Overview The Supreme Court has directed every State and Union Territory (UT) to file a sworn affidavit on the current condition of prisons, focusing on the persistent problem of overcrowding . The order stems from a public interest litigation (PIL) that highlighted the lack of up‑to‑date statistics on prison occupancy across the country. Key Developments The bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta issued the order after hearing the amicus curiae , Adv. Gaurav Agrawal, who pointed out the absence of recent data. States and UTs must submit affidavits by 18 May 2026 , sworn by the Home Secretary . The affidavit must cover jail‑wise capacity, total inmates (convicts and under‑trials), percentage of overcrowding, steps taken or proposed for de‑congestion, details of women jails, child‑care facilities, and staffing strength and vacancies. The matter is scheduled for a further hearing on 26 May 2026 . Important Facts Required in the Affidavit Capacity & Occupancy: Sanctioned strength of each prison and actual inmate count as on 1 March 2026 , with a clear occupancy percentage. De‑congestion Measures: Actions already taken or planned, including compliance with the Court’s earlier directions in Suhas Chakma v. Union of India & Ors. (26 February 2026). Women Jails & Child Welfare: Number of women’s prisons, educational and medical facilities for female inmates and children, availability of paediatric care, teachers, and counsellors. Staffing: Sanctioned strength of prison personnel, current vacancies, and steps to fill them. UPSC Relevance This development touches upon several UPSC syllabus areas. Under GS 2 (Polity) , it illustrates judicial activism, the role of the Supreme Court in safeguarding fundamental rights, and the functioning of the prison administration under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Under GS 3 (Social Issues) , the focus on prison overcrowding, women’s prisons, and child welfare aligns with topics on human rights, criminal justice reforms, and gender‑sensitive policies. The order also underscores the importance of data‑driven governance, a recurring theme in the UPSC’s emphasis on evidence‑based policy making. Way Forward States and UTs should promptly compile accurate, jail‑wise data and submit the required affidavits within the stipulated timeline. Simultaneously, they must accelerate de‑congestion strategies such as fast‑track trials, alternative sentencing, and parole reforms. Enhancing infrastructure in women jails , and ensuring adequate staffing, are essential to meet constitutional standards of humane incarceration. Continuous monitoring by the Supreme Court and periodic reporting to the Parliament can ensure sustained compliance.