In a historic decision, the Supreme Court’s new mandate for equal treatment of prisoners aims to eliminate caste-based discrimination within India’s prison system. The ruling, issued on Thursday, calls for an immediate revision of discriminatory provisions in several state prison manuals, ensuring that all prisoners are treated equally, irrespective of their caste. This landmark judgment marks a major step towards promoting equality and human dignity in state-run institutions, particularly in prisons, where caste-based practices have long persisted.
Caste-Based Discrimination in Prisons Condemned
The Supreme Court’s new mandate for equal treatment of prisoners was issued in response to a petition filed by Sukanya Shantha, a resident of Kalyan, Maharashtra. The petition brought to light the caste-based segregation of prisoners and the unequal distribution of work based on caste in prisons across states like Kerala and West Bengal. The Court, led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, took strong exception to these practices, which have been deeply embedded in some state prison protocols.
According to the petition, prison manuals such as the Kerala Prison Rules and the West Bengal Jail Code contained provisions that segregated prisoners based on caste identity and assigned tasks according to caste hierarchies. For example, certain work, like sweeping and cleaning, was reserved for prisoners from marginalized castes, while tasks like cooking were assigned to those from more dominant castes. The Court unequivocally condemned these practices as unconstitutional and inhumane.
Supreme Court’s Directives for Prison Reforms
In its ruling, the Supreme Court’s new mandate for equal treatment of prisoners ordered that prison manuals perpetuating caste-based discrimination be amended within three months. Specifically, the Court instructed states to remove all provisions that segregated prisoners or assigned work based on their caste. The bench also issued a stern directive to end the practice of selecting prisoners for cleaning duties based on their caste background, describing it as a violation of substantive equality.
The Court emphasized that caste should never be used as a criterion for the treatment of prisoners or the distribution of work within prisons. All inmates, regardless of their caste, should be afforded equal rights and opportunities. Moreover, the Court condemned the practice of forcing prisoners from lower castes to perform hazardous tasks such as cleaning sewers and tanks, calling it “degrading” and “unjust.”
The Case That Sparked Change
The Supreme Court’s new mandate for equal treatment of prisoners stems from the petition filed by Sukanya Shantha, which highlighted specific examples of caste-based discrimination in Indian prisons. The petition referenced the Kerala Prison Rules, which created distinctions between habitual offenders and re-convicted criminals based on caste, and the West Bengal Jail Code, which assigned sweeping tasks to specific castes. These practices were in direct violation of Article 14 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law and prohibits discrimination on the grounds of caste, race, religion, or gender.
In its ruling, the Supreme Court reiterated that equality is a fundamental principle enshrined in the Constitution and must be upheld in all state institutions, including prisons. The judgment is seen as a major victory for prisoners’ rights and an important step towards creating a more humane and equitable prison system.
Far-Reaching Implications for Prison Reforms
The Supreme Court’s new mandate for equal treatment of prisoners is expected to have significant implications for prison reforms across India. The ruling comes in the wake of reports earlier this year that revealed the prevalence of caste-based discrimination in jails across several states, including Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. The Court had previously sought responses from the Centre and 11 states regarding these reports, emphasizing the need for swift and comprehensive reform.
The judgment also mandates that prison authorities ensure the fair and equal distribution of work among prisoners, prohibiting the assignment of unsafe or degrading tasks based on caste. By calling for immediate reforms to prison manuals and ordering state authorities to address any existing inequalities, the Court has set a strong precedent for upholding the rights and dignity of all prisoners.
A Milestone for Equality
The Supreme Court’s new mandate for equal treatment of prisoners is widely regarded as a crucial step towards eradicating caste-based discrimination within India’s prison system. By reinforcing the constitutional principles of equality and dignity, the ruling highlights the need for a more just and humane approach to prison management. Legal experts and human rights activists have hailed the judgment as a landmark moment in the ongoing fight for caste equality in India, particularly in state-run institutions where marginalized communities have historically faced systemic discrimination.
As states prepare to revise their prison manuals in accordance with the Supreme Court’s ruling, the focus will now shift to the implementation of these reforms. With the Court’s clear directives, the hope is that India’s prison system will move towards a more egalitarian model, where every prisoner is treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their caste.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s new mandate for equal treatment of prisoners represents a powerful statement against caste-based discrimination in India’s prisons. It sets a new standard for prison reforms, aiming to ensure that every prisoner, regardless of their background, is granted equal rights and fair treatment.
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