Biggest Jail in India 2024, List of Top-10

India, with its diverse population and complex legal system, has a number of prisons spread across the country. These correctional facilities are essential for maintaining law and order, as well as rehabilitating offenders. In this article, we will delve into the top 10 largest jails in India, highlighting their capacities and significance in the criminal justice system.

What are Jails?

Jails are facilities designed for the temporary detention of individuals who are awaiting trial, sentencing, or serving short-term sentences. These institutions are a part of the broader criminal justice system and serve as a means of holding individuals accountable for alleged criminal activities. Jails differ from prisons primarily in terms of the duration of stay, the types of inmates, and the purpose of confinement.

How Many Jails are there in India?

India’s prison system comprises a total of 1,306 facilities, which are categorized into various types based on their functions. These include 145 Central Jails, 413 District Jails, 565 Sub Jails, 88 Open Jails, 44 Special Jails, 29 Women Jails, 19 Borstal Schools, and 3 Other Jails. Each of these facilities serves a specific purpose, ranging from holding individuals at the central and district levels to providing open and specialized incarceration environments, including those catering to women and juveniles. This diverse array of correctional facilities reflects the comprehensive nature of India’s approach to the management and rehabilitation of offenders.

India’s Largest Jail

Tihar Jail, located in Delhi, stands as the largest prison complex in South Asia since its establishment in 1957. Housing nine central prisons, it accommodates up to 5200 inmates. Functioning as a rehabilitation center, it imparts skills for prisoners’ societal reintegration, utilizing innovative approaches like music therapy through concerts. Additionally, Tihar operates an industrial center producing goods under the name “Tihar.”

Top-10 Biggest Jails in India 2024

Tihar Jail, located in New Delhi, which encompasses an area of 400 acres is the biggest jail of India, followed by Yerawada Central Jail, Naini Central Jail, and Puzhal Central Jail.

Here is the list of top-10 largest jails in India 2024:

India’s Biggest Jail – Tihar Jail

Location: New Delhi

Area: 400 acres

Establishment: 1957

Tihar Jail, recognized as the largest jail complex in India, is located in Delhi. Operational since 1957, it comprises nine central prisons and boasts a capacity for 5200 prisoners. Functioning as a rehabilitation center, Tihar Jail focuses on imparting skills for effective prisoner reintegration. Innovative methods, such as music therapy through concerts, contribute to the holistic approach. Additionally, the jail runs an industrial center producing various products under the name Tihar, enhancing vocational opportunities for inmates.

Second Biggest Jail of India – Yerawada Central Jail

Location: Pune, Maharashtra

Area: 512 acres

Establishment: Over 150 years

Yerawada Central Prison, the second-largest jail in India, is a high-security facility situated in Pune, Maharashtra. Spanning 500 acres, it includes an open prison within the campus. Notably, Mahatma Gandhi was incarcerated here during the freedom struggle. Presently, it accommodates 3600 prisoners, reflecting its historical significance and robust security measures in contributing to India’s correctional system.

Third Largest Jail in India – Naini Central Jail

Location: Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh

Area: 237 acres

Naini Central Prison, the third-largest jail in India, is situated near Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh. Established during British rule, this prison encompasses a high-security area along with an open prison. With a significant capacity to house 3000 prisoners, Naini Central Prison plays a crucial role in the Indian correctional system, combining historical significance with modern security measures and rehabilitation practices.