SC Puts Full Stop On Caste Based Discrimination In Jails
Supreme Court Puts Full Stop on Caste-Based Discrimination in Jails
🔹 Context
Caste-based discrimination in prisons has been a long-standing issue in India, affecting:
Allocation of inmates,
Access to facilities,
Work assignments, and
Social treatment within jail premises.
The Supreme Court (SC) recently clarified that such discrimination is unconstitutional and impermissible under all circumstances.
🔹 Legal Principles
Article 14 – Right to Equality
Guarantees equality before law and prohibits discrimination based on caste, religion, sex, or place of birth.
Article 15(1) & 15(2)
Prohibits state-sponsored discrimination and specifically protects against discrimination in public institutions, which includes prisons.
Article 21 – Right to Life and Dignity
Prisoners retain fundamental rights including dignity, equality, and non-discrimination.
Prison Manuals & Model Rules
Directives explicitly prohibit segregation of inmates on caste, religion, or community basis.
🔹 Supreme Court Observations
Caste-Based Discrimination Violates Fundamental Rights
SC held that segregating prisoners or treating them differently based on caste is a violation of Articles 14, 15, and 21.
No Justification for Differential Treatment
Any argument citing “peace” or “order” within jails cannot justify discrimination against Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, or other communities.
Prison Administration Must Ensure Equality
Allocation of cells, work duties, access to facilities, and rehabilitation programs must be caste-neutral.
Accountability Measures
Prison authorities failing to prevent caste-based discrimination may face direct judicial scrutiny.
Courts can direct administrative action or compensation for victims.
🔹 Key Case References
Sunil Batra v. Delhi Administration (1978 & 1980)
SC recognized prisoners’ rights to dignity and humane treatment, laying the foundation against discriminatory practices.
D.K. Basu v. State of West Bengal (1997) 1 SCC 416
Emphasized safeguards against arbitrary treatment of prisoners, including segregation and abuse.
Recent SC Orders (2025)
Explicitly banned any form of caste-based segregation or preference in jails.
Inmates must be treated equally in all respects, irrespective of caste.
🔹 Significance
Ensures human dignity for all prisoners.
Reinforces constitutional equality and non-discrimination inside custodial institutions.
Acts as a precedent for prison reforms nationwide.
Sends a strong message that caste cannot be a basis for differential treatment, even in confined spaces like jails.
🔹 Conclusion
The Supreme Court has put a full stop on caste-based discrimination in jails by affirming:
Equality, dignity, and fairness are non-negotiable,
Prison authorities must follow caste-neutral practices,
Violations attract strict judicial scrutiny and corrective measures.
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