High-Powered Committee mandated to oversee nationwide implementation of disability rights and institutional safeguards in prisons.

The petitioner raised concerns regarding the rights, detention conditions, and institutional safeguards for prisoners with disabilities in India

In an interim order dated December 2, 2025, the Court observed that the petitioner’s grievances were largely addressed by the framework established in L. Muruganantham v. State of Tamil Nadu (2025)

The Court had directed the extension of those guidelines to all States and Union Territories (UTs), mandating grievance redressal mechanisms, inclusive education, implementation of Section 89 of the RPwD Act, 2016, and enhanced visitation rights

Upon review on April 8, 2026, the Court noted that only 12 States and UTs had filed compliance affidavits

Consequently, the Court considered whether a specialized body was required to oversee the uniform implementation of these directions

1. Whether the implementation of rights and safeguards for prisoners with disabilities should be entrusted to the High-Powered Committee established in Suhas Chakma v. Union of India to ensure a structured and uniform framework across all States and UTs.

2. Whether the mandate of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and the constitutional guarantees under Articles 14 and 21 are being effectively realized in custodial settings.

The Court primarily applied the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, specifically Section 89 regarding penalties for contravention of the Act

It relied on the constitutional guarantees of dignity, equality, and non-discrimination under Articles 14 and 21

Procedurally, the Court utilized the framework established in L. Muruganantham v. State of Tamil Nadu (2025) 10 SCC 401, which governs the identification and infrastructure for disabled inmates

The institutional mechanism of the High-Powered Committee (HPC) constituted in Suhas Chakma v. Union of India (2026)

The Court reasoned that a cohesive implementation of disability rights in prisons requires a structured, expert-driven assessment rather than fragmented proceedings

It observed that the High-Powered Committee (HPC), originally established to oversee Rules for Open Correctional Institutions, is best equipped to examine these issues holistically due to its existing mandate and institutional expertise

The Court noted that entrusting the HPC with this additional mandate would facilitate a uniform framework across India, informed by ground-level realities and administrative constraints

By directing the Secretary of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities and State Social Welfare Secretaries to join the HPC proceedings, the Court sought to integrate specialized knowledge into the monitoring process

The Court emphasized that this mechanism would enhance accountability and ensure that infrastructure, such as assistive devices and procurement protocols, are tailored to functional requirements while balancing prison security

The Court ordered: (i) the Secretary, DEPwD, and State Social Welfare Secretaries to participate in HPC proceedings; (ii) all States/UTs to file compliance affidavits before the HPC within six weeks; (iii) the HPC to formulate an action plan for assistive devices and mobility aids; and (iv) the HPC to submit a consolidated status report to the Court within four months. The matter is listed for further hearing on September 1, 2026.