The Calcutta High Court on Friday has taken a stern view of the condition of correctional homes across West Bengal, raising serious concerns over custodial deaths, overcrowding, staff shortages, and the safety and healthcare of inmates, particularly women.
Hearing a case related to prisoner rights and prison infrastructure, a division bench comprising Debangsu Basak and Md. Shabbar Rashidi issued a series of strict directives to the state government, seeking a comprehensive and time-bound report on multiple issues.
The bench expressed dissatisfaction with the data earlier submitted by the state, which only covered custodial deaths from 2022 to January 2026. The Court directed that the next report must include detailed records of all custodial deaths between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2021. Additionally, it ordered the submission of a complete district-wise list of custodial deaths — along with names and addresses of the deceased — from January 1, 2016, to January 31, 2026, to the Member-Secretary of the West Bengal State Legal Services Authority by July 31, 2026.
The Court also instructed District Legal Services Authorities to ensure that compensation reaches the families of deceased inmates without delay. They have been directed to identify legal heirs promptly and facilitate compensation disbursal, including assisting in opening bank accounts where necessary. The bench has sought an update on this process in the next hearing.
Highlighting staffing issues, the Court noted a significant shortfall in correctional home personnel. According to the government’s report, out of 4,789 sanctioned posts, only 3,322 are currently filled, leaving 1,467 vacancies. While the State Advocate General informed the Court that steps were being taken to address the shortage, the bench directed the government to submit a clear recruitment timeline or roadmap in its next report.
The issue of overcrowding also came under sharp scrutiny. The state’s 61 correctional homes, with a combined capacity of 21,929 inmates, are currently housing 23,886 prisoners— well beyond their intended capacity. The Court directed the state to provide a definite timeline for the construction of new correctional facilities and sought details on long-term planning to accommodate future population growth and a potential rise in inmate numbers.
The bench further issued sensitive directives concerning the safety and dignity of female inmates. It asked the state to clarify whether separate entry and exit points for male and female inmates are under CCTV surveillance and whether dedicated private spaces exist for the frisking of women prisoners.
During the proceedings, Amicus Curiae Tapas Kumar Bhanja raised allegations that several female inmates had tested HIV-positive while in custody. Taking note of the seriousness of the claim, the Court directed the state to furnish detailed data on inmates suffering from such diseases and outline the medical facilities and treatment measures being provided.
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