Guwahati: A majority of inmates in Assam’s prisons are yet to be convicted, underscoring persistent delays in the state’s criminal justice system and highlighting the urgent need for judicial reform.
According to Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) data, as of December 31, 2023, Assam housed 10,652 prisoners, of whom 7,546 (70.8%) were undertrials, while only 3,096 had been convicted. Just 10 inmates were listed as ‘detenues’, and none under the ‘Other’ category. The figures mirror a nationwide trend, with undertrials forming over 73% of India’s total prison population, compared to 25.6% convicts and 0.7% detenues.
Gender-wise, men dominate Assam’s jails — among convicts, 3,020 were men and 76 women, while undertrials included 7,217 men and 329 women. All ten detenues were male. Most convicts were housed in district jails (1,982) and central jails (1,011), while undertrials were mainly confined to district jails (3,922) and central jails (3,192).
The data also paints a young prison demographic. Nearly 45% of undertrials and 19% of convicts were aged 18–30, revealing how the justice backlog disproportionately affects the youth. Local residents make up the majority, with 3,025 convicted and 6,705 undertrial Assamese inmates. Only a small fraction were from other states or foreign countries.
Legal experts say the numbers reflect systemic delays, poor access to legal aid, and prolonged detention for minor or bailable offences. They stress the need for speedier trials, stronger legal support for the underprivileged, and effective bail reforms to address prison overcrowding and uphold the rights of those awaiting justice.
