Overcrowding in Indian prisons has become one of the leading issues in the criminal justice system. Ample of evidence suggests that a large proportion of the prison population includes undertrial prisoners who are incarcerated for long periods of time, which is often attributed to delays in the judicial process of adjudicating cases, limited legal aid services, and socio-economic conditions. Overcrowding in prisons results in situations that are inhumane and unsanitary, decreases accessibility to adequate health care, increases instances of violence in prisons, and provides minimal or no rehabilitative prospects. This paper will examine the historical background of prisons in India, the structural and systemic bases for why overcrowded prisons exist, and the far-reaching effects on prisoners, staff, and society. It will also include recent statistical data to demonstrate the current state of prisons in India, and suggest broad reforms, including speedy trials, examining alternatives to imprisonment, improving humane treatment of prisoners, enhancing conditions of prisons, better access to legal aid services, and improving rehabilitation opportunities. Addressing overcrowded prisons is crucial to safeguard constitutional rights, humane treatment of prisoners, and a functioning justice system focused on rehabilitation.