumbai Central Jail is 999.
However, by May 2025, the inmate count is expected to reach 3,268. Despite this substantial rise in numbers, the prison administration is actively implementing measures to ensure that basic facilities are maintained, which inmates are increasingly utilizing.
Facilities made available to prisoners include video conferencing, television, water purifiers, washing machines, smart card telephones, and e-kiosks, among others.
The Home Department informed the State Legislative Council that out of 39,527 prisoners, 6,003 are illiterate, with 5,067 of them being undertrials.
Furthermore, under the 'support to poor prisoners' initiative, financial assistance is provided to those unable to afford fines or bail.
To address the issue of overcrowding, plans are underway to construct new prisons, secure land for new facilities, and build additional barracks in existing jails. Once the ongoing construction of new jails and barracks is complete, the capacity of the state's prisons will officially increase by 17,110.
The acquisition of land for a new jail in Mumbai is currently in progress.
Earlier, in May of this year, the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court expressed serious concerns regarding the overcrowding of prisons in the state.
The High Court noted that almost every prison in Maharashtra is overcrowded, with inmate numbers often exceeding twice the sanctioned capacity.
The court also highlighted the alarming staff-to-inmate ratio, emphasizing that the number of approved staff is insufficient, and existing vacancies may exacerbate the situation.
Point of View
The overcrowding of jails in Maharashtra highlights a significant challenge within the state's penal system. It raises questions about the adequacy of resources and the need for reform to ensure the humane treatment of inmates. Addressing this issue is crucial not only for the welfare of those incarcerated but also for the overall integrity of the justice system in India.
NationPress
27/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current inmate count in Maharashtra jails?
As of May 2025, the inmate count in Maharashtra jails is 39,527, exceeding the capacity by 12,343.
What measures are being taken to address jail overcrowding?
The government is constructing new jails, building additional barracks, and providing support for economically weak prisoners.
How many illiterate prisoners are there in Maharashtra?
There are 6,003 illiterate prisoners in Maharashtra, with 5,067 being undertrials.
What facilities are available to prisoners in Maharashtra jails?
Prisoners have access to video conferencing, televisions, water purifiers, washing machines, smart card telephones, and e-kiosks.
What is the capacity of Mumbai Central Jail?
The official capacity of Mumbai Central Jail is 999 prisoners.
