Prison authorities who abuse disabled prisoners to be penalised under RPwD Act: SC
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· Vulnerable sections (SC/ST, minorities, disabled, elderly, children)· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
The Supreme Court ruled that prison authorities must be penalised under the RPwD Act for abusing disabled prisoners, following a petition regarding the inhumane treatment of Professor G. Saibaba and Stan Swamy.
Background
The Supreme Court directed all states and union territories to amend prison rules to provide assistive devices, specialized medical care, and inclusive education for disabled inmates. Prison officers found guilty of violating the RPwD Act face fines ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹5 lakh.
Facts for Prelims
- Act / BillRPwD Act: Right to Persons with Disabilities Act provides the legal framework for penalising abuse of disabled individuals.
- FactThe Supreme Court mandated fines between ₹10,000 and ₹5 lakh for prison officers violating the RPwD Act.
- BodySupreme Court: Issued the order to amend state and union territory prison rules.
For Mains
Q. Examine the institutional and systemic barriers in the Indian prison system that hinder the rehabilitation and protection of persons with disabilities.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Institutional gap: Lack of specialized medical infrastructure and assistive devices in state-run correctional facilities
- Regulatory oversight: Need for standardized prison rules to ensure uniform enforcement of the RPwD Act
- Human rights conflict: Balancing custodial security with the constitutional right to dignity for vulnerable inmates
Keywords: Prison Reform · Right to Dignity · Inclusive Education · Judicial Activism · Vulnerable Sections
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