Supreme Court's Notice on Disabled-friendly Facilities in Prisons

The Supreme Court of India addressed a critical petition on March 7, 2025, concerning the plight of disabled prisoners in the country. The issue was raised in the context of the late Professor G. Saibaba and Stan Swamy, both of whom faced severe hardships due to the lack of suitable accommodations in prisons.

Key Issues Highlighted

• Inhumane Conditions:
  • Professor G. Saibaba's health deteriorated due to prolonged incarceration and inadequate prison conditions.
  • Stan Swamy, suffering from Parkinson’s syndrome, was denied necessary medical treatment and support.
• Lack of Legal Framework:
  • The Persons with Disabilities Act of 2016 fails to protect the rights of disabled prisoners adequately.
  • Disabled prisoners are housed with non-disabled inmates without provisions for their specific needs, contravening the Act's purpose.

Supreme Court's Stance

A Bench recognized the seriousness of the issue. It acknowledged the absence of adjudication on this specific matter by the apex court and issued a formal notice to the Union government for action.

Prison Infrastructure Concerns

• Most state prison manuals lack mandatory provisions for accessible infrastructure like ramps, violating statutory requirements.
• This oversight affects basic mobility and accommodation needs of disabled prisoners, highlighting a significant gap in compliance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.