Supreme Court Issues Pan-India Directions To Protect Rights Of Disabled Prisoners; Seeks Reports From States/UTs On Assistive Aids
In a significant step toward strengthening the rights and dignity of prisoners with disabilities, the Supreme Court has directed all States and Union Territories to implement a comprehensive, disability-inclusive framework across their prison systems. A Bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta issued the directions while hearing a PIL filed by Sathyan Naravoor seeking adequate facilities and a proper legal regime for inmates with disabilities.
The Court noted that many of the concerns raised in the petition had already been addressed in L. Muruganantham v. State of Tamil Nadu, where extensive guidelines were framed for Tamil Nadu prisons. Observing that these safeguards must apply nationwide, the Bench formally extended the Muruganantham directives to all States and UTs.
Nationwide Compliance With Disability-Rights Standards
The Court held that prison conditions across the country were “deficient” in addressing the needs of prisoners with disabilities and that the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 was not being adequately implemented. It recorded submissions that several prison manuals lack mandatory accessibility provisions such as ramps, assistive devices, accessible toilets, and therapeutic facilities.
Directing uniform adoption of the Muruganantham framework, the Court mandated that all prisons must maintain wheelchair-friendly spaces, accessible infrastructure, dedicated therapy rooms, trained medical staff, appropriate diets, regular physiotherapy, and disability-sensitive procedures.
Additional Directions Issued
Apart from extending the earlier directions nationwide, the Court added several fresh mandates:
- Independent grievance redressal mechanism: Every State and UT must create a robust, accessible complaints system specifically for prisoners with disabilities to protect them from abuse and neglect.
- Inclusive education: No prisoner should be denied educational opportunities due to disability. Prisons must provide suitable adjustments to enable their participation.
- Section 89 of RPwD Act to apply: The penal consequences for contravention of disability-rights obligations,fines up to ₹5 lakh,must apply mutatis mutandis to prison establishments. Authorities are required to spread awareness of this provision among prison staff and related stakeholders.
- Assistive devices: While noting security concerns, the Court sought a detailed plan from each State and UT on providing and maintaining mobility aids and other assistive equipment within prisons.
- Enhanced visitation rights: Inmates with benchmark disabilities must receive improved visitation arrangements to ensure emotional support and monitoring of their needs. States must frame specific modalities balancing security and accessibility.
Compliance Reports Due By April 2026
The Bench directed all States and UTs to file comprehensive compliance reports within four months. These must outline steps taken to implement both the Muruganantham guidelines and the additional directives issued in this order, along with proposed mechanisms for assistive aid provision and other measures.
The petition will next be taken up on April 7, 2026, for review of the compliance reports.
Advocates Kaleeswaram Raj, Mohammed Sadique TA AOR, Thulasi K Raj, Aparna Menon, and Chinnu Maria Antony appeared for the petitioners.
Case : SATHYAN NARAVOOR v. UNION OF INDIA | Writ Petition(s)(Civil) No(s). 182/2025
Citation : 2025 LiveLaw (SC) 1176