SC on caste-based division of labour in prisons 'Unconstitutional'

In a significant judgment, the Supreme Court yesterday set aside caste-based discriminatory provisions of prison manuals of several states which provided for allotment of work based on caste of the prisoners and their segregation. The Apex Court has directed all states and Union territories to revise their jail manuals within three months and remove any provisions that perpetuate caste-based discrimination in prisons.

During a hearing on a plea seeking to prevent caste-based discrimination and segregation in jails, the bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra observed that the distribution of manual work among



prisoners based on their caste hierarchy is discriminatory and unconstitutional. The Court further observed that treating prisoners without dignity is a colonial legacy that must be abolished and that prisoners should be treated humanely by jail officials.

In January, the apex court had sought responses from the Centre and 11 states, including Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, on a plea filed by journalist Sukanya Shantha. The plea highlighted that jail manuals in these states discriminate in the allocation of work inside prisons, with an inmate’s caste determining their lodging and work assignment.