Supreme Court orders nationwide accessibility directives including wheelchair-friendly spaces, accessible toilets for disabled prisoners

The Supreme Court of India has directed all States and Union Territories to implement a uniform system ensuring accessibility, support services and rights protections for prisoners with disabilities [Sathyan Naravoor v. Union of India & Ors.]

The order passed on December 2 expands the safeguards earlier laid down by the Court in L Muruganantham v. State of Tamil Nadu and mandates detailed compliance from prison authorities nationwide.

The apex court ordered that prisons must provide wheelchair-friendly spaces, accessible toilets, ramps and sensory-safe environments, and that all States and Union Territories must implement these measures without delay.

The Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta issued the directions while hearing a petition filed by activist Sathyan Naravoor. The petition sought better legal and infrastructural framework for persons with disabilities (PwDs) lodged in Indian prisons, either as under-trials or convicts.

The Court noted the petitioner’s grievance that,

"The prison system all over the country is not extending to the PwD inmates the requisite facilities mandated for addressing their specific needs. Instead, these prisoners are being housed under the same conditions as non-PwD inmates, thereby subjecting them to identical treatment in total disregard to their specialized requirements."

The petition further argued that the experiences of several disabled prisoners show how most prisons still lack accessible toilets, ramps, and mobility assistance. It said that even years after the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPwD Act) came into force, prison manuals and infrastructure remain unchanged, leaving inmates dependent on others for everyday needs and limiting their dignity and independence.

The petition cited prior cases, including those of GN Saibaba and Stan Swamy, to highlight systemic neglect. Saibaba, a wheelchair-bound academic, and Swamy, who had Parkinson’s disease, faced difficulties in prisons that contributed to severe health and mobility challenges, underscoring the urgency of reform.

A central feature of the order is the decision to apply the L Muruganantham v. State of Tamil Nadu and Ors. accessibility framework nationwide.

The earlier judgment had laid down detailed directions on accessible prison infrastructure, medical care, disability-responsive manuals, and periodic audits, which the bench has now extended to all prisons across the country.

In addition to the existing framework, the Court introduced six new national-level requirements for prisons:

• Extension of Muruganantham directions nationwide.

  All States and Union Territories must implement all the directions without exception.

• Creation of a dedicated grievance redressal system.

  "Every State and Union Territories shall establish a robust, independent and accessible grievance redressal mechanism specifically designed for prisoners with disabilities", directed the court.

  The bench emphasised that timely registration and resolution of complaints were priorities.

• Access to inclusive education.

  The bench directed that no inmate should be denied the chance to pursue educational programs just because of a disability, and prisons have to provide the necessary accommodations.

• Application of Section 89 of the RPwD Act in prisons.

  Section 89 provides penalties for violations of the Act. The Court directed that the penalties should also apply, with necessary adjustments, to prisons across the country, and it asked authorities to educate prison staff and legal-aid workers about them.

• Structured plan for assistive devices.

  The Court recognised the need for security but asked every State and Union Territory to provide a detailed plan for getting, maintaining and safely using assistive aids and mobility aids in prisons.

  The Court asked for reports that must explain the procedures, infrastructure, buying process, supervision rules and security steps to ensure these aids are available to inmates.

• Enhanced visitation rights.

  Prisoners with benchmark disabilities must receive expanded visitation opportunities to maintain family contact and ensure monitoring of their needs, as directed by the court.

All States and Union Territories are required by the Supreme Court to submit thorough compliance reports within four months.

In order to fully implement the Muruganantham framework as well as the new directives issued in this case, these reports must describe the actions that have already been taken and those that are planned.

The Court is scheduled to review the compliance reports on April 7, 2026.

The petitioner was represented by advocates Kaleeswaram Raj, Mohammed Sadique (AOR), Thulasi K Raj, Aparna Menon, and Chinnu Maria Antony.

Union of India was represented by Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati along with other advocates appearing for the respective States and Union Territories.

[Read Order]