
SC issues comprehensive guidelines for disability-friendly prisons in Tamil Nadu
A bench comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice R Mahadevan passed these directions while hearing a special leave petition filed by an advocate with disabilities who suffered due to lack of proper facilities during incarceration in connection with a civil dispute.
The Court directed the State to amend the State Prison Manual within six months to bring it in line with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPwD Act) and the 2006 United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
Justice Mahadevan, authoring the judgment, emphasised:
'The State has a constitutional and moral obligation to uphold the rights of prisoners with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations are not optional but integral to any humane and just carceral system.'
The Court observed that disabilities must not become a basis for further deprivation or suffering, and called for a systemic transformation grounded in compassion, accountability, and a constitutional commitment to dignity and equality.
Key Directions Issued Include, Prompt identification of prisoners with disabilities at admission and provision of rules in accessible formats (Braille, large print, sign language, simplified language).
Universal accessibility in prison premises with wheelchair-friendly spaces, accessible toilets, ramps, and sensory-safe environments.
Designation of dedicated spaces for physiotherapy, psychotherapy, and therapeutic services. State-level access audit of all prisons within six months, with periodic audits thereafter.
Compliance with Sections 40 and 45 of the RPwD Act, 2016, Rule 15 of the 2017 Rules, and Harmonised Guidelines, 2021.
Equivalent healthcare for prisoners with disabilities, including assistive devices, physiotherapy, psychiatric services, and medical diets tailored to specific needs.
Training of prison medical officers and staff on disability rights, equality, and non-discrimination principles.
Revision of the State Prison Manual within six months to include provisions prohibiting discrimination against prisoners with disabilities, and to promote reasonable accommodation.
Periodic consultations with civil society organisations working in the disability sector.
Constitution of a monitoring committee to conduct inspections and submit compliance reports every three months.
Maintenance of disaggregated data on prisoners' disability status, accessibility, accommodations, and medical requirements, to be made public with privacy safeguards.
The Director General of Prisons to file a compliance report before the State Human Rights Commission within three months.
The matter pertains to that the petitioner suffers from Becker Muscular Dystrophy, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and related psychological conditions. Due to a lack of reasonable accommodations in prison, his health deteriorated.
After his release on bail, he was granted compensation of Rs 1 lakh by the Tamil Nadu Human Rights Commission, which also recommended making all prisons accessible in line with the Supreme Court's 2017 Rajiv Raturi judgment recognising accessible infrastructure as part of Article 21.
His writ petition before the Madras High Court was dismissed in November 2022, leading to the present appeal before the Supreme Court.
UNI SNG RN
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
HC to hear PIL seeking NRC in Bengal
A PIL has been filed in Calcutta High Court, seeking the implementation of NRC in Bengal and the issuance of national identity cards to distinguish Indian citizens from alleged illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, particularly in 10 border districts. The petition, filed by Paramita Dey, cites the NRC exercise in Assam conducted under Supreme Court supervision in 2014. A division bench of justices Sujoy Paul and Smita Das De is likely to hear the matter on July 29. The bench has asked the state to clarify whether any similar PIL has been filed.


Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Panchapeeta backing for Vijayendra could complicate tussle in BJP
Bengaluru: Two major political developments — one in the Supreme Court and the other in a religious sphere — have complicated ongoing debates around change at the helm in both governing Congress and opposition BJP in Karnataka. In a significant reprieve for chief minister Siddaramaiah, the Supreme Court upheld the Karnataka high court's decision to quash an Enforcement Directorate notice to his wife in the Muda case. The verdict arrives at a time when murmurs within Congress suggest an informal agreement that the CM's post should be handed over to deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar after 30 months — which concludes this Nov. Although Siddaramaiah has publicly insisted that he will serve out a full five-year term, his detractors were reportedly banking on the Muda case to press for a reshuffle. The Supreme Court ruling, however, has momentarily disarmed their argument. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru "There were constant efforts to challenge Siddaramaiah's leadership in the backdrop of the Muda case, despite allegations against him being baseless," said BJ Vijayakumar, president, Congress' Mysuru City unit. "With the Supreme Court ruling against ED's notice, these efforts have hit a wall. It is now certain that Siddaramaiah will continue in his position without hindrance. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Up to 70% off | Shop Sale Libas Undo His leadership is needed to ensure the govt's stability. " AS Ponnanna, Madikeri MLA and legal adviser to the CM, also took aim at the CM's political opponents. "Our consistent stand that the Muda case is politically motivated and that central agencies were being used as a tool by a desperate BJP-JD(S) combine stands vindicated," he said. "In its verdict, the Supreme Court also said central agencies must not be used for political gain. We hope better sense prevails from here on. " In BJP, state president BY Vijayendra, who is battling dissent from senior party functionaries, received a shot in the arm from the influential Panchapeetas — five key Veerashaiva-Lingayat religious institutions. At a congregation in Davanagere, the pontiffs of Ujjaini, Kedar, Rambhapuri, Srishaila, and Kashi Mutts publicly extended support to Vijayendra. "Although BS Yediyurappa became CM four times, he could not stay at the helm for a five-year term even once," said Veera Someswara Deshikendra Shivacharya, pontiff of Balehonnur Rambhapuri Mutt. "Vijayendra has emerged as a ray of hope. He has a bright future, and BJP will be stronger under his leadership." Vijayendra loyalists say the endorsement from these mutts will help blunt internal discord. "There is no doubt that the party high command is convinced about Vijayendra's potential," said Shalendra Bilidale, Bidar South MLA. "While vested interests are trying to spread canards, the blessings of the Panchapeeta pontiffs show he has strong backing, especially at the event in Davanagere where adversaries tried to create trouble. We are hopeful that an announcement on Vijayendra's continuance will come soon."


Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Can't keep occupying govt bungalow indefinitely: SC
Supreme Court NEW DELHI: After activating the process to wrest the Chief Justice of India's official residence from overstaying ex-CJI D Y Chandrachud, Supreme Court Tuesday said no one can occupy official residence indefinitely and dismissed a former Bihar MLA's plea against Rs 21 lakh penal rent for staying in an upscale bungalow for two years after resigning as a legislator. Appearing before a bench of CJI B R Gavai and Justices K Vinod Chandran and N V Anjaria was former Bihar MLA Avinash Kumar Singh, who was ordered to pay a penal rent of Rs 21 lakh for overstaying at his govt bungalow on Taylor Road, Patna, for two years from April 2014 till May 2016. He argued against the "illegal demand of huge sum" and said he was entitled to a govt accommodation after being nominated to 'State Legislature Research and Training Bureau' as a 2009 govt notification entitled members of the bureau to MLA-level perks, including a house. The apex court bench dismissed his petition and said, "Once you resigned as a legislator, you should have vacated the govt bungalow within the stipulated time. No one can hold on to a govt bungalow indefinitely." The MLA's counsel Anil Mishra told SC that the rent demand for two years at Rs 21 lakh was exorbitant and requested the court to examine this issue. But the bench remained firm, forcing him to withdraw the petition to avail other remedies available in accordance with law. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Singh, a five-time MLA from Dhaka constituency, resigned in March 2014 to contest Lok Sabha elections, which he lost. He was later nominated to the bureau. His petition against the demand of rent was dismissed by Patna HC, which had said the 2009 notification did not entitle him to continue in the bungalow earmarked for legislators. "It nowhere provides that a former MLA can retain the same quarters. The notification only allows general benefits such as accommodation, not a specific entitlement to a previous allocation," HC had said. It had asked Singh to pay 6% interest per annum on the amount due as rent to Bihar govt. The SC in two renowned judgments - 'Lok Prahari' and 'S D Bandi' cases - had ruled that public figures cannot unauthorisedly occupy govt bungalows using their clout and had ordered all govts to take eviction action against such occupants.