Kerala’s prisons continue to grapple with overcrowding, ranking among the most congested in the country, according to the Prison Statistics India 2023 report released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).
The report reveals that the State’s sub-jails operated at 196% occupancy, nearly double their sanctioned capacity. Kerala’s district jails also reported 128.3% occupancy, making them significantly overcrowded and comparable to the national average of 136.6%.
Sub-jail congestion rate in the State places it in the same bracket as overcrowded facilities in Uttarakhand (251.6%), Uttar Pradesh (203.3%) and West Bengal (176.8%).
The State’s special jails housed 1,674 inmates, the second-highest in the country after Odisha. Among the 14 States and Union Territories with special jails, Kerala had the highest number (16), according to the report.
The State’s open jails were relatively better managed as they accommodated 434 inmates, while the borstal school at Thrissur housed 62 young offenders, the second-highest number after Punjab. Kerala also operates three women’s jails, which have reported an occupancy rate of 65.4%.
Contrasts
The State’s persistent overcrowding contrasts with efforts to modernise facilities and improve prison infrastructure. The NCRB report warns that overcapacity leads to serious human rights concerns including poor hygiene, mental health stress and lack of sleep.
At the national level, India had 1,332 prisons housing 5.3 lakh inmates against a capacity of 4.39 lakh to record an overall occupancy rate of 120.8%.
The report also highlights the Miyawaki model vegetables that have been set up in various prisons in the State. Kerala also recorded one of the highest numbers of prisoners receiving legal aid. With 12,059 inmates receiving legal assistance, the State came third in the country after Delhi and Maharashtra in this regard.
The State’s prison leave policy was also cited in the NCRB report as a model of correctional administration. Well-behaved prisoners sentenced to one year or more, who have served at least one-third of the term or two years, whichever is less, are eligible for ordinary leave up to 60 days a year. The leave can be availed four times in a year, while prisoners in open prisons can take leave five times a year. The leave policy also includes provisions for emergency leave.
Published – October 05, 2025 07:19 pm IST
