Supreme Court calls for special efforts to identify women undertrials eligible for release

The Supreme Court directed Jail Superintendents to make special efforts to identify women prisoners eligible for release under Section 479 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. The court emphasized the need for a proactive approach in identifying eligible undertrials and facilitating their release. Section 479 mandates the release of undertrials who have served half the maximum sentence prescribed for their alleged offense, except those facing charges that could result in life imprisonment or the death penalty. The court criticized certain states for failing to comply with the directive and urged them to take immediate action. The decision aims to reduce prolonged incarceration of undertrial prisoners and alleviate the burden on the prison system.