Maharashtra's 60 prisons hold 140% of capacity, prison department tells High Court
As of April 2026, 38,515 inmates were lodged in the state's 60 prisons, 83 per cent of them undertrials, an affidavit before the High Court says.
Information on overcrowding in Maharashtra's prisons has been placed before the High Court. As of April 2026, 38,515 inmates were lodged in the state's 60 prisons, well above their total sanctioned capacity. The number has reached 140 per cent of capacity. Of these, 83 per cent are inmates whose court proceedings are yet to be completed.
The prison administration submitted the information through an affidavit on Monday (the 12th). The matter is a petition initiated by the High Court on its own, taking suo motu cognisance of the conditions in prisons, and the affidavit came up during its hearing.
Director General of Prisons Suhas Warke presented the affidavit before a Division Bench of Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna. According to it, of the state's total inmates, 31,821 are undertrials, 6,248 have been convicted, and 446 are detainees and in other categories.
In the affidavit, the prison administration has said that inmates are being provided nutritious food, clean water, health facilities, legal aid and counselling. There are 15 libraries in 45 prisons of the state, holding about 75,715 books. Since 2014, 2,895 inmates have completed their studies while in prison. Inmates are also given training in tailoring, carpentry, bakery, farming and computers.
Counselling, yoga, meditation and sports activities are being run for mental well-being. A scheme providing financial assistance for bail to needy inmates had benefited 260 inmates till April 19, 2026. The total capacity of open prisons is 3,307, and they hold 1,935 inmates. According to the administration, several initiatives are also under way for the rehabilitation of inmates, for employment and housing after release, and for their reintegration into society.
The affidavit also mentions modern technology, which has made court work and communication with families easier. More than 4.54 lakh e-mulaqats (e-visits) were held in 2025. By May 2026, the share of court appearances through video conferencing had reached 96 per cent. A total of 196 e-kiosk machines are also working in the prisons.
To promote inmates' health, hygiene and education, 201 water cooler purifiers and 92 washing machines have been installed in the prisons. The process of installing 181 new purifier units is also under way.
