Rehan Khan
On 8th March 2025, the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India sought the Central Government’s response on the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) urging for the adequate facilities for disabled prisoners in jails and full implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act of 2016 in prisons across the country.
The PIL was filed by public activist Sathyan Naravoor (Petitioner) who highlight the severe neglect of disabled prisoners and lack of washrooms and other facilities in jails.
A Division-Bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta were hearing the present matter and has issued the notice to the Government, returnable within four weeks. The PIL highlighted that the treatment of Professor GN Saibaba and Father Stan Swamy, both of whom suffered significant hardships due to their disabilities while incarcerated.
It states that Saibaba, a wheelchair-bound academic and activist, experienced a decline in health due to inadequate prison conditions, eventually passing away a few months after his acquittal. Similarly, Stan Swamy, a Parkinson’s patient, struggled with basic prison facilities and was denied medical treatment, leading to his demise while still under trial in the Bhima Koregaon case.
Arguing that prison manuals in most states lack mandatory provisions for accessibility, the petition criticizes the absence of ramps, disabled-friendly toilets, and mobility aids, making it extremely difficult for disabled prisoners to navigate within prison premises. It emphasizes that individuals with paraplegia and other mobility impairments require specially designed accommodations, including accessible toilets, showers, and medical facilities like physiotherapy, which are largely unavailable in Indian prisons.
According to Petition, even after more than eight years since the enactment of the RPwD Act, 2016, most State Prison manuals are not fit for the disabled prisoners. According to the Petition, countries like the U.S. and the U.K. have better laws compared to India.
The Plea highlighted India’s commitments under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and the Nelson Mandela Rules, that mandates equal access to all types of prisoners. The Court was informed that similar legislative and administrative reforms should be undertaken in India to bring its prison system in line with global human rights standards.
Case Name: Sathyan Naravoor v. Union of India & Ors.
Case Number: Writ Petition(s)(Civil) No(s). 182/2025
Bench: Hon’ble Mr. Justice Vikram Nath and Mr. Justice Sandeep Mehta