Madhya Pradesh prisons ease overcrowding but still hold 12,000 beyond capacity
Prisons in Madhya Pradesh have seen a drop in inmate numbers over the past two years. By the end of 2025, the total population fell to 43,211 from 45,543 in 2023. Despite this reduction, the state’s jails remain severely overcrowded, holding nearly 12,000 more prisoners than their official capacity permits. The decline of 2,332 inmates between 2023 and 2025 has been linked to a change in bail procedures. A provision in the Code of Criminal Procedure now allows certain offenders to secure bail directly at police stations. This adjustment has helped ease some pressure on the prison system.
The state’s 11 central jails, designed for 15,176 inmates, currently hold 23,349. Meanwhile, 41 district jails, with a capacity of 10,169, are housing 13,742 prisoners. Even smaller facilities, like the 73 sub-jails, are stretched beyond limits, accommodating 6,002 inmates despite a capacity of 5,501.
Open jails, which are less restrictive, are the only exception. The eight such facilities in Madhya Pradesh have a capacity of 138 and currently hold 118 inmates. Overall, the overcrowding rate has improved slightly, dropping from 52.45% in 2023 to 39.46% in 2025. Still, the total sanctioned capacity of 30,984 remains far below the actual inmate count. The reduction in prisoner numbers reflects a shift in legal processes, particularly the expanded bail provisions. Yet, with nearly 12,000 inmates still exceeding capacity, Madhya Pradesh’s prisons continue to face significant strain. The latest figures highlight both progress and ongoing challenges in managing the state’s correctional facilities.
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