Maharashtra’s Jails Operating at 149% Capacity: Major Overcrowding Crisis

Mumbai, 12th May 2025: Maharashtra’s 60 jails are facing a severe overcrowding crisis, with the prison population exceeding capacity by nearly 50%. The state’s jails are operating at an alarming 149% of their approved capacity, with an average inmate population of 40,634 over the last three years, while the sanctioned capacity is just 27,184, as per an affidavit recently filed before the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court.

The home department’s affidavit, submitted by Principal Secretary (Appeals & Security) Radhika Rastogi, was in response to a directive from the High Court concerning a criminal writ petition filed by Nanded-based undertrial Sachin Lone, represented by counsel Ratna Singh.

In an effort to tackle the longstanding issue of overcrowding, the state government has devised an extensive plan, which includes the construction of nine new prisons in strategic locations across Maharashtra. The affidavit outlines the construction of new central and district prisons at Palghar, Yerwada (Pune), Thane, Gondia, Hingoli, Bhusawal, Ahilyanagar, and Baramati, adding that these developments will create 14,608 additional prison slots.

“Projects at Palghar and Baramati are already underway, while the work at Ahilyanagar has started after the contractor selection process was completed,” the affidavit states. Additionally, the state has begun the construction of 44 new barracks within existing prison facilities, which will increase capacity by 1,370. Furthermore, 67 new barracks are slated to be included in the 2025-26 budget across 12 prisons, aimed at alleviating congestion in critical facilities.
Land acquisition is in progress for 16 additional prison projects, including sites in Pimpri Chinchwad, Nagpur, Mankhurd, and Satara. The affidavit notes that construction will commence once the land is secured and the required approvals are obtained.

One of the most significant undertakings is a proposed new prison in Thane with a capacity to house 3,000 inmates. The state has already appointed a project management consultant, and approvals for new barracks have been granted for Yerwada, Buldhana, Satara, Nagpur, and Yavatmal.
In the meantime, to manage the current inmate load, authorities have been transferring prisoners from overcrowded jails to those with lower occupancy levels, thereby ensuring better distribution.

In addition to infrastructure development, the state is also implementing the “Support to Poor Prisoners Scheme.” This initiative provides financial assistance to undertrials and convicts unable to pay bail or fines. As of now, 30 inmates have benefited from this scheme.

The affidavit further highlights previous submissions made to the Supreme Court and human rights bodies, demonstrating the state’s commitment to long-term reform in its correctional facilities.

Despite the promising steps being taken, the path ahead remains challenging. However, authorities are hopeful that these initiatives will go a long way in addressing the persistent issue of overcrowding and improving conditions within Maharashtra’s prison system.