SC directs nationwide protection of disabled prisoners’ rights; seeks state reports

SC directs nationwide protection of disabled prisoners’ rights; seeks state reports

In Sathyan Naravoor v. Union of India & Ors., the Supreme Court issued pan-India directions to safeguard the rights of prisoners with disabilities (PwD), emphasizing compliance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. The Court mandated that all States and Union Territories implement the 15-point framework from L. Muruganantham v. State of Tamil Nadu (2025), covering identification of disability at admission, accessible infrastructure, tailored healthcare and diet, staff training on disability rights, and amendment of prison manuals within six months. Additional directions include establishing accessible grievance redressal mechanisms, providing inclusive education with accommodations, ensuring assistive devices like wheelchairs and hearing aids, and granting enhanced visitation rights for inmates with benchmark disabilities. Non-compliance may attract penalties under Section 89 of the RPwD Act. States and UTs are required to submit compliance reports within four months, with the next review hearing scheduled for 7th April 2026, ensuring nationwide monitoring and protection of the rights and dignity of disabled prisoners.