MHA writes to states & UTs to take steps to reduce overcrowding of jails

‘SECTION 479(1) OF BNSS PROVIDES FOR SUCH RELIEF’

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The Union Home Ministry has asked all states to take steps, including implementation of a specific provision of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023, for providing relief to undertrial prisoners and reduce overcrowding in jails.

Overcrowding in prisons, especially the issue of large number of undertrials, has been a matter of concern for the government, the home ministry said in a communication to states.

It said that for addressing the issue of long detention of undertrial prisoners and their hardship, it has been taking various progressive steps, including grant of financial aid to the states and union territories for providing relief to such prisoners in seeking release from prisons.

The ministry said that Section 479 (1) of the BNSS which has come into force with effect from July 1, 2024, provides for such relief.