Caste discrimination in prisons needs to be addressed, says SC
The Supreme Court recently said caste-based discrimination of prisoners within the four walls of jails across India is a “very important issue” and needs to be addressed.
Key points
- A three-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India found that prison manuals in more than 10 States continue to have provisions which sanction discrimination and forced labour on the grounds of caste in prisons.
- The state includes Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Kerala,
Sunil Batra case
- A prisoner enjoys all constitutional rights and protections except those that are impaired naturally and directly as a result of the confinement
Model Prisons Act 2023
- Provisions of punishment for prisoners and jail staff for use of prohibited items such as mobile phones in jails.
- Establishment and management of high security jails, open jail (open and semi-open).
- Provisions for protecting society from the criminal activities of hardened criminals and habitual offenders.
- Providing legal aid to prisoners, parole, furlough and premature release to incentivize good conduct.
- There are provisions for use of technology in prison administration with a view to bring transparency in prison administration,
- Provision for videoconferencing with courts, scientific and technological interventions in prisons, etc.
Prelims Takeaway
- Model Prisons Act 2023
- Fundamental rights