Supreme Court Advocates Rights-Based Approach for Disabled Prisoners

The Supreme Court has highlighted the vital need to recognize and enforce the rights of prisoners with disabilities, urging authorities to adopt a humane and rights-based approach. In its directive, the apex court asserted that incarceration should not infringe upon the fundamental protections guaranteed by Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution.

The court emphasized that issues relating to the rights of disabled inmates are best addressed by a high-powered committee, originally created to oversee reforms in open correctional institutions. This committee, led by former Supreme Court judge Justice S Ravindra Bhat, is charged with developing a comprehensive action plan for providing necessary support to disabled prisoners.

The jurisdictional bench mandated all states and Union Territories to actively participate in the committee’s proceedings, submitting compliance affidavits promptly. The committee must collaborate with experts and organizations to fulfill its mandate and report progress by September 1, ensuring all directives are thoroughly adhered to.