The Supreme Court’s Centre for Research and Planning Says Electronic Undertrial Tracking Will Reduce Jail Overcrowding

• The Centre for Research and Planning in India recommends pilot programs to use electronic tracking devices for releasing undertrial prisoners to reduce overcrowding.

• The report, “Prisons in India — mapping prison manuals and measures for reform and decongestion,” suggests a pilot run of electronic monitoring for low and moderate risk UTPs who may be released on prison leaves.

• The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reports that as of December 31, 2022, the total capacity in all jails across India was 5,73,220, but the total capacity is 4,36,266, a 131% occupancy rate.

• Countries such as the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Malaysia, and Australia have been using electronic tracking devices.

• The Home Ministry forwarded the Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act, 2023 to all States and Union Territories for adoption, which introduced the use of electronic tracking devices on prisoners.

• The report emphasizes the need for safeguards and guidelines in any surveillance by the State to achieve prison decongestion.

• Advocate Ajay Verma welcomes the use of tracking devices as a good initiative, stating it would ease the burden on prison infrastructure and help mitigate the mental stress that prisoners face.

• Advocate Anant Asthana warns against institutionalizing the practice universally, warning of potential misuse and infringement of civil liberties.