Pramesh S Jain
The Karnataka Prisons and Correctional Services Department has banned the supply of cooked food from private sources to civil prisoners and unconvicted criminal (undertrial) prisoners across all prisons in the state.
In a circular issued on January 23,2026,Director General of Police (Prisons and Correctional Services) Alok Kumar,IPS, said the decision was taken considering prison security,safety concerns,staff shortage, overcrowding,administrative feasibility and health issues.
The circular states that although Section 30 of the Karnataka Prisons Act,1963 allows prisoners to receive food and other necessities from private sources, adequate food,clothing and bedding are already being provided by the department as per existing prison rules and manuals.
What is prohibited:
Cooked food from private sources is completely banned, both at the time of admission and during prison interviews.
What is allowed (limited quantity per week):
Only uncooked and packaged items are permitted after thorough security checks.
Fresh fruits (bananas,apples,mangoes,guava,chikoo)– up to 2 kg.
Dry fruits (almonds,cashews,walnuts,raisins)–up to ½ kg
Bakery items (biscuits,cookies,namkeens,chips)–up to ½ kg.
No other food items will be allowed:
Restrictions on clothing.
Prisoners may keep:
Two pairs of outer clothing.
Two pairs of inner garments.
Excess clothing found during inspections will be seized and confiscated.
Bedding rules tightened:
Since bedding is already provided by the department,no bedding from outside is allowed.
However,one additional blanket may be permitted on request,subject to security clearance.
Strict enforcement:
All permitted items will undergo physical examination and security checks.
Any violations will attract action under the Karnataka Prisons Act,1963 and Prison Rules,1974.
The new regulations override all previous circulars on this issue.
The DGP has directed all Central,District,Open and Taluk Prison Superintendents,along with Deputy Inspectors General of Prisons (North and South Range),to ensure strict and immediate compliance.
