Kerala High Court Initiates Suo Motu Proceedings On Prison Overcrowding, Seeks Compliance With SC Directions
The Kerala High Court has initiated suo motu writ proceedings to address the issue of prison overcrowding and to strengthen open correctional institutions, in line with recent directions issued by the Supreme Court of India.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar V.M took cognizance of the matter following the Supreme Court's judgment dated February 26, 2026, which called upon High Courts across the country to examine prison conditions within their respective jurisdictions.
The Court directed the State of Kerala to constitute a monitoring committee headed by the Chairman of the State Legal Services Authority to oversee implementation of the Supreme Court's directives. The committee is tasked with ensuring compliance and facilitating reforms aimed at rehabilitation and reintegration of prisoners.
In addition, the Court instructed the Registrar General of the High Court to submit a compliance report to the Supreme Court.
The Court has also impleaded the Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KELSA) as an additional respondent in the case. The Court has issued notice to KELSA along with a copy of the Supreme Court's judgment and directed it, along with state authorities, to file a detailed compliance report.
The Bench further ordered that a copy of its directive be forwarded to the Executive Chairman of KELSA for necessary action.
The matter is posted on 29 June for further consideration.
Case Title: Suo Motu v The State of Kerala and Ors.
Case No: WP(C) 13064/ 2026
Counsel for Respondents: Bijoy Chandran (Sr. GP)