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LIST OF PRISONS
INDIAN PRISON INFORMATION
The Penal System
The constitution assigns the custody and correction of criminals to the states and territories. Day-to-day administration of prisoners rests on principles incorporated in the Prisons Act of 1894, the Prisoners Act of 1900, and the Transfer of Prisoners Act of 1950. An inspector general of prisons administers prison affairs in each state and territory.

By the prevailing standards of society, prison conditions are often adequate. Some prison administrators concede that the prevailing conditions of poverty in Indian society contribute to recidivism because a prison sentence guarantees minimal levels of food, clothing, and shelter. Despite this overall view, India's prisons are seriously overcrowded, prisoners are given better or worse treatment according to the nature of their crime and class status, sanitary conditions are poor, and punishments for misbehavior while incarcerated have been known to be particularly onerous.

Prison conditions vary from state to state. The more prosperous states have better facilities and attempt rehabilitation programs; the poorer ones can afford only the most bare and primitive accommodations. Women prisoners are mostly incarcerated in segregated areas of men's prisons. Conditions for holding prisoners also vary according to classification. India retains a system set up during the colonial period that mandates different treatment for different categories of prisoners. Under this system, foreigners, individuals held for political reasons, and prisoners of high caste and class are segregated from lower-class prisoners and given better treatment. This treatment includes larger or less-crowded cells, access to books and newspapers, and more and better food.

Tihar Jail
Tihar Jail is the largest prison of South East Asia, located in the western part of Delhi. Distance wise, it is about 8 Kms. from Chanakya Puri, the diplomatic area. Tihar Jail Complex in New Delhi is one of the largest prison complexes in the world. It comprises of eight prisons in the Tihar Complex with a total population of around 13,160 prisoners against a sanction capacity of 5648 prisoners. In a year about 70,000-80,000 prisoners remain lodged in these prisons for different duration. This prison population has about 80% undertrials and includes about 518 women prisoners with about 41 children below 4 years of age dependent upon them. About 332 prisoners are foreigners as on 15-07-2005.
LODGING OF PRISONERS
There are eight prisons Central Jails CJ-1 to 8 & one Distt. Jail in Delhi with a sanctioned capacity of 5648 prisoners. Presently, there are about 13000 prisoners lodged in various prisons. The lodging arrangement in various prisons is according to the Court Cases, and than on the first alphabet of their name. One striking feature of Tihar Prisons is that 78% of the prisoners are awaiting their trials in various courts, only 22% population of the prisoners are convicts. The lodging arrangements of various prisoners is as under-
Jail No.1: All prisoner who are facing trial in Tis Hazari Courts whose name start with A to J
Jail No.2: All prisoners who are facing trial in Karkardoma Courts and all convicts.
Jail No.3: All prisoner who are facing trial in Tis Hazari Courts whose name start with K to Z and sick prisoners of all prisons admitted in Jail Hospital.
Jail No.4: All prisoners who are facing trial in New Delhi Courts.
Jail No.5: All adolescent prisoners group 18-20 yrs.
Jail No.6: All Female Prisoners/Convicts/Undertrials.
Jail No.7: All Prisoners arrested under various provisions of Criminal Procedure Code 107, 151
Jail No.8: All Prisoners arrested under various Economical Offence, Blood Relation and Drug Addicts.
Rohini: All convicts.
ENQUIRY CENTRE
There is a Computerised Enquiry Centre in front Jail No.1 in Which the names of all the incoming prisoners are recorded. There is a PRO (Central) who guides the public about the Prison No. etc. in which their relatives or friends are lodged.
LEGAL INTERVIEWS
The advocates can meet prisoners for legal interviews between 4.00 PM to 5.00 PM on any working day except Saturday, Sunday and Gazetted holidays. The advocate has to bring his Identity Card and power of attorney duly signed by the prisoner and attested by Jail Gazetted Officer or Magistrate.
SPECIAL INTERVIEW FACILITY FOR FOREIGN INMATES
Special facility is provided to foreigner under-trials and prisoners to have interviews with their Diplomatic Staff on any working day (Monday to Friday) between 4.00 PM. to 5.00 PM. Such interviews are normally held in the office of Deputy Superintendent of the Jail at the entrance of the Jail. In case of their relatives coming to meet them special Interviews are arranged with the permission of the Jail Superintendent on the above days and timings. This is a Special privilege facility provided only to foreigner prisoners.
FOODSTUFF WHICH CAN BE PROVIDED DURING INTERVIEWS
Only one cooked vegetarian meal (which has to be consumed in the earmarked room) can be supplied to the prisoners. Besides this any fruit (12 Nos. or 2 Kgs. whichever is less) could also be given at the time of interview.
FACILITIES PROVIDED INSIDE THE PRISON
Minimum necessary bedding like bed sheet. durries, blanket and equipment like Plate, Glass etc. are provided to all prisoners from jail concerned. Breakfast, food (twice), tea (twice) and safe drinking water are also provided. Those who want to have mineral water can purchase the same from the canteen on payment. Maximum four sets of private clothing are allowed. Jeans and Ankle type sports shoes are not permitted inside the prisons. Other private clothing may be allowed only after the permission of the Superintendent of the Jail. Free washing facility is provided for cleaning of clothes to all prisoners.
PROHIBITED ARTICLES
The articles like Tobacco, Bidi, Cigarette or any other drug or narcotics are strictly prohibited in the jails. Besides this no arms, ammunition, explosives, cell phones. wireless sets, pagers etc. are permitted. Cash and valuables are also not permitted inside the prisons instead coupon system is prevailing for making purchases from Prisoners. Welfare Canteens inside the prisons. At a time coupons worth Rs.250/- can be given to the prisoners by their relatives/ friends at the time of interview.
CULTURAL, EDUCATIONAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Other activities for prisoners are recreations, sports, yoga, mediation, adult education, library, computer learning facility, vocational training, embroidery and sewing etc. in female ward. Educational classes are held for various courses under aegis of Indira Gandhi National Open University and National Open School for various courses like MBA, MA, BA, professional courses and other school courses. Teaching classes are undertaken by professional teachers as well qualified and educated prisoners.
MEDICAL FACILITIES
Each jail has its own dispensary with M.I. Room facility having 6 to 8 beds and headed by Senior Medical Officer, with the assistance of junior doctors round the clock. There is a full fledged Hospital in Jail No.3 with advanced Radiological and pathological facilities. Medical services are available in case of very serious medical emergency; prisoners’ patients are referred to outside hospitals like R.M.L Hospital, L.N.J.P.N Hospital, and R.B.T.B Hospital. A.I.I.M.S and even to private hospitals like Apollo Hospital etc. All prisoner patients are treated free of cost at the expense of the State. Ambulances have also been provided to each jail besides jail hospital for quick transportation of patient prisoners for treatment to outside specialized hospitals.
REDRESSAL OF GRIEVANCES
A sealed mobile petition box is circulated in all the jails by a special messenger of Prison Headquarters to collect the petitions and suggestions of the prisoners. Prompt remedial action is taken on the petitions/grievances of the prisoners. Sealed boxes are also fixed in prisons in which complaints can be dropped by prisoners which are perused by visiting Judges. Free legal aid is also available to prisoners in the jails.

Tihar Jail is a classless jail where no segregation is done on basis of economic status. However, segregation is done for the first time offenders, who are lodged in a separate ward in each jail for a period of at least 3 months. In this way, the prison Administration provides the correctional measures, well being and rehabilitation of the prisoners.

In case of any problem in various jails the following officers can be contacted:-

1. Director General of Prisons 25555897
2. Deputy Inspector General of Prisons 25555898
3. Superintendent Jail No.1 25555106
4. Superintendent Jail No.2 25621610
5. Superintendent Jail No.3 25551570
6. Superintendent Jail No.4 25554216
7. Superintendent Jail No.5 25621609
8. Superintendent Jail No.6 25524936
9. Superintendent Jail No.7 25623919
10. Superintendent Jail No.8 25545019
11. Superintendent PHQ 25549986
12. Control Room 25551589/ 25553404/ 25555305
13. Control Room (Rohini) 27857369/ 27857370

All necessary help, Assistance and guidance will be provided by the above mentioned officers. We seek your help in efficient administration of the jails.

Prisons in Maharashtra State are constituted under the Prison Act, 1894. The main purpose of establishing prisons is to confine offenders committing offenses under the existing Laws. It is further implied that offenders are to be isolated for a certain period from general community with a view to ensuring security & peace.

  • Custody welfare, discipline, training, reformation, rehabilitation of
  • Prisoners are important functions of the Prison Department.

With this in view, small scale industries are organized . These are textile, tailoring, carpentry, leather, chemical(soaps & phenyl), Braille-work, smithy, paper, candles & miscellaneous The commodities manufactured in the Jails are available for sale for all at Yeravada, Aurangabad & Nagpur jails.

Contact address of Prison Department is :-

Office of the Inspector General of Prisons,
Maharashtra State, Central Building, Pune 411 001 India
Telephone no. 91-9520-6125056

The Regional Institute of Correctional Administration, Vellore (RICA) which is the first of its kind in India and a fine model of regional co-operation in the country, is sponsored by the four southern States (Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu). The Institute was inaugurated on 1.10.1979 and became a pioneering Institute in preparing personnel to handle the Prison and Correctional Administration in the country, to achieve the accepted objectives of reintegrating the offenders in the main stream of the society.Click here for more info

Regional Institute of Correctional Administration (RICA)
Thorapadi, Vellore - 632 002, Tamil Nadu, India
Phone : +91-416-2222907, +91-416-2216507
E-mail : [email protected]

Prisons in India
Dhaka Central Jail

  • Click Here for prison information



Madhya Pradesh Jail

  • Click Here for prison informaiton



Regional Institute of Correctional Administration (RICA)

The Regional Institute of Correctional Administration, Vellore (RICA) which is the first of its kind in India and a fine model of regional co-operation in the country, is sponsored by the four southern States (Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu). The Institute was inaugurated on 1.10.1979 and became a pioneering Institute in preparing personnel to handle the Prison and Correctional Administration in the country, to achieve the accepted objectives of reintegrating the offenders in the main stream of the society.

Regional Institute of Correctional Administration (RICA)
Thorapadi, Vellore - 632 002, Tamil Nadu, India
Phone : +91-416-2222907, +91-416-2216507
E-mail : [email protected]
  • Click Here for prison informaiton



Arthur Road Jail [Bombay Central Prison]

Arthur Road Jail is Mumbai's largest and oldest jail. It was built in 1926, houses most of the city's prisoners. It is located near Sat Rasta (Seven Roads), between Mahalaxmi and Chinchpokli railway stations in the southern part the city. It was upgraded in 1994 to become a Central Prison and its official name is Bombay Central Prison. But, for the people of Mumbai, the heavily-guarded prison has always been known as Arthur Road jail.

A few decades ago, this prison was one of the most feared in India, because of the treatment prisoners received from the inmate overseers. The cells were overcrowded and the prisoners had to sleep on blankets infested with lice. They were allowed to wash each day, but the ration of water was very little. If they stood up against the overseers they were punished in terrible ways.

Space is at a premium inside. The jail was built to accommodate 1074 prisoners but the average number of inmates is generally over 3,000 - far exceeding its capacity in terms of space, sanitation and other facilities.

Sodomy is rampant and the prevalence of HIV and Tuberculosis is alarming. Around 180 prisoners are crammed in a cell designed to house 50. Prisoners have to sleep in awkward positions, making them susceptible to sexual overtures. Many succumb to their seniors, or gang leaders, in exchange for a little luxury like food or assurances of a job on release from the jail.

But for members of the crime syndicates, who tip guards and officers generously, a luxury lifestyle is always within easy reach.

For those who belong to powerful gangs, it was easy to control underworld activities from within the jail by mobile phone. However, a newly-installed jammer (to block out mobile signals) may have put an end to that.

The prison features in Gregory David Roberts award winning book Shantaram, which details his life on the run and his time spent in Bombay, which comprised of a stint in Arthur Road. And now it has Sunjay Dutt, a bollywood actor sentenced for his involvement in the 1993 bomb blasts in Mumbai.



Other Prisons in India

FPSS welcome any information that you may have on these prisons & prisoners detained herein.

HOUSE OF CORREC. BYCULLA PRISON CENTRAL PRISON

If you know of a prisoner who needs contact please contact us here

Official Contacts
BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION, NEW DELHI

The British High Commission in New Delhi covers the States of Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and the new State of Uttaranchal in NORTHERN INDIA including Delhi.

Paul Baines, Consul
British High Commission
Shantipath, Chanakyapuri,
New Delhi 110021.
Tel: +91 11 26872161
(This telephone is available 24 hours a day).
Fax: +91 11 26116094.
[email protected]
(Not VISA Enquiries)
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 0900-1200 and 1400-1600

BRITISH DEPUTY HIGH COMMISSION, MUMBAI

The British Deputy High Commission in Mumbai covers the States of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Goa in WESTERN INDIA.

Mr John Bryant, Consul
British Deputy High Commission,
Makers Chambers IV, 2nd floor,
222 JamnalalBajaj Road,
PO Box 11714,
Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021.
Tel. +91 22 56502222
Fax: +91 22 22833928 (Consular)
Fax: +91 22 22027940 (General)
[email protected]
(Not VISA Enquiries)
Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 0830-1230 and 1400-1500

British Tourist Assistance Office in Goa
S-13/14 Dempo Towers
Patto Plaza, Panaji
Goa- 403001
Tel: +91 832 2438897/8734
Fax: +91 832 5641297
[email protected]

BRITISH DEPUTY HIGH COMMISSION, KOLKATA

The British Deputy High Commission in Kolkata covers the States of Bihar, Orissa, West Bengal and the new States of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand in EASTERN INDIA including those in the far NORTH-EAST. The British Deputy High Commission in Kolkata also covers BHUTAN.

Mr Paul Dryden, Vice Consul
British Deputy High Commission,
1, Ho Chi MinhSarani, Kolkata 700 071.
Tel: +91 33 22885172-76
Fax: +91 33 22885177
[email protected]
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 0900-1200 and 1400-1600

BRITISH DEPUTY HIGH COMMISSION, CHENNAI

The British Deputy High Commission in Chennai covers the States of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Union Territory of Pondicherry in South India.

Ms Julia Campbell, Vice Consul
British Deputy High Commission,
20 Anderson Road,
Chennai 600 006.
Tel. +91 44 52192151
Fax: +91 44 52192322/28203790
[email protected]
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 0830-1300 and 1330-1600

If you are not satisfied with the Consular services, please contact the Consul at Tel: +91 11 26872161 (this telephone is available 24 hours a day) or send a fax on +91 11 26116094. Alternatively you can email at [email protected] .

UK Consular Services

  • What a British Consulate can do for you
  • What a British Consulate cannot do for you

British Consuls will do everything they properly can to help British people in difficulty abroad.

This page gives advice what help you can expect from a British Consul.

Other Embassy Contacts

Australian High Commission, India
Australian Compound
No. 1/50 G Shantipath
Chanakyapuri, 110-021
(Postal Add: PO Box 5210)
New Delhi Phone: 91 11 688 8223
Fax: 91 11 688 5199
Web Site: https://www.ausgovindia.com/

French Embassy in New Delhi, India
2/50E, Shantipath
Chanakayapuri
New Delhi - 110 011
India
New Delhi
Phone: (91) (11) 6118790 to 93
Fax: (91) (11) 687 23 05

U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, India
Shantipath, Chanakyapuri
New Delhi
New Delhi
Phone: (91-11) 688-9033

For more Embassies see here

Lawyers in India
The following lists of lawyers are provided by HM missions in India for the convenience of enquirers. Neither Her Majesty's Government nor any official of the High Commission and/or the Deputy High Commissions take any responsibility for the competence or probity of any firm/advocate or for the consequences of any legal action initiated or advice given. Click Here for List of Lawyers

FREEDOM IS A RIGHT OF ALL HUMAN BEINGS IN A WORLD WHERE LIFE IS VALUED AND PEACE MAY FINALLY BE A POSSABILITY
WE DO NOT ACCEPT DONATIONS OR COLLECT MONEY or ITEMS IN KIND, FOR OR ON BEHALF OF PRISONERS OR THEIR FAMILIES.
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Just in case you forgot - read the Universal declaration of Human Rights
All information is © Copyright 1997 - 2006 'Foreign Prisoner Support Service' unless stated otherwise - Click here for the legal stuff
All information is © Copyright 1997 - 2006 'Foreign Prisoner Support Service' unless stated otherwise - Click here for the legal stuff