Delhi High Court Warns Chief Secretary of Contempt Over Open Prison Non-Implementation

On Wednesday, the Delhi High Court warned the State's Chief Secretary of contempt of court in Delhi for the government’s failure to implement Supreme Court directions issued in February this year regarding the expansion and strengthening of Open Correctional Institutions (OCIs) or open prisons. A Division Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Nitin Wasudeo Sambre and Justice Sanjay Sharma orally remarked that they would call Delhi's top civil servant to the High Court and frame contempt of court charges if a satisfactory response was not provided. This stern warning came after the Court noted that despite the Supreme Court’s direction in February 2026 and subsequent High Court orders, the government and prison authorities had failed to act, and the matter had “not moved an inch.” The Court further highlighted that government officials tasked with reporting compliance had shown a