Mumbai: The Bombay High Court recently stayed the transfer of Nagpur-based lawyer Satish Uke, accused in a land grab case, from Taloja Central Jail to the overcrowded Mumbai Central Prison (Arthur Road Jail). Uke, initially lodged at the Mumbai Central Prison, was transferred to Taloja Jail in January 2023 due to overcrowding. However, he later sought a return to Mumbai Central Prison, a request granted by a Special Court in June 2024.
The State challenged the Special Court’s order, citing security and overcrowding concerns. A report submitted by prison authorities highlighted the dire situation at Mumbai Central Prison, where barracks meant to house 50 inmates are accommodating 200–220 inmates.
Justice Milind Jadhav referred to the report dated December 12, 2024, prepared by the Superintendent of Mumbai Central Prison. “In every barrack where the capacity and sanctioned strength is to house 50 inmates, as on date, the said Mumbai Central Prison houses anywhere between 200–220 inmates. This is confirmed by the fact that several inmates housed in Mumbai Central Prison have also lodged complaints before this Court regarding the inadequacy of space for movement, sleeping, and other chores,” the Court noted.
The overcrowding issue is compounded by significant security concerns, as Mumbai Central Prison houses individuals involved in high-profile cases, including bomb blast trials, terrorism-related offenses, and organised crime. “This puts a heavy burden on the prison, with limited resources to ensure security for all undertrials,” the Court observed.
The HC stayed both the June 2024 order granting Uke’s transfer and the dismissal of the State’s revision petition. “The twin orders passed below … shall stand stayed until the present Criminal Revision Application is decided by the Court,” Justice Jadhav said on December 13.
The case involves allegations that Uke, along with his associates, illegally seized 4,100 square meters of land from the Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT). He has been charged under the Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA).
Uke also filed an application seeking reliefs, including physical presence in court, access to the jail library, and internet use for legal research. Justice Jadhav noted that such requests must follow proper procedure and instructed the Registry to ensure Uke’s letter was shared with the State for preparation of legal submissions.
The Court directed Uke to file a reply affidavit in one week, through the Superintendent of Taloja Central Jail and kept the matter for hearing on January 16, 2025.
