Lucknow: The Allahabad High Court has raised concerns over overcrowding in Uttar Pradesh jails after learning that 80,326 prisoners are living in facilities designed to hold only 76,162 people. The Court has directed the Director General of the Uttar Pradesh Prison Administration and Reform Services to submit a detailed report explaining the situation and the steps being taken to reduce overcrowding.
Allahabad High Court Raises Concerns Over UP Jail Overcrowding
A Division Bench of Justice Saumitra Dayal Singh and Justice Swarupama Chaturvedi observed that the number of prisoners in Uttar Pradesh jails is higher than their total capacity.
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The Court issued this direction while hearing a 2018 suo motu public interest litigation titled In Re: Overcrowding In Prisons.
The matter relates to prison conditions across Uttar Pradesh, including overcrowding, facilities for undertrial prisoners, staff shortages, women’s prisons and prison infrastructure.
UP Jail Overcrowding: UP Jails Hold 4,164 More Prisoners Than Their Capacity
According to an affidavit submitted by the Senior Superintendent of Central Jail, Naini, Prayagraj, on May 23, 2026, Uttar Pradesh has a total prison capacity of 76,162 inmates. However, the number of prisoners and convicts in these jails has reached 80,326.
This means that Uttar Pradesh jails are holding 4,164 more people than their approved capacity. The High Court also found that the affidavit did not provide important information about the prisoners.
In particular, it did not give separate figures for undertrial prisoners and convicted prisoners. It also lacked details about prisoners based on their age and gender.
Court Questions Temporary Measures To Reduce UP Jail Overcrowding
The High Court observed that authorities might be using temporary measures to reduce the number of prisoners.
These measures include processing applications for premature release and considering the release of prisoners after payment of fines. However, the Bench said such steps could provide only temporary relief.
The Court indicated that increasing the overall capacity of prisons was also necessary to address the problem properly.
Six New Prisons And Additional Barracks Under Construction
The affidavit informed the Court that the state government was working to increase prison capacity.
It also mentioned that new prisons and additional barracks were under construction. However, the High Court found that the affidavit did not provide enough information about these projects.
The Bench specifically asked for details about six new prisons being established in Uttar Pradesh. It also pointed out that the authorities had not explained the current stage of these projects or the progress of plans to increase the number of barracks.
UP Jail Overcrowding: High Court Seeks Detailed Affidavit From Prison DG
After examining the available information, the Allahabad High Court directed the Director General of the Uttar Pradesh Prison Administration and Reform Services to submit a fresh and detailed affidavit.
The Court asked the Director General to provide the correct and current position of overcrowding in state prisons.
It also directed the department to explain the steps being taken to solve the problem, preferably through a table containing clear details.
The affidavit must be submitted within one month. The High Court has scheduled the next hearing for December 1, 2026.
Supreme Court Also Focuses On Undertrial Prisoners In Uttar Pradesh
In a related development, the Supreme Court recently directed the Uttar Pradesh government to identify undertrial prisoners in 55 districts who have received bail but are still inside jails.
Some prisoners remain in custody because they cannot fulfil bail conditions, particularly the requirement to provide sureties.
The Supreme Court directed that the identification exercise cover all eligible undertrial prisoners, whether they have private lawyers or receive legal assistance from District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs). The concerned DLSAs will also help authorities complete this exercise.
Why UP Jail Overcrowding Is A Serious Concern
Prison overcrowding can create serious challenges for inmates and prison authorities.
When more people are kept in jails than their approved capacity, it can put additional pressure on accommodation, sanitation, healthcare and other basic facilities.
The High Court’s latest direction is important because it seeks clear information about the actual number of prisoners and the progress of infrastructure projects.
The next hearing on December 1, 2026, is expected to bring further attention to the steps being taken by Uttar Pradesh authorities to address overcrowding.
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FAQs
The Allahabad High Court has sought a detailed report because Uttar Pradesh jails are holding 4,164 more prisoners than their capacity. The Court also wants details about undertrial prisoners, convicted prisoners and new prison construction projects.
According to an affidavit placed before the Allahabad High Court, 80,326 prisoners and convicts are currently confined in Uttar Pradesh jails, against an approved capacity of 76,162.
The Allahabad High Court has scheduled the next hearing in the Uttar Pradesh jail overcrowding case for December 1, 2026. The Prison Department’s Director General has been directed to submit a detailed affidavit within one month.
