The Delhi Government has proposed to add one floor to the existing single storey complex of Tihar Jail to create more space for the inmates. Tihar Jail, the largest jail in Asia is bursting to the seams as it is houses 10,500 prisoners against the sanctioned str-ength of around 7K inmates.
According to the authorities, there are nine jails in the complex of Tihar prisons. Tihar Jail is currently over capacity. “We have made a plan to add one floor to the singly-storey complex having several jails. “A file regarding the proposal is before Home Minister Satyendar Jain,” a senior official, who did not wish to be named, said. The official said once the proposal is finalised, it will be sent to the lt. Governor for his nod after which a floor will be constructed, which would help decongest the jail.
“The move will double the jail's capacity to house inmates,” the official added.
According to the Government, some inmates of the Tihar have been shifted to newly-constructed east Delhi's Mandoli Jail this year in order to cut the burden on the central jail.
last week, the Delhi High Court had said that it was “pained” by under trials languishing in Tihar Jail despite getting bail as they could not furnish a bond or surety due to poverty and issued a slew of directions to be followed by trial courts to ensure that such people get relief.
