The Delhi High Court has sought a detailed, date-wise flowchart setting out the steps taken to implement the Supreme Court’s February 26, 2026 directions concerning facilities for eligible prisoners in open and semi-open prisons in Delhi, expressing concern over delays and discrepancies in the information placed before it.

The Court noted that the timeline prescribed by the Supreme Court had not been adhered to despite substantial time having elapsed. It observed that there had been no significant progress in implementing the directions and initiated suo motu proceedings to monitor compliance, as mandated by the Supreme Court.

During the hearing, the Court questioned discrepancies between the occupancy figures presented by the prison authorities and the report of the committee constituted to oversee implementation. The authorities submitted that Delhi currently had a capacity of 76 places in semi-open prisons and 10 in open prisons, with occupancy having increased from approximately 6% to over 50%. However, the Court expressed concern over the inconsistent figures and the communication of allegedly incorrect information.

The Court also raised concerns regarding the functioning of prisons, referring to observations made during a recent jail visit about disparities in barrack occupancy and the alleged preferential treatment of certain prisoners. It indicated that the Director General of Prisons could face further proceedings if the explanation and compliance report were found unsatisfactory.

The Special Secretary, Home, and the Director General of Prisons were directed to place a detailed, date-wise flowchart of the steps taken since the Supreme Court’s February 26 order on record by October 27, 2026. The Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority was also directed to ensure that the Chairperson of the Legal Services Authority was briefed on the matter by the same date.

The matter has been listed for further consideration on October 28, 2026, at 2:30 PM.