The Prison Justice Program was initiated by Prof. (Dr.) Murali Karnam at NALSAR University of Law with the support of the Azim Premji Foundation. It aims to address the legal needs of vulnerable prisoners in Telangana, particularly those held in the four prisons located in Hyderabad.

Every year, a significant number of accused, approximately 45,000, are admitted into the prisons of Telangana. On a daily basis, the average population of these prisons hover around 6,400 people. Among the inmates, 65% of them, equivalent to 4,185 individuals, are undertrials awaiting resolution of their cases. Notably, the prisons in Hyderabad accommodate a significant proportion, accounting for
approximately 56%, or 3,637 individuals, of the total prisoner population in the state as of
January 2024. Notably, the Hyderabad prisons harbor approximately 75% (around 2,700) undertrial prisoners who seek justice.

To address the needs of these prisoners within the Hyderabad prisons, the Prison Justice Program was established. Its primary goal is to provide crucial legal aid and support to those prisoners who are in dire need of assistance. By delivering legal services, the program aims to safeguard their legal rights and ensure that their cases are resolved in a timely manner. The program’s focus extends to the Central Prison of Chenchalguda, Central Prison of Cherlapally, and Special Prison for Women. Its main objective is to identify the 16 categories of undertrial prisoners (UTPs) as recognized by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA). To effectively carry out its mission, the program engages full time Advocates and social workers who concentrate their efforts on these specific correctional facilities. They will provide essential socio-legal services to the prisoners. They assist the Legal Aid Defence Counsels in providing aid in bail and trial cases. Simultaneously, the Social Workers offer crucial socio-legal counseling services, catering to the needs of prisoners and their families as they navigate the complexities of the bail process. Through their guidance and support, they aim to alleviate the stress and uncertainties faced by the prisoners.

The Program works in close collaboration with the Prison Legal Clinic of the University run by Dr. Karnam with law students. The collaboration with the Prison clinic serves as a platform for practical training, research, and support to strengthen the initiatives of the Prison Justice Program including through groundwork. It provides a hands on learning experience for the law students about the working of the criminal justice system in Telangana, and develop a sense of duty towards the system as future lawyers. Through this collaboration, NALSAR University leverages its expertise to enhance the effectiveness and impact of the program, ensuring the equitable delivery of justice to incarcerated individuals.

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