Supreme Court Ruling on Caste-Based Discrimination in Prison Treatment

• The Supreme Court ruling prohibits caste-based discrimination in prison treatment, requiring a high court judgment to end colonial practices.
• The Court has examined jail manuals and the role of caste hierarchy in assigning duties, classification of prisoners, and treating certain social groups as “habitual offenders.”
• The Court criticized the prison system’s lack of attention to these aspects since independence.
• The Court ruled certain provisions in jails unconstitutional and ordered the revision of prison manuals within three months.
• The Court noted that colonial administrators linked caste with prison administration of labour, food, and treatment of prisoners.
• The Court criticized the caste system and untouchability, stating that an occupation considered ‘degrading or menial’ is an aspect of the caste system and untouchability.
• The Court also criticized the distribution of labour based solely on birth, violating the right to dignity and the right against forced labour and exploitation.
• The Court urged State governments to revisit their laws and regulations related to prison administration and end systemic discrimination.