In Brief

This writ petition challenges severe prison overcrowding (up to 150%+ capacity in multiple jails across India) and the poor living conditions of prisoners. The Supreme Court held that both convicts and under-trials retain fundamental and human rights under the Constitution, particularly the right to life and dignity under Article 21, which cannot be diminished by their incarceration. The Court directed States and Union Territories to prepare concrete Plans of Action with specified timelines and resources for reducing overcrowding, and ordered the Ministry of Women and Child Development to expedite a Manual for juveniles in custody by 30 November 2016. The matter was listed for further hearing on 18 October 2016 to monitor compliance with these directions.">

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