The growing number of undertrial prisoners in India reflects both systemic and procedural lapses within the criminal justice system. In light of recent Supreme Court directions, discuss the underlying challenges and suggest a multi-pronged approach to address this crisis.

ges & poor infra) (2) Limited jail cells and overoccupancy (3) Over arrests (highlighted by Hon'ble President) Procedural lapses (I) Poor capacity of Public Prosecutor (weakest link) (II) Poor living conditions of Inmates (III) No segregated cells for Transgenders, PwDs, etc (IV) Custodial violence & harassment

SC judgements and Directions:

I. Hussnaira Khatun vs State of Bihar → SC used Art.142 to accept PIL → vouched that Right to speedy Trial is part of Article 21.

II. DK Basu case (to curb custodial harrassment) (1) Name tag of Policemen to be clear (2) Imminent intimation to family & friends (3) Detailed arrest note to be prepared

III. Delhi Govt (NCTD) case → Right against solitary confinement

IV. Menaka Gandhi case (1) Not only existence, but meaningful Right to life & liberty (2) (Beyond Animalistic Existence)

suggestions & way forward

(1) Judicial pendency 1.1 Increase judges (Ex: SC has 33 judges only) 1.2 Promote Tribunals and work upon defunct tribunals (Roger mathews case) 1.3 Promote AI & digi tech 1.4 Fulfill the vacant posts (~20% vacancy at lower judiciary)

(2) Police Reforms 2.1 Parkash singh committee (Reduce political interventions) 2.2 SMART policing 2.3 Encourage leadership Ex: KIRAN BEDI @ TIHAR

(3) Promote legal Aid and ADR (mediation; lok Adalat)