Supreme Court Mandates Penalties for Abuse of Disabled Prisoners under RPwD Act
The Supreme Court has ruled that prison authorities who abuse disabled prisoners will be penalized under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016. A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta directed all States and Union Territories to amend their prison rules to ensure assistive devices, specialized medical care, and enhanced family visitation rights for disabled inmates. The order stems from a plea highlighting the deaths of activists G.N. Saibaba and Stan Swamy, whose health deteriorated due to inadequate prison facilities. The court emphasized that disabled prisoners deserve the same dignity and rights as free disabled persons.
Key Points
- Prison authorities are now liable for penalties under Section 89 of the RPwD Act for abusing disabled inmates.
- States and UTs must modify prison manuals to include provisions for assistive devices and specialized medical care.
- The court highlighted the 'double punishment' faced by disabled prisoners: their conviction and the lack of accessibility.
- Enhanced visitation rights were mandated to ensure sustained family support for prisoners with special needs.
Exam Facts
- Section 89 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016.
- Fines for first offense: ₹10,000; subsequent offenses: ₹50,000 to ₹5 lakh.
- Bench: Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta.
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