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The Supreme Court of India has delivered a landmark judgment recognizing the fundamental right to dignity for incarcerated individuals, even within the confines of prison walls. This ruling, delivered by a bench led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, marks a significant step towards reforming prison systems and ensuring the equal treatment of prisoners, particularly those who have historically faced discrimination based on caste.
The Court's decision stemmed from a challenge to certain objectionable prison manual rules implemented in 10 Indian states, including Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Maharashtra. These rules were found to perpetuate caste-based discrimination, leading to practices like the segregation of barracks, the division of manual labor along caste lines, and the bias against prisoners belonging to denotified tribes and habitual offenders. The Court categorically declared these rules unconstitutional, asserting that they violate the fundamental rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
The judgment delves into the significance of Articles 14, 15, 17, 21, and 23 of the Constitution, highlighting their relevance to the rights of prisoners. Article 14, guaranteeing equality before the law, was interpreted to encompass the principle that equality cannot be reduced to a mere mathematical formula, emphasizing the need for genuine equal treatment. Article 15, prohibiting discrimination based on caste, race, religion, etc., was applied to the actions of the state, emphasizing that the state has a duty to prevent discrimination rather than perpetuating it. The court powerfully condemned discrimination as a form of societal harm, emphasizing its lasting negative impact on individuals and groups. The judgment further elucidates the importance of Article 17, which abolishes untouchability, underscoring that every individual is born equal and should not be stigmatized based on caste or any other factor.
The Court's emphasis on Article 21, the right to life and personal liberty, is particularly noteworthy. The judgment asserts that this right extends beyond mere physical survival and encompasses the right to live with dignity. Dignity, the court declares, is a fundamental constitutional value and a vital component of human existence. This interpretation is crucial as it rejects the notion that imprisonment automatically strips individuals of their inherent dignity.
Furthermore, the judgment considers Article 23, which prohibits forced labor and human trafficking. The court argues that by allowing caste-based discriminatory practices in prisons, the state becomes complicit in perpetuating these offenses. The Court underscores the harmful effects of caste-based discrimination in prisons, providing examples of how it can lead to humiliation and degradation, further reinforcing the need for a system that upholds the inherent dignity of all prisoners.
This landmark judgment represents a significant victory for the fight against caste discrimination and the pursuit of human rights within the Indian prison system. The Court's clear and powerful message underscores the need for a fundamental shift in the way prisons are managed and operated, prioritizing the dignity and equality of all individuals within their walls. By recognizing the right to dignity for prisoners, the judgment not only sets a precedent for future legal challenges but also lays the groundwork for a more just and humane prison system.
Source: Right to live with dignity extends even to incarcerated: SC