Jail deaths decline in Chhattisgarh
State tells High Court deaths dropped by 18% in 2025
Bilaspur | Correspondent: The Chhattisgarh government informed the High Court on Wednesday that a decline has been recorded in the mortality rate of prisoners within the state's jails. According to an official affidavit submitted by the government, a total of 354 deaths were recorded in jails between the year 2021 and March 31, 2026. An analysis of the data reveals that these deaths have decreased in recent years, a trend primarily attributed to improved medical care and advanced management systems within the prisons.
The state government apprised the court that, compared to 2024, there was a remarkable reduction of approximately 18% in prisoner deaths during 2025. The affidavit characterized certain media reports that alleged irregularities regarding deaths in jails as "misleading" and devoid of factual basis.
The government clarified that the majority of deaths occurred in hospitals while the prisoners were undergoing treatment; this serves as proof that prisoners are indeed being provided with timely medical assistance and institutional support.
Detailing the healthcare infrastructure within the prisons, the government stated that medical facilities are available in all correctional institutions. In addition to regular health check-ups for prisoners, provisions for referring critical cases to higher medical centers and ensuring an adequate supply of medicines are being actively maintained.
Furthermore, programs focused on mental health, such as yoga, meditation, counseling, and suicide prevention, are also being implemented for the benefit of the prisoners. Assistance from district hospitals and the State Mental Health Hospital located in Bilaspur is being utilized to provide psychiatric care.
The government emphasized that, in strict adherence to the guidelines laid down by the National Human Rights Commission, a post-mortem examination and a judicial inquiry are mandatorily conducted for every death occurring in custody.
The prison administration has categorically denied any allegations of negligence or undue delay.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Ravindra Kumar Agrawal expressed satisfaction with the government's efforts, observing that these initiatives reflect the proactive reforms being undertaken by the state towards the welfare of prisoners. Additionally, a progress report regarding the ongoing departmental inquiry against officials of the Durg Central Jail was also submitted to the court.
