India, Nov. 9 -- The Supreme Court has directed the Uttar Pradesh government to identify undertrial prisoners languishing in jails despite getting bail, saying the onus is on the state to ensure they are released.

A bench of Justices MM Sundresh and PB Varale on November 4 asked the state to identify such prisoners in consultation with the District Legal Service Authorities (DLSA).

The court took up a suo motu petition on bail reforms while monitoring the implementation of its January 31, 2023, judgment directing all states and Union territories to establish a permanent mechanism to ensure the speedy release of undertrial prisoners after they get bail. It noticed cases where poor prisoners were unable to pay bail bonds or secure local s...