Context

The Supreme Court of India struck down several rules from state prison manuals that reinforce caste differences and violate the fundamental rights of prisoners.

Key Points of the Verdict

  • Discriminatory Provisions declared Unconstitutional: The Supreme Court declared specific caste discriminatory provisions in state prison manuals unconstitutional, recognizing that these rules reinforced caste-based labor divisions and violated fundamental rights. For instance, the Madhya Pradesh Jail Manual (1987) and West Bengal Jail Code Rules (1967) explicitly assigned work based on caste.
  • Revision of Prison Manuals: All states and Union Territories ordered to revise their prison manuals within 3 months to remove discriminatory provisions as per the Justice Mulla Committee on Prison Reforms (1983) recommendations which advocated modernizing prison laws to reflect constitutional values.
  • Amendments to Model Prison Documents: The Centre was instructed to revise the Model Prison Manual (2016) and the draft Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act (2023) to address caste discrimination.
  • Removal of Caste Identification: The court mandated the removal of the caste column from prisoner admission registers and warrants, as per Section 31 of the Prisons Act, 1894 thus preventing the institutionalization of caste identities.

Significance of Judgment

  • Upholding Constitutional Values in Prison Administration: The Supreme Court’s verdict reinforces the Constitution’s supremacy in guiding prison administration.
  • Addressing Systemic Discrimination Against Marginalized Communities: The court’s decision resonates with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)‘s observations to eliminate caste discrimination all institutional settings.
  • Promoting Reformation and Rehabilitation of Prisoners: The court’s directives support the principles of reformative justice. The Model Prison Manual emphasizes vocational training and educational programs to aid prisoners’ reintegration into society.

Way Forward

  • Comprehensive Review and Amendment of Prison Manuals: All states and Union Territories must thoroughly review their prison manuals to identify and amend any provisions that enable discrimination.
  • Regular Monitoring and Audits of Prison Practices: Independent oversight bodies, such as prison visiting committees recommended by the NHRC.
  • Integration of Reformative Justice Principles: Prison management should prioritize reformative justice principles, focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment. This includes providing prisoners with educational opportunities, vocational training, psychological support, and implementing international guidelines, like the Nelson Mandela Rules.

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