Supreme Court Demands Action for Disabled Prisoners' Rights

The Supreme Court has called for a response from the Centre regarding a plea to improve facilities for disabled prisoners in India. Activist Sathyan Naravoor filed the plea, highlighting neglect in jails under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. The court issued a notice to address these concerns.

The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Centre, demanding a response to a plea that seeks better facilities for disabled prisoners. Activist Sathyan Naravoor, the petitioner, calls for the implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, within the Indian prison system.

A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta highlighted the neglect faced by disabled prisoners. The plea underscores the urgent need for legislative changes to the Prisons Act, ensuring inclusivity as exemplified by the cases of professor G N Saibaba and activist Stan Swamy.

The petition argues that despite the mandate of the 2016 Disabilities Act, most state prison manuals still lack essential accessibility measures. This ongoing oversight significantly restricts disabled prisoners' mobility, infringing on their basic rights and freedoms.

(With inputs from agencies.)