Q. Consider the following rights:
1. Right to vote
2. Right to life
3. Right to be treated equally before the law
4. Right to speedy trial
How many of the above given rights has been made available to the prisoners in India through various Supreme court judgements?
Exp) Option c is the correct answer.
Constitution of India does not expressly provide the provisions related to the prisoners’ rights but in the case of T.V. Vatheeswaran v. State of Tamil Nadu, it was held that the Articles 14, 19 and 21 are available to the prisoners as well as freemen. Prison walls do not keep out fundamental rights.
Option 3 is correct: Article 14 of the Constitution of India says that the State shall not deny to any person equality before law or the equal protection of laws within the territory of India.
Options 2 and 4 are correct: Article 21 of the Constitution of India says that No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law. This includes right to speedy trial as a fundamental right to the prisoners. Option 1 is incorrect: Right to vote is not available to prisoners in India as of yet.
