Supreme Court expands role of prison reforms panel to oversee protection of disabled prisoners' rights

The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued directions to ensure the proper implementation of the rights of persons with disabilities in prisons across the country [Sathyan Naravoor v. Union of India]..A Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta passed the order after noting the need for an effective, structured and uniform mechanism to address the issues faced by persons with disabilities."The rights of prisoners with disabilities must be recognised and effectuated in a manner that accords with a humane, rights-based approach, ensuring that incarceration does not, inany manner, dilute or abridge the fundamental protections enshrined under Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution,” the Bench said.To this end, the Court also expanded the mandate of an existing High-Powered Committee tasked with examining prison reforms, to ensure that the rights of imprisoned persons with disabilities are protected. .The Court issued the directions while dealing with a plea filed by one Sathyan Naravoor, who highlighted gaps in accessibility and the implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, for prisoners with disabilities..The Bench noted that in its earlier decision in L Muruganantham v. State of Tamil Nadu, it had laid down an exhaustive framework to safeguard the rights of prisoners with disabilities.The apex court further observed that a High-Powered Committee constituted by it on February 26 had already been tasked with examining systemic issues relating to prisons, including the harmonisation of rules governing open correctional institutions across States and Union Territories.The Court went a step further and expanded the mandate of the committee by directing it to monitor and enforce disability rights in prisons, covering compliance, accessibility measures and support systems.“We are informed that the functioning of the High-Powered Committee is still at a nascent stage and therefore, the incorporation of this additional mandate, being of utmost significance, would in no manner encumber its proceedings,” the Bench observed..The Court proceeded to issue the following directions:- The Secretary of the Union Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities and State/UT Social Justice or Social Welfare Secretaries shall participate in the proceedings before the High-Powered Committee through officers not below the rank of Additional Secretary.- All States and Union Territories shall file their compliance affidavits before the High-Powered Committee within six weeks.- Petitioners and intervenors are permitted to participate in the Committee’s proceedings and submit representations, which shall be duly considered.- The High-Powered Committee shall ensure effective compliance with the Court’s directions in L Muruganantham and subsequent orders, and may issue necessary directions to State and UT authorities.- The Committee shall formulate a comprehensive action plan for providing assistive devices, mobility aids and support systems to prisoners with disabilities, including standards, procurement, maintenance and safeguards.- The Committee may seek assistance from expert institutions, specialised bodies, civil society organisations and other stakeholders, with expenses borne by the Union government as directed.- The Chairperson of the committee shall decide on the terms of its functioning and schedule, including whether the issues relating to open correctional institutions and the protection of disabled prisoners' rights need to be seperately considered. - The Committee shall submit a consolidated status report to the Supreme Court within four months.- All States and Union Territories shall extend full cooperation and provide necessary data, records and logistical support..The matter has been listed for further hearing on September 1, 2026..Advocate Kaleeswaram Raj appeared for the petitioner. .[Read Order]