The state of prisons in India is poor, especially in relation to overcrowding, healthcare and sanitation. The issueof medical facilities and adequate treatment was brought to light by the Covid-19 pandemic, where over-crowding led to a failure of compliance with the prescribed social distancing norms. This paper deals with thestate of prisons in India, highlighting the impact of the pandemic and examining associated changes in incarcer-ation rates. It analyses relevant Supreme Court orders and the effects of alternative house arrest and other statemeasures. In conclusion, the paper discusses the measures recommended by the United Nations to alleviate theimpact of the virus on prisons.