Centre Extends Punjab's New Prison Law to Chandigarhਕੇਂਦਰ ਨੇ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦਾ ਨਵਾਂ ਜੇਲ੍ਹ ਕਾਨੂੰਨ ਚੰਡੀਗੜ੍ਹ ਵਿੱਚ ਲਾਗੂ ਕੀਤਾ

The Centre has extended Punjab's new prison law to Chandigarh, opening the way for prisoners to be moved between the Union Territory and other states, according to a Union Home Ministry notification dated November 6, 2026.

The notification extends the Punjab Prisons and Correctional Services Act, 2026, to the city under Section 87 of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, with certain modifications. The Tribune, Deccan Chronicle and UNI reported on its contents.

What does the notification change?

References to the "State of Punjab" and the "State Government" are replaced with the Union Territory of Chandigarh and its government. The Tribune reported that the changes largely align the law with the UT's administrative structure, with Chandigarh's authorities standing in for Punjab's.

How will prisoner transfers work?

Prisoners serving sentences in Chandigarh, including those on life terms, may be moved to jails in other states or Union Territories with the consent of the government concerned and an order from the Chandigarh Administrator, Deccan Chronicle reported. Prisoners can also be brought to Chandigarh from elsewhere with the consent of the governments concerned.

Undertrial prisoners may be transferred out of Chandigarh in the interest of security, maintenance of law and order or public interest. That needs the consent of the governments concerned and the approval of the court where the trial is pending.

What other provisions are included?

Deccan Chronicle reported that drones and other aerial objects around prisons will fall under designated no-fly zones, and flying them will need permission from the civil aviation authority and prior approval of the prison department. Prison staff are to get regular training on the rights and needs of prisoners with disabilities. The Punjab law's reference to its public procurement act is replaced by the General Financial Rules, 2017, in Chandigarh.

Why does it matter for Punjab?

Chandigarh is the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana and a Union Territory run by the Centre, so its jail rules are set separately from Punjab's. Extending the Punjab law puts the city's prison administration on the same legal footing as the state's.

What does the notification say about who runs the jails?

Under the modifications reported, the Administrator appointed by the President under Article 239 exercises the powers the Act gives to the government, and Chandigarh's Inspector General of Prisons, or another officer the government notifies, heads the prisons and correctional administration department, according to Divya Himachal.

Which law has the Centre extended to Chandigarh?

The Punjab Prisons and Correctional Services Act, 2026, through a Home Ministry notification dated November 6, 2026.

Can prisoners be moved between Chandigarh and other states?

Yes, with the consent of the governments concerned and an order from the Chandigarh Administrator; undertrials also need court approval.

Are drones near prisons covered?

Yes. Flying aerial objects in no-fly zones around prisons will need permission from the civil aviation authority and the prison department.