Pune: In a significant move towards modernizing the prison system, Maharashtra has successfully implemented the e-Mulakat facility across all state prisons, allowing Indian and foreign inmates to connect with their families and legal representatives remotely.
Launched on July 4, 2023, under the ePrisons system, this initiative eliminates the need for long-distance travel and extended waiting hours previously faced by inmates’ relatives. Now, families can pre-register via the ePrisons (ICJS) portal and schedule an online meeting on a preferred date and time.
With 1105+ foreign inmates currently lodged in Maharashtra’s prisons, many had been disconnected from their families for months or years. The video conferencing facility has enabled them to reconnect with their children, parents, and relatives overseas, fostering a positive psychological impact.
Massive Adoption of E-Mulakat Across State Prisons
Between January 1, 2024, and February 9, 2025, a staggering 316,647 e-Mulakat sessions have been conducted, with the highest numbers recorded at:
Yerawada Central Jail – 45174 sessions
Taloja Central Jail – 43848 sessions
Thane Central Jail – 36371 sessions
Mumbai Central Jail – 29347 sessions
Nagpur Central Jail – 31444 sessions
Kalyan District Jail – 22608 sessions
Nashik Road Central Jail – 23860 sessions
Other state prisons have also reported a significant uptake in the facility’s usage. A circular issued on March 22, 2024, by the Additional Director General of Police (Prisons & Correctional Services), Maharashtra, lays out the monthly e-Mulakat quotas:
Undertrial prisoners – 4 virtual meetings per month
Convicted prisoners – 2 virtual meetings per month
(Subject to prison regulations)
Simplifying the Process for Families and Lawyers
To ensure wider adoption, information boards have been installed at all prison entrances and visitor centers. Additionally, LED screens play video demonstrations on the NPIP portal registration process, simplifying e-Mulakat scheduling for relatives and legal representatives.
Authorities, including Prashant Burade (IPS), Additional Director General of Police (Prisons & Correctional Services), and Dr. Jallinder Supekar (IPS), Special Inspector General of Police (Headquarters), Prisons & Correctional Services, continue to oversee its seamless implementation.
