Plea to allow disabled inmates to self-identify and ensure protection in prisons
A Kerala-based activist has filed a plea in the Supreme Court, advocating for mechanisms allowing disabled prisoners to self-identify and declare their disabilities. The submission argues that States have an obligation under Section 7 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act to protect disabled persons from violence, abuse, or exploitation in prisons. It recommends standardized, objective assessments by field experts for intellectual disabilities and that prison records identify disabled individuals for reasonable adjustments. The plea highlights the vulnerability of disabled inmates to exploitation by staff and fellow inmates, urging the government to create protective conditions from their entry into prison.
Key Points
- A plea in the Supreme Court seeks mechanisms for disabled prisoners to self-identify their disabilities.
- States are obligated under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act to protect disabled persons from violence and exploitation in prisons.
- The plea recommends standardized assessments by field experts for intellectual disabilities and recording disabilities in prison records for necessary adjustments.
- It emphasizes the vulnerability of disabled inmates and calls for protective conditions from the moment they enter prison.
Exam Facts
- The plea was filed by Kerala-based activist Sathyan Naravoor.
- Section 7 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act mandates protection for disabled persons from violence, abuse, or exploitation.
- The submissions were prepared by advocates Kaleeswaram Raj and Thulasi K. Raj.
- Section 55(B) of the Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act, 2023, is issued by the Home Ministry as a framework for States and UTs.
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