Black Warrant: Everything you need to know about real-life Sunil Kumar Gupta, ex-Tihar jailer played by Zahan Kapoor in Netflix show

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Sunil Gupta, a previous warden at Tihar Prison in Delhi, has once again drawn focus due to the debut of Netflix’s series titled Black Warrant. This program is loosely based on his real-life events and the book “Black Warrant: Confessions of a Tihar Jailer,” written with journalist Sunetra Chowdhary, providing a comprehensive exploration into the inner workings of India’s notorious prison.

Explore the buzz surrounding “Black Warrant,” a series helmed by Vikramaditya Motwane, featuring Zahan Kapoor, which has sparked conversations about troubling aspects within Indian penitentiaries, including corruption, prison gangs, and security flaws. Keep reading to delve into the true story of Sunil Kumar Gupta, a former warden at Tihar Jail.

All you need to know about Ex-Tihar Jailer Sunil Kumar Gupta

1. Sunil Kumar Gupta left Railways to join Tihar as a Jailer 

Gupta’s journey to Tihar Prison started back in 1981 when he decided to leave his secure position at Indian Railways and pursue his dream of becoming a police officer. Despite coming from humble beginnings and not being physically imposing—which were characteristics uncommon for prison officers during that era, as portrayed in the series—he remained resolute about serving as a warden at one of India’s most notorious prisons.

Despite long odds, he successfully obtained the position of assistant superintendent. Yet, upon entering Tihar, he encountered difficulties from the start. On arriving, he was informed that there were no openings in his role, a hurdle that threatened to derail his career before it had even begun.

2. Inside Tihar experiences that shaped Sunil Kumar Gupta

While serving at Tihar, Gupta gained a stark insight into the harsh realities of imprisonment, observing events such as execution of death sentences and the plight of prisoners deprived of their basic legal privileges.

A touching instance also occurred involving Afzal Guru, who was found guilty of the 2001 Indian Parliament attack. On the day of Guru’s execution, the terrorist noticed a sense of compassion in Gupta’s gaze – a sight that profoundly affected the prison officer.

3. Sunil Kumar Gupta established Tihar’s first legal aid cell

Sunil Kumar Gupta initiated a new approach by setting up court sessions specifically for minor cases directly inside the prison, aiming to speed up proceedings. Additionally, he established Tihar’s initial Legal Aid Cell, providing free legal help to inmates who are financially disadvantaged.

4. Sunil Kumar Gupta’s key role in Drafting Delhi Prison Act 

Additionally, Gupta came to understand the embedded inequalities within the prison system. Numerous individuals were oblivious to their bail situations or lacked the means to pay for the necessary bonds, resulting in extended, avoidable detentions.

While serving time at Tihar, Gupta significantly advanced the cause of prison reform. In 1988, he contributed significantly to the creation of the Delhi Prison Act and Manual, a set of rules that guided the functioning of prisons for almost three decades.

5. What Sunil Kumar Gupta does now

2016 saw Sunil Gupta’s retirement, but his impact of kindness and change remains. Nowadays, he applies his legal expertise at the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court, consistently championing the causes of those less fortunate.

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2025-01-27 10:29