CJI Dr DY Chandrachud Leads Charge as SC Issues Notice to Centre and 11 States Over Prison Manual-Caused Caste Discrimination

New Delhi, 03-01-2024 : The Supreme Court has taken cognizance of an issue related to alleged caste-based discrimination within prison systems, issuing a notice to the Union Government and eleven states. The petition, filed by journalist Sukanya Shantha, contends that the prison manuals in these states perpetuate caste-based discrimination among inmates, particularly affecting denotified tribes and prisoners categorized as habitual offenders. The bench, comprising Chief Justice of India Dr DY Chandrachud, Justice JB Pardhiwala, and Justice Manoj Mishra, directed Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to assist the court in addressing this sensitive matter.

The states to which the notice has been sent include Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Punjab, Odisha, Jharkhand, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra. Senior advocate Mr S Muralidhar, representing the petitioner, alleged that instances of Dalits being confined to separate prisons have occurred and called for the repeal of discriminatory laws found in various state prison manuals.

Mr Murlidhar emphasized that the discrimination begins as soon as inmates enter the prison. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta acknowledged the seriousness of the issue, deeming it unacceptable. He assured that the government would investigate the matter and emphasized the need for a collective effort to address this pressing issue.

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