Munmun Kaur
Published On: February 14, 2022 at 13:50 IST
As per the report given by National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) and India Justice Report, the number of Undertrials in Prison rose sharply in 2020. The number resulted in Undertrials accounting for over three-fourths of the total number in Prisons.
Apparently, this number is the highest proportion in at least a decade. The report also stated a significant decline of 2.6 lakh in the number of Undertrials released on Bail. The reason behind this could have been lower access to Judiciary in 2020 because of the pandemic that led to a decrease in the number of visits to Courts from Jails in many States. Although, the number varies from State to State depending upon the video conferencing facilities available.
Punjab reported the highest proportion of Undertrials, showing an increase from 66% in 2019 to 85% in 202, followed by Haryana which went from 64% to 82%, and Madhya Pradesh where it went from 54% to almost 70%. Except for Madhya Pradesh, the other three States saw a decline in the overall Prison population due to the release of the Convicts, therefore increasing the proportion of Undertrials.
Delhi came out as the State with the highest proportion of Undertrials with an increase in numbers from 82% to 91%. However, the other States and Union Territories did not show a similar pattern. The number of Undertrials, as well as the overall Prison population in these States and UTs, saw an increase in 2020, an indication of denial of access to Judicial services.
Despite arrangements across the country, there was reportedly a fall in the number of Convicts and Undertrials released.
Also read: When can a Prisoner be released early?