Chandigarh, 10 November 2026: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has formally extended the Punjab Prisons and Correctional Services Act, 2026 to Chandigarh, introducing a legal framework for transferring prisoners between the Union Territory and other states or Union Territories, subject to specific approvals. The change was made through Gazette notification S.O. 6090(E), dated 6 November 2026, and received fresh local coverage on 9–10 November.
The notification, issued under Section 87 of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, adapts Punjab’s law to Chandigarh’s administrative structure. The published Gazette notification (CG-DL-E-06112026-277761) identifies the statute as the Punjab Prisons and Correctional Services Act, 2026 (Punjab Act No. 9 of 2026). Some initial wire reports referred to a 2006 law; the actual Gazette text establishes the correct year as 2026.
What changes for prisoner transfers in Chandigarh?
The substituted Section 21 provides that the Chandigarh government may arrange a transfer of a sentenced prisoner from a Chandigarh prison to a prison in another state or UT, or a transfer in the opposite direction, with the consent of the other government concerned. The provision also covers certain prisoners held in default of payment of fines or for failure to furnish security.
This is a framework authorising transfers under conditions, not an announcement that any particular prisoner has already been moved. The law does not mean transfers can happen automatically or without the relevant authorities’ approval.
Undertrial prisoners have an additional safeguard
The amended Section 21 separately addresses people awaiting trial. Where a transfer from Chandigarh is sought on grounds of UT security, law and order or public interest, the text requires consent of the governments concerned and approval of the court where the trial is pending.
This distinction matters because undertrial prisoners have not been convicted in the pending case. The Gazette provision sets out the legal conditions for a transfer; it does not itself establish grounds to transfer any named individual.
Prison security, drones and accessibility
The Gazette also modifies rules concerning aerial objects in a designated prison no-fly zone. Operations may take place only with any permission required under civil aviation law and prior approval from the relevant prison department.
Another Chandigarh-specific amendment requires prison staff to receive regular training on the rights and needs of prisoners with disabilities, including appropriate care and assistance. The notification also adapts departmental definitions and government references for the Union Territory and substitutes the General Financial Rules, 2017, in a procurement-related provision.
Why the Chandigarh administration is affected
By replacing references to Punjab authorities with Chandigarh’s government and prison administration, the extension gives UT officials a local statutory framework for applying the law. It identifies the Chandigarh Administrator as the government for the relevant definition and the Inspector General of Prisons, Chandigarh, as the head of department unless another officer is notified.
The law’s broader correctional objectives include safe custody, rehabilitation and minimum standards of treatment. Implementation and any individual prisoner transfer will still depend on the relevant statutory conditions and administrative or judicial decisions.
What is confirmed and what is not
Confirmed: The Centre published notification S.O. 6090(E) on 6 November 2026 extending the 2026 Act to Chandigarh with modifications. The Gazette specifically spells out transfer consent, undertrial court approval, drone permissions and disability-related staff training.
Not established: The notification does not give a number of prisoners to be transferred, identify individual cases or provide a schedule for transfers. No such figures should be inferred.
The development was reported by The Tribune on 10 November and Hindustan Times on 8 November. The Gazette text is the primary source for the precise legal wording. For other local administration developments, see our report on Tricity public-safety arrangements.
Featured image: Licensed archival view of Chandigarh’s Sector 17 market, used solely as a general illustration of the city. It does not show Chandigarh jail, prisoners or the notification.