Designed for 999, holding 3,461: Arthur Road jail holds over 3 times its capacity; jail superintendent flags overcrowding crisis

Time of India

5 hours ago

MUMBAI: The Mumbai Central Prison at Arthur Road is facing an overcrowding crisis, a situation brought to light during a recent court hearing concerning the transfer request of an undertrial prisoner.
The jail, designed to hold 999 inmates, currently houses 3,461, more than three times its capacity.
The court rejected the application filed by Munaf Halari, accused in the 1993 blasts case, who sought a transfer to the Anda Cell, an egg-shaped cell, due to perceived threats from rival gangs and influential inmates within the general prison population. The court directed the superintendent to provide sufficient security to the accused while keeping him in a different circle.
"The superintendent of jail also raises doubt regarding the subsequent conduct of the applicant if he is kept in the high security cell along with other well-known criminals. Therefore, looking to this aspect, I am of the view that if the superintendent of prison is directed to provide sufficient security to the applicant while keeping him in a different circle, then it will sub-serve the purpose," the judge said.
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The accused, arrested on Feb 29, 2020, was initially held at Sabarmati Central Prison before being transferred to the city on June 2, 2025.
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The prosecution raised concerns that an extended stay in the Anda Cell might violate Maharashtra Prison Manual rules and requested a report from the jail superintendent.
Opposing the plea, the jail superintendent highlighted the dire overcrowding, not only in the general prison but also within the high-security cell. The high-security cell, built for 31 prisoners, currently holds 43, including individuals involved in bomb blast cases, terror activities, and high-risk inmates like Prasad Pujari of the Pujari Gang, Uday Pathak of the Pathak gang, and members of the Rajan and Bishnoi gangs.
The superintendent submitted that placing the accused in the Anda Cell alongside these high-profile and dangerous individuals could actually increase the threat to his life and security. Instead, he suggested that the accused would be safer if kept in a different circle within the prison, with sufficient security, similar to other co-accused in his case.
The court, after reviewing the submissions, acknowledged the concerns regarding overcrowding and the potential risks in the high-security cell. Citing the Maharashtra Prison (Safe Custody of Prisoners) Rules, which mandate the inspector general of prisons or superintendent of jail to ensure the safe custody of prisoners, the court observed that he is best equipped to handle the internal affairs and security arrangements of the prison.