New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has issued a contempt notice to the Director General (DG) of Prisons, Delhi, over the delay in implementing the Supreme Court’s directions on open prison reforms. On October 28, 2026, the Court criticised prison authorities for submitting incomplete compliance information through a subordinate officer instead of filing the required affidavit from a senior official.
The Court expressed concern that little progress had been made despite earlier directions. It has asked the DG Prisons to respond to the notice as the case continues to focus on improving open prisons and supporting the rehabilitation of prisoners.
Why Did The Delhi High Court Issue The Contempt Notice
A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Nitin Wasudeo Sambre and Justice Sanjay Sharma expressed serious concern over the failure to properly report compliance with the Supreme Court’s directions.
Read also: Acid Attack Cases: Supreme Court Seeks Stricter Acid Sale Rules, Questions Centre’s Policy
The Court had expected the DG Prisons or the Principal Secretary (Home) to submit an affidavit explaining the steps taken. However, the government relied on an affidavit signed by the Superintendent at Delhi Prisons headquarters in Tihar.
The High Court found the information insufficient and criticised the authorities for not following its earlier instructions properly.
The bench observed that the DG Prisons had shown disregard for the Court’s orders by not submitting the required affidavit personally.
Court Says Delhi Open Prison Reforms Have Made Little Progress
The High Court expressed disappointment over the slow implementation of the Supreme Court’s directions. It observed that the matter had seemingly not moved forward in reporting compliance.
The bench also described the approach of the concerned officials as careless and insensitive. It stressed that government authorities must take the Supreme Court’s directions seriously and provide clear information about the steps taken.
The Court further noted that the government’s lawyers were facing difficulties because the concerned officers were not providing adequate assistance during the proceedings.
What Did The Supreme Court Direct About Open Prisons
On February 26, 2026, the Supreme Court issued directions to improve the use, functioning and expansion of Open Correctional Institutions (OCIs) across India.
The aim is to make open prisons meaningful places for reform and rehabilitation, helping eligible prisoners prepare for life outside prison.
The Supreme Court also directed States and Union Territories to establish monitoring committees to supervise the implementation of these measures.
High Courts were asked to monitor compliance with the directions and ensure that the authorities made meaningful progress.
What Are Open Correctional Institutions
Open Correctional Institutions, commonly known as open prisons, are facilities that provide eligible prisoners with greater freedom and opportunities to prepare for their return to society.
Depending on the applicable rules and security arrangements, prisoners may be allowed to work outside prison and earn a livelihood.
These institutions aim to support rehabilitation, encourage responsibility and help prisoners reintegrate into society after serving their sentences.
The Supreme Court has emphasised that governments must take practical steps to ensure these facilities work effectively.
Delhi Open Prison Reforms: Delhi Monitoring Committee Faces Questions
The Delhi High Court noted that only one meeting of the State Monitoring Committee had taken place on September 1, 2026, to discuss the implementation of the Supreme Court’s directions.
The Court also observed that the required government nomination for the committee had not been made properly.
Under the Supreme Court’s directions, the committee must be headed by the Executive Chairman of the State Legal Services Authority or a nominee.
It must also include the Home Secretary, or an eligible senior-level nominee, and a senior Prisons Department officer nominated by the Home Department.
The High Court further noted that certain directions requiring changes to government rules had not been implemented.
Delhi Open Prison Reforms: Delhi Government Asked To Submit A Detailed Compliance Report
During the hearing, the Special Secretary (Home) sought additional time to submit a detailed, point-by-point report explaining the steps taken to comply with the Court’s directions.
The officer stated that he had recently taken charge of the department and assured the Court that senior officials would attend the next monitoring committee meeting scheduled for October 30, 2026.
The government also assured the bench that the necessary details would be prepared with assistance from the Delhi State Legal Services Authority.
In view of these assurances, the Court deferred its decision on issuing a contempt notice to the Chief Secretary.
Read also: Supreme Court Roster System Row: Justice Oka Seeks End To Manual Case Allocation
FAQs
On February 26, 2026, the Supreme Court directed States and Union Territories to improve the functioning and expansion of open prisons. It also ordered the creation of monitoring committees to supervise implementation and ensure meaningful rehabilitation opportunities for eligible prisoners.
The Delhi High Court issued a contempt notice because the DG Prisons did not submit the required personal affidavit in compliance with the Supreme Court’s open prison reform directions. Instead, a subordinate officer submitted an affidavit that the Court found insufficient.
The Delhi High Court has scheduled the next hearing for November 20, 2026. The required responses are to be submitted by November 18, 2026.
