Princess of Central Agrast Prison | Photo credit: Photo Phile
The Ministry of Prisons and Correctional Services on Saturday issued a circular with new regulations that partially restrict the supply of food, clothing and bedding to prisoners from private sources. The ordinance cites concerns related to prison safety, security, overcrowding and the administrative feasibility of the ordinance. The new set of regulations comes in the backdrop of a series of revelations of preferential treatment of inmates at Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara Central Jail.
Alok Kumar, Director General of Police, Prisons and Correctional Services, has issued orders to all jails in the state ordering the immediate implementation of the new rules.
While Section 30 of the Karnataka Prisons Act, 1963 allows civil and judicial prisoners to receive food, clothing and other necessities from private sources, the fresh circular states that all prisoners are already provided with all that is adequate by the Prisons and Correctional Services Department as per existing laws and manuals. With regard to health and safety, the intake of such items from the outside is now regulated and restricted.
Food restriction
Under the new rules, cooked food from private sources was completely banned. He will not be allowed to be brought into the prison either during admissions or during interviews. However, some uncooked and packaged food will be permitted from private sources during admissions or interviews, subject to thorough screening by prison authorities.
Allowed foods include fresh fruit such as bananas, apples, mangoes, guavas and jackfruits, with a total limit of two kilograms per person. Dried fruit, including almonds, cashews, walnuts and raisins, is limited to half a kilo overall. Bakery and confectionery products such as biscuits, crackers, namkeens and chips are also limited to half a kilogram. No other foods will be allowed.
Clothes and beds
Regulations also restrict clothing brought in from outside. Prisoners will be permitted to possess only two pairs of outer clothing and two pairs of inner clothing, in addition to clothing worn at the time of admission. Any excess clothing found during searches will be seized and confiscated by prison authorities.
The circular also states that since bedding is already being provided by the Prisons Department, no bedding from private sources will normally be allowed. However, one additional blanket was allowed upon request, subject to thorough security checks and space availability. All detected prohibited or suspicious items will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
The circular directs all prison authorities to strictly enforce the new regulations. Prisoner violations will require action under the Karnataka Prisons Act, 1963, the Karnataka Prison Rules, 1974 and the Karnataka Prisons and Correctional Services Manual, 2021. Prison staff have also been instructed to maintain proper records of seizures and confiscations.
The new regulations will supersede any previous circulars, instructions or orders relating to the receipt of food, clothing or bedding from private sources. Superintendents and Superintendents of all Central, District, Open and Taluk Jails have been directed to ensure strict compliance.
Published – 24 Jan 2026 21:13 IST
