Caste bias, segregation in prisons violate dignity: Supreme Court

News: Supreme Court has directed the central govt to address the caste-based discrimination in the Model Prison Manual 2016 and the Model Prisons and correctional Services Act 2023 within three months.

1. The caste-based prisoners discrimination & work segregation; and treatment of “habitual offenders” from de-notified tribes, violates their fundamental rights under Art 15 (right against discrimination), Art 17(abolition of untouchability) and Art 23 (right against forced labour).

2. Under Schedule Seven (VII) of the Constitution, prison is a state subject.

3. However, the Central Government has drafted Model Prison Rule 2016, and Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act 2023. The state governments can readily adopt these model rules or make necessary changes in their own rules by using these as a reference.