Tihar Jail, South Asia’s largest prison complex, has long been known not only as a high-security detention facility but also as a centre for inmate reform. Located in Delhi, the prison earned a reputation as a model correctional institution due to its focus on rehabilitation, vocational training, yoga, meditation, and spiritual programmes aimed at transforming inmates’ lives.
Established in 1958 in West New Delhi, Tihar is not a single structure but a vast complex comprising ten central jails. Originally built to accommodate around 1,273 inmates, the facility expanded over the decades and is now officially designed to house about 10,000 prisoners. However, it has become one of the most overcrowded prison systems in the world, often holding between 15,000 and 19,000 inmates at a time.
The prison gained international attention in the 1990s under the leadership of former IPS officer Kiran Bedi, who introduced wide-ranging humanitarian and reformative measures. These included educational programmes, vocational skill development, meditation and yoga sessions, and the production of goods under the “Tihar” brand. These initiatives helped reposition the jail as a centre for correction and reform rather than mere incarceration.
Despite its legacy, overcrowding has emerged as Tihar’s biggest challenge. Authorities say the excessive inmate population has led to serious security and management issues, including incidents of violence and gang-related clashes among prisoners. The complex also houses undertrial prisoners, convicted inmates, and separate sections for women, further stretching available resources.
Against this backdrop, the Delhi government is considering relocating Tihar Jail to the city’s outskirts, reportedly to the Narela area. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has indicated that the move is being explored to improve infrastructure, enhance security, and address concerns arising from the jail’s proximity to densely populated residential areas such as Tilak Nagar and Hari Nagar. The proposed shift is seen as a major step toward modernising Delhi’s prison infrastructure while ensuring public safety.