Report No. 78

II. Magnitude of the Problem

1.5. High Percentage of under-trial prisoners.-

Figures made available to us1 reveal not only that the number of under-trial prisoners in Indian jails is large, but also that their percentage is high enough. Thus, on 1st January, 1975, the total population of prisoners in Indian Jails was 2,20,146 as against a total capacity of 1,83,369. Out of these 2,20,146 the number of under-trial prisoners was 1,26,772. This represents a percentage of 57.58.

Figures as on 1-4-1977 in the jails are as follows2:

Under-Trials	1,01,083
Convicted	83086
Total	1,84,169

[Under-trials thus constitute 54.9 per cent. of the total jail population on 1st April, 19771

We have also collected3 figures from certain selected central jails as on 1st September, 1978. These figures substantially confirm the position stated above, namely under-trial prisoners constitute, a large percentage of the total jail population.

1. Figures contained in the papers forwarded by the Ministry of Home Affairs, file No. 20012/3/78-GAP-IV.

2. Information obtained from the National Institute of Social Defence, New Delhi, on 18-1-1979.

3. Appendix 2.