On May 27, 2026, the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) launched the E-Prisons Early Release Processing Module at the pan-India level in virtual mode, marking a significant step towards ensuring timely, transparent, and technology-driven consideration of remission and premature release of eligible prisoners across the country.
The module was launched by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Surya Kant, Chief Justice of India and Patron-in-Chief, NALSA, in the presence of Hon’ble Mr. Justice Vikram Nath, Judge, Supreme Court of India and Executive Chairman, NALSA, and Hon’ble Mr. Justice J.K. Maheshwari, Judge, Supreme Court of India and Chairman, Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC).
Developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) within the existing e-Prisons platform, the module has been designed to address delays in processing remission and premature release cases. The initiative was undertaken pursuant to the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in Surendra @ Sunda vs. State of Uttar Pradesh (2026 INSC 414).
The digital system enables automatic identification of eligible prisoners before their eligibility date, online initiation and processing of proposals, real-time status alerts through SMS and WhatsApp, colour-coded monitoring mechanisms, and centralized dashboards for effective oversight. By digitizing the workflow, the module enhances transparency, accountability, and coordination among prison authorities, police departments, legal services institutions, and other stakeholders.
The solution was initially piloted at Central Jail, Agra and District Jail, Lucknow. Following the successful implementation of the pilot phase, the module is now ready for adoption by States and Union Territories in accordance with their respective remission and premature release policies.
