Supreme Court directs committee to formulate plan for disabled-friendly prisons nationwide
The Supreme Court has directed a high-powered committee, chaired by Justice S. Ravindra Bhat (retd), to expand its mandate and formulate a comprehensive plan for making prisons disabled-friendly across the country. This plan must ensure the provision of appropriate assistive devices, mobility aids, and necessary support equipment for prisoners with disabilities, upholding their fundamental rights to equal treatment and dignified life. The directive follows a petition highlighting inhumane prison conditions, citing the cases of activists G. Saibaba and Stan Swamy, and reinforces the penalization of authorities who abuse disabled prisoners under the RPwD Act.
Key Points
- The Supreme Court has mandated a high-powered committee to develop a comprehensive plan for disabled-friendly prisons.
- The plan must ensure the provision of appropriate assistive devices and support equipment for prisoners with disabilities.
- The directive emphasizes upholding the fundamental rights of prisoners with disabilities, including the right to equal treatment and dignified life.
- The order was prompted by concerns over inhumane prison conditions, citing cases of activists G. Saibaba and Stan Swamy.
- Prison authorities abusing disabled prisoners can be penalized under the Right to Persons with Disabilities Act (RPwD) Act.
Exam Facts
- The committee is chaired by Justice S. Ravindra Bhat (retd).
- Articles 14 (right to equal treatment) and 21 (right to dignified life) of the Constitution are cited.
- The Right to Persons with Disabilities Act (RPwD) Act is mentioned.
- Activists G. Saibaba and Stan Swamy's cases were highlighted in the petition.
- The committee includes Chief Secretaries, Directors-General of Prisons, and Secretaries from various Ministries.
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