Implementation of Rules for Undertrial Prisoners’ Release Under Section 479 of BNSS, 2023

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) emphasized implementing Section 479 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), which mandates releasing eligible undertrial prisoners but not being an offence for which the punishment of death or life imprisonment has been specifed.

The law ensures bail out for those detained for half their maximum sentence (or one-third for first-time offenders).

States and UTs are urged to file applications for eligible prisoners regularly, pursuit a Supreme Court directive.

MHA highlighted using the e-Prisons portal for identifying such inmates and utilizing the "Support to Poor Prisoners" scheme. Authorities aim to release overcrowding and reduce prolonged detentions.

Regular reporting to MHA is mandatory.