CJI Surya Kant at E-prisons module launch (Img: Dynamite News)
New Delhi: The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) on Tuesday launched the “E-Prisons Early Release Processing Module” across the country to streamline the remission and premature release process for eligible prisoners.
The digital platform, developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), was launched virtually by Chief Justice of India and NALSA Patron-in-Chief Justice Surya Kant in the presence of Supreme Court judges Justice Vikram Nath and Justice J.K. Maheshwari, along with senior judicial and prison administration officials.
The initiative follows directions issued by the Supreme Court in the case of Surendra @ Sunda vs State of Uttar Pradesh.
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The programme was further graced by Bharat Parashar, Secretary General, Supreme Court; Sanjiv Pandey, Member Secretary, NALSA; Kunal Vepa, Director, NALSA; other officers of NALSA; and Shashikant Sharma, Scientist-G, along with his team. The programme was also attended virtually by Patron-in-Chief, SLSAs; Hon’ble Executive Chairpersons, SLSAs; Hon’ble Chairpersons, HCLSCs; Member Secretaries, SLSAs; Director General of Prison, Uttar Pradesh; Superintendent, Central Jail, Agra; Superintendent, District Jail, Lucknow; and officers of the National Informatics Centre (NIC).
Speaking during the launch, Chief Justice Surya Kant said prisoners eligible for remission or premature release should not continue to remain in jail because of procedural delays.
NALSA has launched the nationwide “E-Prisons Early Release Processing Module” to automate remission and premature release processes for eligible prisoners. CJI Surya Kant said administrative delays should not deny fairness and justice to inmates.#NALSA #SupremeCourt… pic.twitter.com/e4rAb79O9w
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He observed that administrative inefficiency could weaken the fairness guaranteed under the justice system if cases continue to move slowly between departments without resolution.
Justice Vikram Nath stated that the success of the platform would depend on whether it reduces unnecessary incarceration and ensures timely consideration of eligible cases.
Justice J.K. Maheshwari emphasized that constitutional protections under Article 21 extend even to prisoners and must be upheld through institutional reforms.
The E-Prisons Early Release Processing Module has been integrated into the existing e-Prisons platform to automate identification and processing of eligible prisoner cases.
According to officials, the system will automatically identify prisoners approaching eligibility for remission or premature release and initiate digital processing of proposals.
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The module also includes real-time SMS and WhatsApp alerts, colour-coded tracking systems, centralized dashboards, digital accountability measures and online coordination between prison authorities, police and legal services institutions.
The system was first tested as a pilot project at Central Jail Agra and District Jail Lucknow following Supreme Court directions. After successful implementation, the module is now being extended to states and Union Territories based on their respective remission and release policies.
Officials said the initiative is expected to improve transparency, reduce manual delays and ensure faster access to justice for eligible prisoners across India.
