The Supreme Court today (May 5) issued notice to the Union and States and Union Territory in a Public Interest Litigation filed by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) seeking urgent intervention for the release of elderly and terminally ill convicted prisoners across the country.

The notice was issued by a bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta. The petition highlights the dire conditions faced by such prisoners and calls for the implementation of compassionate release of the identified prisoners in line with constitutional and human rights obligations.

The petition underscores the alarming rise in the number of elderly and infirm prisoners languishing in prisons, often without adequate medical care or access to dignified living conditions.

It is argued that the prolonged incarceration of such individuals violates their fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 14 and 21 of the Indian Constitution as well as international human rights principles recognised by the United Nations.

The Court will hear the matter on May 19.

Case Details:  NATIONAL LEGAL SERVICES AUTHORITY v. UNION OF INDIA AND ORS|W.P.(Crl.) No. 162/2025