1 week ago

Delhi Plans Interstate Transfers for High-Risk Undertrial Prisoners

Delhi wants to move some dangerous prisoners to jails in other states.

These prisoners include gang members and organised criminals who are still awaiting trial.

Officials say some may threaten witnesses, interfere with trials, or plan crimes from inside prison.

Moving them away from Delhi could make those activities more difficult.

The transfers would need agreement from the states involved or approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Delhi plans to use a 2025 amendment made by Punjab to create a legal route for these transfers.

Court proceedings would continue under the applicable legal rules.

Reports say 188 gang members were identified and 107 were arrested, but they give different years for those figures.

Key facts

Proposed measure: Transfer high-risk undertrial gangsters, organised criminals, and other dangerous prisoners from Delhi to prisons in other states.
Legal framework: Delhi plans to implement the Transfer of Prisoners (Punjab Amendment) Act, 2025.
Approval requirement: Transfers would require mutual consent between the states concerned or approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Presidential assent: The amended Punjab law received the President’s assent on April 21, 2025.
Reported gang figures: Authorities identified 188 members of 26 gangs and arrested 107; sources differ on whether this occurred in May 2025 or May 2026.
Current legal position: The reports say interstate transfers generally cover convicted prisoners, while undertrial transfers are otherwise limited to movement within a state.
Court proceedings: Judicial proceedings, where required, would follow the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.

thehansindia.com · 1 week ago

thestatesman.com · 1 week ago

indianexpress.com · 1 week ago