The Supreme Court ruled against caste-based discrimination in prisons, highlighting that such practices are remnants of colonial systems.
The ruling focused on how caste hierarchies affect prisoner treatment, duty assignments, and classification, emphasizing the need for equality.
The Court reinforced that prison systems must align with the Constitution's goals of equality, non-discrimination, and the abolition of untouchability and forced labor.
Specific jail rules that discriminated based on caste were declared unconstitutional, with a directive to revise prison manuals within three months.
The Court noted that colonial administrators linked caste with prison labor, perpetuating discrimination by assigning menial tasks based on caste.
The ruling emphasized that caste-based labor assignments violate prisoners' rights to dignity and are forms of forced labor and exploitation
The Court criticized vague definitions that label entire communities as "habitual offenders," calling for a reevaluation of such classifications.
The ruling urges state governments to address systemic discrimination in prison laws and practices, promoting fair treatment for all prisoners.
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