In a significant development aimed at meeting international human rights benchmarks, Delhi’s Tihar Prison Complex is nearing completion of two new high-security wards. These specialized facilities, located in Jails 4 and 7, are specifically being built to house high-profile white-collar criminals and economic offenders whose extradition to India has been delayed due to concerns about existing prison conditions. This move is a direct response to international scrutiny, including inspections by Britain’s Crown Prosecution Service, to ensure compliance with global standards like the ‘Nelson Mandela Rules’.
These new wards are designed to provide significantly improved living conditions compared to Tihar’s general population facilities. Each of the 20-22 inmates will have access to dedicated wash areas with English WCs, enhanced natural light and ventilation through larger windows, and tiled bathrooms for better hygiene. Prisoners will also receive personal storage, a wash basin, and a shower with running water – amenities not currently available to the approximately 20,000 other inmates in Tihar. The wards will be equipped with modern facilities like ceiling fans, tube lights, mosquito-netted windows, round-the-clock water supply, and CCTV surveillance with mobile jammers.
This initiative is driven by directives from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, prompted by criticisms raised in foreign courts regarding substandard prison conditions during extradition proceedings. Indian authorities are confident that these upgrades will strengthen their position in securing the extradition of fugitives like Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya, among others. The government is actively pursuing numerous extradition requests, with these enhanced facilities expected to expedite the process by addressing valid international concerns about prisoner welfare.